Description

Easy Mongolian Chicken is a quick, flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken breast tossed in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles and is ideal for busy weeknights. With a glossy garlic-ginger soy sauce and a touch of brown sugar, it delivers takeout-style satisfaction right at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
¼ cup cornstarch

Sauce and Aromatics

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup water
¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish and Serving

2 green onions (sliced)
cooked white rice for serving

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Instructions

Coat the Chicken: Toss the sliced chicken in cornstarch until evenly coated, shaking off any excess to ensure a light, crispy texture when cooked.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing their flavor into the oil.
Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Thicken the Sauce: Let the sauce cook for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly into a glossy consistency.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss well to coat all pieces with the thickened sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce become glossy and cling to the chicken.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top and serve hot over steamed white rice for a complete meal.

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result.
Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra vegetables and nutrition.
Adjust the sugar and red pepper flakes to suit your preferred level of sweetness and spiciness.