Description
This Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe features tender, crispy chicken thighs coated in a savory and slightly sweet soy-based sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that tastes like takeout but is homemade with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken thighs with cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. This helps create a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding and cook until golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove cooked chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, water, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir well to coat all pieces with the glossy sauce. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and the sauce adheres well to the chicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the finished dish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving. Best enjoyed over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- For a healthier option, use chicken breast and reduce the brown sugar slightly.
- Add stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
