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 breasts, sliced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Discover the savory delight of Easy Mongolian Chicken, a dish bursting with flavor and simplicity, perfect for any night of the week.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-23T18:39:34.442Z

Easy Mongolian Chicken is a quick and delicious dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy to prepare in under 35 minutes
Rich, savory flavors that will satisfy your taste buds
Perfect for serving with rice or noodles

      

A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

Easy Mongolian Chicken takes traditional flavors and simplifies them for a busy weeknight. This dish is inspired by the rich tastes of Mongolian cuisine, characterized by its balance of sweet and savory. The combination of soy sauce and brown sugar creates a delightful glaze that elevates the chicken, making it a standout meal that your family will crave.

With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in the comfort of your own kitchen. The use of garlic and ginger adds depth to the flavor profile, while the optional red pepper flakes provide a hint of heat for those who enjoy a little spice. This dish is perfect for those who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Perfect Pairings

One of the best things about Easy Mongolian Chicken is its versatility when it comes to side dishes. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, which absorbs the savory sauce beautifully. If you prefer, you could also serve it over noodles for a heartier meal. Both options provide a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and rich sauce.

For a complete meal, consider adding a side of sautéed vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas are excellent choices that not only add color but also nutritional value to your plate. A simple stir-fry of these vegetables can be prepared in the same skillet after the chicken, making clean-up a breeze.

Meal Prep Made Easy

If you're looking to streamline your weeknight dinners, Easy Mongolian Chicken is an excellent choice for meal prep. The chicken and sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat in a skillet or the microwave when you're ready to enjoy it.

This dish also freezes well, allowing you to enjoy it even on the busiest of nights. Just portion out the chicken into freezer-safe containers, and when you're ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat. It's a delicious way to ensure you always have a satisfying meal on hand without the hassle of cooking from scratch every time.

Ingredients

Chicken and Sauce Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Enjoy your cooking!

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Combine Chicken and Sauce

Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and bring to a simmer. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Enjoy your delicious Easy Mongolian Chicken!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Easy Mongolian Chicken turns out perfectly, slice the chicken breasts evenly. This helps them cook uniformly and reduces the risk of overcooking. Aim for strips that are about the same thickness to achieve that golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Don’t forget to taste the sauce before pouring it over the chicken! Adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking by adding more brown sugar or soy sauce. This way, you can customize the flavors to suit your palate, ensuring that each bite is just right.

Storage and Reheating

Storing leftovers should be done in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. If you notice any excess liquid, this is normal as the sauce can separate slightly upon cooling. Just give it a good stir before reheating, and it will come back together beautifully.

For reheating, a skillet is the best option to retain the texture of the chicken. Heat it over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, a microwave works well for convenience, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent it from drying out.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with the protein in this recipe! While chicken is a classic choice, you can easily substitute it with beef or tofu for a different take on this dish. Each protein brings its own unique flavor and texture, allowing for endless creativity in the kitchen.

You can also add vegetables directly into the dish while cooking. Peas, carrots, and bell peppers not only enhance the nutritional value but also add vibrant color and additional flavor. This transforms the dish into a one-pan meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier texture.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge.