Why Chicken Thighs?

This recipe uses skinless, boneless chicken thighs, which are perfect for this dish because they’re tender and juicy. Unlike chicken breasts, chicken thighs retain more moisture during cooking, making them ideal for stir-frying or frying. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken pieces with a crispy crust that holds up well when coated in the sauce. The tenderness of chicken thighs is complemented by the crispy exterior, providing a satisfying texture contrast in every bite.

The Crispy Coating: Cornstarch Magic

One of the secrets to achieving the perfect Mongolian Chicken is the crispy exterior. The chicken is coated in cornstarch, which helps create a crunchy texture when it’s fried or air-fried. The cornstarch forms a light, crispy coating that seals in the juices of the chicken, making it tender on the inside while crunchy on the outside. This step is key in replicating the crispy exterior found in takeout-style Mongolian Chicken, making it more indulgent and enjoyable.

You can choose to fry the chicken on the stovetop or use an air fryer, depending on your preference. Both methods result in crispy chicken, but the air fryer provides a quicker, healthier option that still delivers a satisfying crunch.

The Savory-Sweet Sauce: Hoisin, Soy Sauce, and Sesame Oil

The star of this dish is the sauce, which is a combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. The hoisin sauce adds a rich umami flavor, while the soy sauce brings saltiness and depth. The brown sugar balances the savory elements with sweetness, and the sesame oil imparts a toasty, nutty aroma that ties everything together.

The addition of ginger, garlic, and red chili peppers (optional) brings freshness, heat, and depth of flavor to the sauce. Ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy flavor, while garlic provides aromatic richness. Red chili peppers, if used, contribute a subtle heat that elevates the dish without overwhelming it. The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce, creating a glossy coating that clings to the crispy chicken and ensures every bite is full of flavor.

How to Make Mongolian Chicken

This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights when you want a flavorful dinner without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

1. Make the Cornstarch Slurry: Start by mixing cornstarch with water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce and give it that signature glossy finish once added to the pan.

2. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and coat them in cornstarch. This will create that crispy outer layer when cooked.

3. Cook the Chicken: You can either fry the chicken on the stovetop or air fry it. Both methods result in crispy chicken, but air frying is a slightly healthier alternative. If using the stovetop, fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. For the air fryer, cook the chicken in a single layer for 10-14 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking.

4. Make the Sauce: In the same pan used for cooking the chicken, sauté ginger, garlic, and red chili peppers (if using) until fragrant. Add the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil, and stir to combine. Pour in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, and cook until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and toss it in the sauce until evenly coated. The sauce will cling to the crispy chicken, providing a delicious, flavorful glaze.

6. Serve: Serve the Mongolian Chicken with your choice of rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions and extra red chili slices for added freshness and heat, if desired.

Serving Suggestions for Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a versatile dish for any occasion:

• With Rice: Serve the chicken over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The rice helps soak up the rich sauce, making every bite more satisfying.

• With Noodles: Stir-fried noodles or ramen noodles are a great option to serve alongside the chicken, allowing you to enjoy the savory sauce with every slurp.

• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair the chicken with a simple stir-fry of vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a healthy, well-rounded meal.

• As an Appetizer: Serve smaller portions of Mongolian Chicken as an appetizer at a dinner party, accompanied by a dipping sauce or a side of pickled vegetables.

Customization Options for Mongolian Chicken

One of the great things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize based on your taste preferences or dietary restrictions:

• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less red chili peppers or using a different type of chili sauce. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of chili peppers or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

• Substitute the Protein: While this recipe uses chicken, you can easily substitute it with other proteins like beef, pork, or tofu for a different variation. The sauce works well with any of these options, ensuring a flavorful result.

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, use tofu or tempeh as the protein and follow the same method to create crispy, coated pieces. The savory sauce will still provide plenty of flavor.

Nutritional Information

Mongolian Chicken is a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s also relatively balanced. Each serving contains approximately 533 calories, with 30g of protein from the chicken. The dish is relatively high in fat (33g), with 5g of saturated fat from the cooking oil and sesame oil. The carbohydrates are moderate (33g), coming primarily from the brown sugar and soy sauce.

The dish also provides 2g of fiber, which comes from the vegetables and spices, as well as essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A (4059 IU), vitamin C (12mg), calcium (40mg), and iron (1mg).

Conclusion

Mongolian Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings the taste of takeout into your home. With its crispy chicken, savory-sweet sauce, and hint of spice, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and versatile. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a dish for a casual dinner party, Mongolian Chicken is sure to impress. With minimal ingredients and a simple cooking process, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.