Easy Mongolian Chicken

Name: Easy Mongolian Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon minced ginger; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Enjoy this simple and delicious Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Created by

Lucy Price

Last updated on 2025-12-20T21:15:50.088Z

This Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner with friends. The tender chicken is coated in a flavorful sauce that balances sweet and savory notes, making it a crowd-pleaser!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy to prepare in under 35 minutes
Flavorful sauce with a perfect balance of sweetness and umami
Great for meal prep and leftovers
Kid-friendly and sure to please the whole family

      

The Essence of Mongolian Cuisine

Mongolian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and hearty ingredients, often influenced by the nomadic lifestyle of its people. This Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe captures the essence of these flavors with a sweet and savory sauce that perfectly complements tender chicken. The use of soy sauce and brown sugar creates a delightful balance that is both satisfying and addictive.

In traditional Mongolian dishes, meats play a central role, often grilled or stir-fried to enhance their natural flavors. This recipe simplifies the cooking process while ensuring that you still experience the authentic taste of Mongolian food right in your kitchen. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

When life gets busy, finding time to prepare healthy, delicious meals can be a challenge. This Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe makes it easy to enjoy a homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. With a preparation and cooking time of just 35 minutes, you can quickly whip up a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for meal prep as well. You can double the ingredients and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, making lunch or dinner a breeze. Just reheat and serve over rice or noodles for a delicious meal that doesn’t feel like a repeat.

Kid-Friendly and Flavorful

One of the best aspects of this Easy Mongolian Chicken is its kid-friendly appeal. The sweetness of the brown sugar and the savory notes from the soy sauce create a flavor profile that is often a hit with younger palates. Even picky eaters are likely to enjoy this dish, making it a go-to recipe for families.

This dish can also be easily adjusted to suit your family's taste preferences. Add more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition, or adjust the spice levels by omitting the red pepper flakes. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish while keeping it delicious and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Combine the chicken and sauce ingredients for a delightful main dish!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until well-coated.

Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add soy sauce, brown sugar, water, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a simmer.

Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Serve

Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Enjoy your delicious Easy Mongolian Chicken!

Tips for the Best Easy Mongolian Chicken

To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, make sure to cut it into uniform bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly and ensure that every piece is tender. Additionally, don’t skip the cornstarch coating; it adds a nice texture to the chicken and helps the sauce cling beautifully.

If you want to enhance the flavor even further, consider marinating the chicken in a bit of the sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking. This extra step can infuse the chicken with more depth, making each bite even more delicious.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Mongolian Chicken is best served over a bed of fluffy white rice or noodles, which soak up the flavorful sauce. For a balanced meal, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the dish. Broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy work particularly well with the Asian flavors.

For a little extra crunch and flavor, you can garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped cilantro. These additions not only enhance the presentation but also add a delightful textural contrast to the dish.

Storing and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

You can also freeze the chicken for longer storage. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired for another delicious meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs provide a juicier texture.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas work great in this recipe.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.