Sweet and Spicy Mongolian Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Sweet and Spicy Balance – The combination of brown sugar and red pepper flakes creates a perfect harmony of flavors.
• Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
• Versatile – Serve over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps.
• Better Than Takeout – Enjoy restaurant-quality flavors from the comfort of home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Directions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the soy sauce, water, dark brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce starts to thicken.
5. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.
6. Remove from heat, stir in sliced green onions, and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories per serving: 320 kcal

Variations

• Make it extra spicy – Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
• Vegetarian option – Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based version.
• Low-carb version – Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.
• Add crunch – Toss in cashews or peanuts for extra texture.
• Extra veggies – Stir-fry bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas with the chicken.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is mild to moderate. You can adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and work just as well.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or even quinoa.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

How can I make it healthier?

Reduce the brown sugar and use low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on sodium and sugar.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Reheat and combine before serving.

Will the sauce thicken more as it cools?

Yes, the sauce continues to thicken as it cools, so remove it from heat when it reaches a slightly thinner consistency than you want.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use a large skillet or wok to avoid overcrowding.

What oil should I use?

Any neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil will work.

Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?

Yes, but it will slightly change the flavor. Start with 1/2 cup and adjust to taste.

Conclusion

This Sweet and Spicy Mongolian Chicken is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and easy meals. With a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, it’s a dish that will quickly become a household favorite. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or with extra veggies, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Try it tonight and enjoy a homemade takeout-style meal!