Description

This easy Mongolian Chicken recipe features crispy chicken tossed in a sweet, savory garlic-ginger soy sauce. It’s better than takeout, ready in under 30 minutes, and made with simple ingredients you likely have at home. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this quick stir-fry is full of bold flavor and pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/3 cup cornstarch
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1/2 cup water or chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
3–4 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

Coat the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated. Shake off excess.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove to a plate.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining oil. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, and water or broth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Combine and Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce and simmer for 3–5 minutes, until sauce thickens and clings to the chicken.

Finish and Serve: Stir in green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over rice.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier results.

Shake off excess cornstarch to avoid gummy texture.

Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a full meal.

To thicken the sauce more, add a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Keywords: mongolian chicken, easy stir-fry, chinese chicken recipe, better than takeout, weeknight dinner