Crispy, golden chicken tossed in a glossy sweet-and-savory sauce—this quick Mongolian chicken comes together in just 25 minutes using simple pantry ingredients. It’s a family-friendly main dish that tastes better than takeout and is perfect for busy weeknights.
What Is Mongolian Chicken?
Mongolian chicken features bite-sized pieces of chicken that are lightly fried until crisp, then coated in a rich, hoisin-based sauce flavored with ginger, garlic, and red chili. The result is a bold, slightly sticky dish with layers of sweet and savory flavor.
You’ll often find it on the menu at Chinese restaurants, served over fluffy white rice with a side of vegetables. The sauce is what makes it stand out—deep, aromatic, and packed with character.
Despite its name, Mongolian chicken doesn’t actually come from Mongolia. It’s a Chinese-American takeout favorite inspired by the Taiwanese stir-fry style known as “Mongolian barbecue.”
What sets this version apart is the technique: the chicken is lightly coated in starch—no heavy batter required—and shallow-fried in just a small amount of oil. It’s crisp without being greasy, and it can easily be adapted to be gluten-free (see variations below).
Variations:
Pork Version – Swap the chicken for diced pork shoulder for a slightly richer, heartier flavor.
Beef Version – Use diced flank steak in place of the chicken for a classic beefy twist.
Gluten-Free Version – Substitute the soy sauce with tamari, coconut aminos, or gluten-free soy sauce, and be sure to use gluten-free hoisin.
Vegetarian Version – Replace the chicken with diced extra-firm tofu for a satisfying plant-based option.
This easy Mongolian Chicken is ready in only 30 minutes or less. Crispy fried chicken smothered in a sticky sweet ginger hoisin sauce. Quick, simple, utterly delicious and every bite is packed with tons of flavor. Please leave a star rating and comment to let us know how you liked this recipe! To air fry the chicken: As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.Easy 30 Minute Mongolian Chicken
Ingredients
Cornstarch Slurry:
Garnish (optional):
Instructions
Step-By-Step Instructions
Notes
1. Spray air fryer basket with sufficient oil.
2. Place coated chicken into the basket in a single layer, giving each piece enough room. Do not overlap. You may need to air fry in two batches.
3. Lightly spray the chicken with oil.
4. Air fry at 400 F for 10-14 minutes until desired crispiness.
Storage
This dish will last up to 4 days in the fridge. To store leftovers, transfer leftover Mongolian chicken into an airtight container. To reheat the next day, microwave or reheat on the stove top on medium heat.Recommended Products
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