Easy Mongolian Chicken
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
Easy Mongolian Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Asian cuisine to your home kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is both satisfying and simple to prepare.
This Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. It's inspired by traditional Mongolian dishes but simplified for the home cook. Perfect for serving over rice or noodles, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights
- Flavorful sauce that combines sweet and savory notes
- Versatile dish that pairs well with rice or noodles
A Taste of Asian Cuisine at Home
With Easy Mongolian Chicken, you can whip up a delightful dish that captures the essence of Asian cuisine without needing to venture out. The combination of soy sauce and brown sugar creates a rich, sweet-savory flavor that tantalizes your taste buds. This recipe is an excellent way to introduce new flavors to your family, making mealtime more exciting and enjoyable.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to impress your loved ones. Just a few ingredients, some basic cooking techniques, and you can serve up a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen. Plus, it's a great opportunity to teach kids about cooking and flavors!
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a healthy dinner can be a challenge. Easy Mongolian Chicken is designed with busy weeknights in mind. From start to finish, this dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without the stress of lengthy cooking times.
The one-pan cooking method not only minimizes cleanup but also enhances the flavors as the chicken absorbs the delicious sauce. In just a short time, you can have a hearty meal that satisfies hunger and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Versatility and Pairing Options
One of the standout features of Easy Mongolian Chicken is its versatility. While it pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles, you can also serve it with a side of vegetables for a more balanced meal. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to suit your family’s tastes.
Additionally, you can add your favorite vegetables to the skillet during the cooking process. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can elevate the dish, adding color and nutrients. This flexibility makes it a great option for utilizing leftovers or seasonal produce.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your Easy Mongolian Chicken:
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure all ingredients are prepped before you begin cooking for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Easy Mongolian Chicken:
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Combine and Simmer
Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and let it simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve
Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve over rice or noodles.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Mongolian Chicken!
Cooking Tips for Success
To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, make sure to slice it into even pieces. This helps it to cook uniformly and reduces the risk of overcooking. Using a meat thermometer can also be beneficial; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
When preparing the sauce, don't rush the process of dissolving the brown sugar. A well-mixed sauce will coat the chicken beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor. If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider adding a cornstarch slurry at the end of cooking.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish reheats well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. When reheating, use a stovetop pan over low heat to maintain the texture and flavor of the chicken and sauce.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even cooking.
Explore More Asian-Inspired Recipes
If you enjoyed Easy Mongolian Chicken, why not explore other Asian-inspired dishes? Recipes like Teriyaki Salmon, Sweet and Sour Pork, or Pad Thai can offer a delightful variety of flavors and cooking techniques. Each dish brings its unique taste, making your dinner table a global culinary experience.
Consider trying out different proteins such as shrimp or tofu in place of chicken, and experiment with various sauces to find your favorite flavor combinations. The world of Asian cuisine is vast and full of delicious options just waiting to be discovered!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
→ What can I substitute for soy sauce?
You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lower sodium alternative.
→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
→ Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas would be great additions.
Easy Mongolian Chicken
Easy Mongolian Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Asian cuisine to your home kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Created by: Blair Hudson
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and let it simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve over rice or noodles.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 25g