Description
This Mongolian Chicken recipe is a quick, flavorful dish that features tender, juicy boneless chicken thighs cooked in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce crafted from simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a restaurant-quality taste with an easy preparation method and versatile options to customize with your favorite vegetables or plant-based alternatives.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp brown sugar
Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp grape juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced (fresh)
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
Cooking
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
Garnish
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare and Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a bowl with 2 tablespoons soy sauce (natural), 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and 1 teaspoon brown sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors while you prepare the sauce and other ingredients.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce (natural), 2 tablespoons grape juice, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken turns golden brown and crispy on the edges. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Combine and Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the prepared sauce into the same pan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens, aided by the natural gelling agent. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss well to coat every piece evenly with the glossy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the thinly sliced green onions on top for a fresh, mild crunch and a burst of color. Serve immediately with your choice of steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or flatbread.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before marinating for the crispiest texture possible.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger to enhance the aroma and overall flavor.
- Taste the sauce before simmering and adjust sweetness or saltiness as desired.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; cook in batches if necessary to keep it crispy.
- Allow enough time for the natural gelling agent to thicken the sauce properly for a perfect clingy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Mongolian Chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, gluten free chicken dish