If you’ve ever found yourself craving that perfect balance of sweet and savory with a satisfying crunch, then this Mongolian Chicken with Green Onions Recipe is exactly what you need. The crispy chicken breast slices coated in a delicate cornstarch crust soak up a luscious, sticky sauce bursting with soy, garlic, and brown sugar, while fresh green onions add a pop of color and subtle sharpness. This dish brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen, making every bite a delightful celebration of textures and tastes that you’ll want to savor again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of many small pieces of cooked chicken with a golden brown crust and white inside, filling a white pan with a blue handle. The chicken pieces have a slightly crispy texture and are piled on top of each other, showing uneven shapes and edges. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the flavor just right in this Mongolian Chicken with Green Onions Recipe means combining a handful of simple ingredients that work beautifully together. Each element plays a crucial role, from the tender chicken breast to the aromatic garlic and ginger, and the sweet, rich brown sugar creating that unforgettable sauce.

1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced: The star of the dish, these tender slices get perfectly crispy when coated and cooked.
1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons cornstarch, divided use: Helps create that irresistible crispy coating and thickens the sauce to just the right consistency.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking to achieve a golden sear on the chicken.
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic: Adds a fragrant punch that infuses the entire dish with warmth.
1 teaspoon minced ginger: Brings a subtle zingy note that complements the sweetness and umami perfectly.
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: A drizzle of this oil enriches the sauce with a nutty aroma and depth.
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce: Delivers the essential salty and savory backbone without overwhelming the palate.
1/3 cup water: Balances the sauce making it glossy and luscious without being too syrupy.
1/2 cup dark brown sugar: The secret to that classic sweetness which marries beautifully with the soy flavors.
1/2 cup green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces: Adds freshness, crunch, and vibrant color to the finished dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: Season cautiously since the soy sauce adds saltiness.

How to Make Mongolian Chicken with Green Onions Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by combining the thinly sliced chicken breast with 1/4 cup cornstarch inside a resealable plastic bag. Shake it up to make sure each piece has a light, even coating. This step is crucial because it creates that crisp exterior that gives this dish its signature texture. It’s a simple trick but makes all the difference!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until it’s shimmering. Carefully place the chicken slices in a single layer, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Make sure not to crowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes per side to develop a golden, crispy crust before removing it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

After removing the chicken, lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Stir swiftly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, water, and sprinkle in the dark brown sugar. Allow this mixture to come to a gentle simmer, where the sugar will dissolve, creating a perfectly balanced sweet and savory glaze.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Combine

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Pour this into the simmering sauce, bringing it quickly up to a boil for 30 to 60 seconds until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon. Return the crispy chicken and green onions to the pan, tossing everything together until each piece is glossy and coated with that irresistible sauce.

How to Serve Mongolian Chicken with Green Onions Recipe

The dish shows a white bowl filled at the bottom with a layer of white fluffy rice with visible separate grains. On top, there is a thick layer of golden-brown pieces of chicken coated in a shiny, slightly sticky sauce that makes them look glazed. Scattered among the chicken are fresh green pieces of chopped scallions, adding color contrast. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there are wooden chopsticks and a blue and white checkered cloth. The food is well-lit, showing textures clearly, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To really elevate this dish, sprinkle a handful of toasted sesame seeds over the top for a delicate crunch and nutty accent. Freshly chopped cilantro can also bring a zesty brightness if you’re looking for an herbaceous twist, adding another layer of flavor and color.

Side Dishes

This Mongolian Chicken with Green Onions Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up all the delicious sauce. For a lighter approach, serve it alongside sautéed bok choy or stir-fried snap peas to add freshness and texture contrast that balances the richness of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests or family? Present the chicken over a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even nestle it in lettuce cups for a fun, handheld meal. Another idea is serving it in a bowl topped with crispy fried shallots or sliced chili peppers for an extra kick of texture and heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Mongolian Chicken with Green Onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners during busy weekdays.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh for optimal crispness, you can freeze cooked Mongolian chicken pieces without the green onions and sauce separately. Freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh green onions for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat to help retain the crispy edges, adding a splash of water or sauce if needed to loosen it up. Microwaving works too but can make the coating soggy, so a quick pan reheat is ideal for maintaining that wonderful texture this Mongolian Chicken with Green Onions Recipe is known for.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a bit more juiciness and flavor although they might not get quite as crispy as breast meat. Be sure to slice them thinly to cook evenly and adjust cooking time if needed.

Is this dish very spicy?

This Mongolian Chicken with Green Onions Recipe is traditionally not spicy, focusing on sweet and savory flavors. However, you can add red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili if you want to turn up the heat.

What can I substitute for cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder or potato starch are good alternatives to create that crispy coating and thicken the sauce effectively. Just use equal amounts as the recipe calls for cornstarch.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and make sure your cornstarch or starch alternative is certified gluten-free to keep everything safe and delicious.

How do I get the chicken extra crispy?

The key is a thin, even layer of cornstarch coating and cooking the chicken in hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Let each side brown fully before flipping to ensure that perfect crispness.

Final Thoughts

This Mongolian Chicken with Green Onions Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but is surprisingly easy to pull together. The combination of crispy, tender chicken with a sticky, sweet-savory sauce and the bright punch of green onions creates something truly memorable. I promise once you make this at home, it will quickly become a go-to favorite for weeknights or casual gatherings. Give it a try and get ready to wow your taste buds!

Mongolian Chicken with Green Onions Recipe