Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian Chicken is a flavorful and quick dish made with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a sweet-and-sticky sauce that coats every bite. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. Serve it over rice for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mongolian Chicken is a deliciously easy dish that combines fresh ingredients with a rich, flavorful sauce. The crispy chicken, cooked with aromatic garlic, ginger, and bell peppers, is enveloped in a thick, sweet, and tangy sauce that caramelizes beautifully. The addition of fresh orange juice gives the dish a burst of citrusy brightness, while the chili garlic sauce adds a touch of heat. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is quick, simple, and packed with bold flavors.

Ingredients

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup chopped onion

• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

• 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce

• 1 teaspoon fish sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 cup chopped green onions

• Sesame seeds, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ginger, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, fish sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Set aside.

2. Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.

3. Heat a high-sided skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the olive oil and garlic. Cook for 1 minute or until fragrant, then remove the garlic from the pan and set it aside.

4. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until browned on all sides and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.

5. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the bell pepper and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

6. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and stir to combine with the vegetables.

7. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, tossing occasionally, to allow the sauce to thicken and caramelize.

8. To serve, top the Mongolian chicken with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.

Servings and timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking.

• Extra Veggies: Add other vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to the dish for added crunch and nutrition.

• Spicy: Increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat.

• Brown Rice: For a healthier option, serve the Mongolian chicken over brown rice instead of white rice.

• Sweetened Option: For a sweeter version, add a little more brown sugar or honey to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the Mongolian chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breasts. Thighs will give the dish a richer flavor and are less likely to dry out.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, to make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce. Ensure that the chili garlic sauce and hoisin sauce are also gluten-free.

Can I add other sauces to the mix?

You can experiment by adding a bit of oyster sauce or sriracha for more depth and spice. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning balance to taste.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the ingredients ahead of time. However, the chicken is best cooked fresh for optimal texture. Once cooked, you can store leftovers for a couple of days.

What kind of rice should I serve with this dish?

Serve Mongolian Chicken over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or even brown rice for a more wholesome option. You can also try it with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white  vinegar. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

If the sauce isn’t thick enough for your liking, mix a little more cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, and stir it into the sauce while it simmers.

Can I make this dish in advance?

While the Mongolian chicken is best served fresh, you can prep the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time. The chicken itself should be cooked just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

How do I make this dish spicier?

For extra heat, increase the amount of chili garlic sauce, add some sliced fresh chilies, or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top before serving.

Conclusion

Mongolian Chicken is a quick, easy, and flavorful dinner that combines the savory goodness of chicken with a sweet-and-spicy sauce. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, sticky sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, Mongolian Chicken is an easy and satisfying choice that brings bold flavors to the table in just 30 minutes.

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