Name: Mongolian Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced); 1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons cornstarch (divided use); 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 teaspoon minced ginger; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/3 cup water; 1/2 cup dark brown sugar; 1/2 cup green onions (cut into 1-inch pieces); Salt and pepper to taste

Mongolian Chicken Stir-Fry is a flavorful, crispy, and tender dish that combines chicken breast with a delicious sweet and savory sauce. This dish is similar to Mongolian beef, but it’s made with chicken for a lighter and equally satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking it for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced)
1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons cornstarch (divided use)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup water
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup green onions (cut into 1-inch pieces)
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing the boneless, skinless chicken breast into thin slices. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly. You can also partially freeze the chicken to make it easier to slice. Next, place the sliced chicken in a resealable plastic bag and add 1/4 cup of cornstarch. Seal the bag and shake it well to coat the chicken evenly with the cornstarch.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken slices to the pan in a single layer. Season the chicken with salt and pepper (be mindful that the sauce will add some saltiness). Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side or until it becomes golden brown and crispy. Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to cook the chicken in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking them for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, water, and dark brown sugar to the pan. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the simmering sauce and bring it to a boil. Let it boil for 30-60 seconds until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Return the crispy chicken to the pan and toss it in the thickened sauce until all the pieces are well-coated. Add the green onions and give everything a final toss. Serve the Mongolian chicken stir-fry hot, either over steamed rice, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice.

Variations:

Vegetables: While this recipe is simple and traditionally includes just chicken and green onions, you can easily add a variety of vegetables to suit your taste. Try adding sliced carrots, zucchini, water chestnuts, broccoli, mushrooms, or red peppers for extra texture and flavor.
Protein Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of chicken breast, you can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option. Alternatively, try shrimp for a different twist on the dish.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the dish over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles if you’re watching your carbs, or pair it with a side of chow mein noodles for a more traditional option.

Cooking Notes:

Crispy Chicken: To achieve the perfect crispy texture, ensure that the chicken is coated evenly in cornstarch, and fry it in hot oil. If you prefer, you can use a wok for better heat distribution.
Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the overall salt content of the dish, making it a bit healthier while still delivering a savory taste.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Mongolian Chicken Stir-Fry over a bed of steamed white rice or brown rice for a hearty meal.
For a low-carb version, opt for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
If you’re in the mood for a more traditional Asian experience, serve it with chow mein or steamed buns on the side.

Tips:

Freezing the Chicken: To make slicing the chicken easier, place it in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes. This firmens the meat and allows for thinner, more uniform slices.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, you can increase the amount of brown sugar in the sauce. Conversely, reduce it if you’d like a less sweet flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for some heat if you enjoy spicy food.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 452 kcal
Protein: 32g
Sodium: 739mg
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Potassium: 652mg
Sugar: 27g
Vitamin A: 165 IU
Vitamin C: 4mg
Calcium: 44mg
Iron: 1.6mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Mongolian chicken in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. However, for the crispiest results, it’s best to cook the chicken just before serving. The chicken may lose its crispiness if it sits in the sauce for too long.

2. Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with chicken thighs, shrimp, or even beef if you prefer. Each protein will work well with the sauce.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Leftover Mongolian chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

4. Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or a spicy sauce like sriracha if desired.

Conclusion:

Mongolian Chicken Stir-Fry is an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that brings the taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant right into your kitchen. With crispy chicken, a sweet and savory sauce, and customizable ingredients, this recipe is perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, so feel free to make it your own by experimenting with different proteins and vegetables.

Enjoy your Mongolian Chicken Stir-Fry and happy cooking!

Mongolian Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Author: Imili Johnson
Total Time: 25 minutes

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