Spicy Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Fiery & Flavorful Spicy Mongolian Chicken Recipe to Wow Guests

Bursting with bold flavors, this spicy Mongolian chicken recipe delivers a mouthwatering journey through savory and zesty culinary delights.

Tender chicken pieces dance in a rich, glossy sauce that balances heat and sweetness with remarkable finesse.

Each bite promises an explosion of Asian-inspired seasonings that will tantalize your taste buds.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with technique to create a restaurant-quality dish you can easily master at home.

Quick and straightforward preparation means dinner can be on the table in under 30 minutes.

Succulent chicken coated in a vibrant, spicy glaze makes this meal an instant crowd-pleaser.

Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Serve Up the Best Mongolian Chicken Recipe Like a Pro

  • Family Dinner Delight: Serve this Mongolian chicken over steamed white rice for a comforting and satisfying meal that brings everyone together around the table.
  • Protein-Packed Lunch Combo: Pack the chicken with quinoa or brown rice in a meal prep container for a nutritious and flavorful midday lunch that will keep you energized.
  • Spicy Appetizer Twist: Cut chicken into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve as a zesty appetizer at parties, using toothpicks for easy grabbing and maximum flavor impact.
  • Veggie Companion Plate: Pair the chicken with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas to add color, nutrition, and extra texture to your meal.

Store the Best Mongolian Chicken for Later Enjoyment

  • Quick Refrigeration Guide: Store leftover Mongolian chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent dryness and restore its original crispy texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze the chicken without green onions for up to 2 months. Pack in freezer-safe containers, separating sauce and meat to maintain optimal quality.
  • Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare chicken and sauce separately during weekly cooking. Keep components chilled and combine just before serving to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy results.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 4

What You Need for the Best Mongolian Chicken Recipe

For Protein Preparation:
  • Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for tender, easy-to-eat bites with maximum flavor absorption.
  • Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating that helps seal in chicken's juiciness and provides golden-brown texture.
For Sauce Base:
  • Soy Sauce: Delivers rich, umami depth and authentic Asian-inspired flavor profile.
  • Brown Sugar: Balances savory elements with subtle sweetness and helps create glossy sauce coating.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and vibrant spiciness to complement chicken's mild taste.
For Aromatic Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Adds robust, pungent foundation that deepens overall recipe complexity.
  • Ginger: Provides warm, zesty undertone with traditional Asian culinary authenticity.
  • Green Onions: Brings fresh, sharp brightness and visual appeal to finished dish.
  • Sesame Seeds: Offers nutty crunch and traditional garnish element with subtle toasted essence.

Tools to Prep the Best Mongolian Chicken Recipe

  • Large skillet or wok: essential for frying chicken and making sauce.
  • Cutting board: for preparing chicken and green onions.
  • Sharp knife: to slice chicken and green onions cleanly.
  • Tongs: perfect for flipping and handling chicken while cooking.
  • Measuring spoons: for accurate seasoning and sugar measurements.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: helps stir and coat chicken in sauce.
  • Mixing bowl: for tossing chicken with cornstarch.

Steps to Make the Best Mongolian Chicken at Home

  • Coat Chicken in Powder

Grab your chicken and dust it completely with cornstarch, making sure each piece gets a nice even layer. Shake off any extra powder so it’s not too thick.

  • Create Crispy Golden Pieces

Fire up your skillet with oil and get it sizzling hot. Drop in the chicken and cook until it turns a beautiful golden brown and gets super crispy. Scoop out the pieces and set them aside.

  • Build Flavor Base

In the same pan, toss in minced garlic and ginger. Let them dance around until they release their amazing aroma and make your kitchen smell incredible.

  • Craft Delicious Sauce

Pour in soy sauce, sprinkle brown sugar, and add a kick of red pepper flakes. Stir everything until the sugar melts and the sauce starts to thicken up nicely.

  • Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Slide the crispy chicken back into the pan and roll it around so every piece gets completely drenched in that mouthwatering sauce.

  • Add Fresh Finish

Toss in some sliced green onions and let them cook for a quick minute, adding a fresh crunch to your dish.

  • Serve with Style

Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top and garnish with extra green onions for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Flavor Tips for the Best Mongolian Chicken Recipe

  • Crispy Coating Trick: Ensure chicken pieces are completely dry before coating with cornstarch for maximum crispiness and even golden browning.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to make the dish mild or extra spicy according to personal heat preference.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener and serve over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.
  • Protein Swap: Easily substitute chicken with tofu, beef, or shrimp to create different protein variations of this delicious Mongolian-style dish.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chicken and sauce separately, storing them in the refrigerator, then quickly reheat and combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
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Spicy Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Spicy Mongolian Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Savor Mongolian chicken’s bold flavors that blend sweet and savory notes from Asian cuisine. Tender chicken pieces with a glossy sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 500 g (1 lb) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tbsps cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ cup water
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 3 tbsps vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsps water (for thickening)
  • chopped green onions
  • sesame seeds
  • red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Enrobe chicken fragments with cornstarch, meticulously eliminating excess powder for optimal coating.
  2. Searing: Ignite a large skillet with medium-high heat, introducing oil to create a sizzling culinary canvas.
  3. Chicken Transformation: Immerse chicken pieces into the scorching oil, orchestrating a golden-crisp metamorphosis until perfectly cooked.
  4. Aromatic Foundation: In the same skillet, unleash minced garlic and ginger, coaxing their intense flavors through gentle sautéing.
  5. Sauce Alchemy: Cascade soy sauce and brown sugar into the pan, incorporating red pepper flakes to craft a rich, caramelized elixir.
  6. Flavor Fusion: Reunite crispy chicken with the dynamic sauce, ensuring each morsel becomes thoroughly enrobed in the luxurious glaze.
  7. Finishing Touch: Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds, creating a vibrant, textural masterpiece that tantalizes both palate and visual senses.

Notes

  • Cornstarch Coating Technique: Pat chicken dry before adding cornstarch to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
  • Oil Temperature Control: Maintain consistent medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown chicken without burning or undercooking.
  • Sauce Consistency Mastery: Continuously stir sauce to prevent burning and create a glossy, even caramelization that clings perfectly to chicken.
  • Dietary Adaptation Strategy: Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free, and use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar for low-carb variations.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mongolian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 392
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 682 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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