Mongolian Chicken is a delightful dish bursting with flavors and textures. This easy recipe combines tender chicken pieces with vibrant vegetables, all coated in a savory sauce that brings an irresistible taste to your dinner table. Perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice and sweetness, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to make this delicious meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the dish) contains approximately 300 calories, 25g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. This nutritional value is based on one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add bell peppers and green onions, cooking for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth.
- Return chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over it.
- Stir well to coat everything in the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version. Additionally, feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, such as broccoli or snap peas, to enhance the dish’s color and nutrition.
Serving and Pairings
Mongolian Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad or spring rolls.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. This dish can be frozen for up to a month; thaw before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the chicken can make it tough; aim for golden brown.
- Not allowing the sauce to thicken may result in a watery dish.
- Using too much salt can overpower other flavors.
- Skipping the marinade can lead to less flavorful chicken.
- Not chopping vegetables evenly can cause uneven cooking.
Helpful Tips
- Marinate chicken for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the brown sugar.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best texture and taste.
- Keep the sauce on low heat to prevent burning.
- Garnish with sesame seeds for extra crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
You can use tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
Is this dish spicy?
Mongolian Chicken isn’t typically spicy, but you can add chili flakes for heat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead and cook just before serving.
What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
Conclusion
Mongolian Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful meal!
Mongolian Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup bell peppers sliced
- 1 cup green onions chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add bell peppers and green onions, cooking for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth.
- Return chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over it.
- Stir well to coat everything in the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
