Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Introduction to Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian Chicken is a popular dish that originated in Chinese cuisine but has gained widespread popularity across the globe due to its delicious flavors and simple preparation. It is a savory and slightly sweet dish with tender pieces of chicken stir-fried with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar.

Ingredients Required for Mongolian Chicken

To prepare Mongolian Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
• Cornstarch
• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Brown sugar
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Vegetable oil
• Green onions, sliced for garnish
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Preparation Steps

Marinating the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken with cornstarch and a splash of soy sauce.
2. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to ensure it becomes tender and flavorful.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until it is golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Serving Suggestions

Mongolian Chicken is best served hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

Health Benefits of Mongolian Chicken

While Mongolian Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish, it also offers some health benefits. Chicken is a good source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, the ginger and garlic in the sauce provide anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Variations of Mongolian Chicken

• Mongolian Beef: Substitute beef for chicken to create a hearty and flavorful alternative.
• Vegetarian Mongolian Chicken: Replace the chicken with tofu or a variety of vegetables for a meat-free option.

Tips for Cooking Mongolian Chicken

• Slice the chicken thinly for quicker cooking and better absorption of flavors.
• Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce according to your taste preferences.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Mongolian Chicken is a versatile and delicious dish that can be easily prepared at home. With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking methods, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Experiment with different variations and serving options to make it your own.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   • Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result.
2. How spicy is Mongolian Chicken?
   • Mongolian Chicken is not typically spicy, but you can add chili flakes or Sriracha for heat if desired.
3. Can I make Mongolian Chicken ahead of time?
   • While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in advance for quicker cooking.
4. Is Mongolian Chicken gluten-free?
   • You can make Mongolian Chicken gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring the hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
5. What other vegetables can I add to Mongolian Chicken?
   • Bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas are all excellent additions to Mongolian Chicken for extra flavor and nutrition.

Source: dinneratthezoo.com

Yield: 4

Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Print

Southwest Chicken Alfredo is a delightful twist on the classic Alfredo pasta, combining the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with the bold and zesty flavors of Southwest cuisine. This dish is perfect for those who love a bit of spice and a lot of flavor. Follow these steps to create a delicious meal that will become a family favorite.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• ½ lb. Penne Pasta
• 1 lb. Chicken Breasts cut into 1" strips
• 1 (15 oz.) can Diced Tomatoes
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
• 1 cup Onion chopped
• 4 Garlic Cloves minced
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 tablespoon Butter
• 2 tablespoon Cilantro chopped
• Southwest Seasoning:
• 1 ½ teaspoon Chili Powder
• ½ teaspoon Cumin
• ½ teaspoon Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• ⅛ teaspoon Cayenne

Instructions

• In a small bowl, mix the southwest seasoning blend together.

• Add cut chicken to a large bowl and drizzle in honey and half of the seasonings. Toss to combine.

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook penne pasta according to package instructions for al dente. When done, drain and set aside.

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add seasoned chicken and cook for a few minutes on each side until cooked through. When nice and golden, transfer chicken to a plate.

• Add diced onion and butter to the same skillet you cooked the chicken in over medium heat. Cook for a few minutes until tender. Add garlic and cook another minute. Add diced tomatoes and the remaining seasoning and bring to a low simmer.

• Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring until fully incorporated. Bring to a nice simmer. Add chicken back to the skillet. Sprinkle in cheddar cheese and stir to combine. Add penne pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Remove pasta from heat and let sit a few minutes.

• When done, stir pasta again to fully coat in sauce and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Enjoy!