Instant Pot Mongolian Chicken

There’s something incredibly satisfying about returning home after a long day’s work to the aroma of a home-cooked meal filling the air. Instant Pot Mongolian Chicken brings rich flavors and heartwarming comfort in just a fraction of the time. The sweet and savory sauce envelops tender pieces of chicken, making it a delightful choice for busy families and meal prep enthusiasts alike. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish bursting with flavor and a delightful contrast of textures. This is not just another chicken recipe; it’s a meal that can transform your routine dinner into an exotic feast the whole family will love.

Quick Answer

Instant Pot Mongolian Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s popular for its quick preparation and appealing taste, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines simplicity with extraordinary taste, making it a standout option for any evening meal.

• Flavor profile: A perfect balance of sweet and savory, highlighting the essence of Mongolian cuisine.
• Texture: Juicy chicken pieces paired with a thick, rich sauce create a hearty meal experience.
• Convenience: Quick to prepare in the Instant Pot, saving you valuable time in the kitchen.
• Meal prep value: Ideal for batch cooking, perfect for lunches throughout the week.
• Family appeal: Everyone from kids to adults will enjoy its comforting flavors.

What Makes This Recipe Special

The beauty of Instant Pot Mongolian Chicken lies in its harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The tender chicken simmers in a sauce that’s both savory and sweet, creating a delightful contrast that pleases the palate. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also allows you to experience international flavors without the need for exotic ingredients or extensive cooking skills. It captures the essence of comforting home-cooked meals, ensuring that every bite is satisfying and nourishing.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Instant Pot – A multi-functional cooker that makes this recipe quick and easy.
• Cutting board – Essential for preparing the chicken and vegetables.
• Chef’s knife – For cutting the chicken and chopping vegetables.
• Measuring spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
• Trivet – Useful for placing the rice pot above the chicken in the Instant Pot.
• Foil – To cover the rice pot during cooking.

Ingredients

boneless skinless chicken breasts: Source of lean protein, cut into bite-sized cubes.
sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil: Adds rich flavor to the dish.
brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce and enhances flavor complexity.
garlic cloves: Infuses the recipe with aromatic notes.
fresh ginger: Provides a warming, zesty flavor.
lite soy sauce: Delivers saltiness and depth to the sauce.
chicken broth or water: Used to create a flavorful cooking liquid.
rice vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity and brightness.
carrots: Optional for added sweetness and texture.
red pepper flakes: Offers a hint of heat to balance the sweetness.
garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor in the dish.
cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for a more cohesive texture.
water: Used to mix with cornstarch for thickening.
green onions: Adds freshness as a garnish.
sesame seeds: Provides crunch and visual appeal as a garnish.
basmati rice: Optional side to serve with the chicken.
water (for rice): Cooking liquid for the rice.
herbed or unsalted butter: Adds richness to the rice.
salt (for rice): Enhances the flavor of the rice.

Ready to cook? Scroll to the recipe card below for exact measurements.

How to Make Instant Pot Mongolian Chicken

STEP 1. Heat the Instant Pot. Press the Saute button and select ‘More’ for medium-high heat. Wait until it indicates ‘HOT.’

STEP 2. Add oil and chicken. Add sesame oil or olive oil to the pot, then add chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring until golden.

STEP 3. Deglaze the pot. If bits stick to the bottom, deglaze with water.

STEP 4. Add flavor ingredients. Stir in garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, water, carrots, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.

STEP 5. Prepare rice (optional). If using rice, combine rice, salt, and water in a pot. Stir and place on a trivet above the chicken in the Instant Pot. Cover with foil.

STEP 6. Cook under pressure. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes.

STEP 7. Fluff the rice. Open the lid, remove the rice pot, fluff the rice, and set aside.

STEP 8. Thicken the sauce. Select Saute on LOW, mix cornstarch and water, then add to the pot and cook until thickened.

STEP 9. Serve. Plate the chicken and sauce over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of high pressure cooking and the right ingredients creates a unique texture that is both tender and juicy. The sweet and salty sauce simultaneously clings to the chicken while the heat balances out the flavors perfectly. Using the Instant Pot allows for quick cooking, which preserves the chicken’s natural juices and ultimately creates a comforting, satisfying dish. The result is a rich and vibrant flavor profile that makes it stand out among typical weeknight meals.

Pro Tips for Best Results

For the best flavor and texture, consider using fresh ingredients whenever possible. Pre-marinating the chicken with soy sauce and garlic for a few minutes can enhance the overall taste. Adjust the sugar level to suit your preference, making it less sweet if desired. For a thicker sauce, allow more time for sauteing with cornstarch before serving. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions for added crunch and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Using too much water for the sauce.
Why it happens: Not measuring accurately can dilute the flavor.
How to fix it: Follow the recipe closely to achieve the right balance.

Mistake: Overcooking the chicken.
Why it happens: Extended cooking can lead to dry chicken.
How to fix it: Always use a timer and adhere to the specified cooking times.

Mistake: Neglecting to deglaze the pot.
Why it happens: Some ingredients may stick after sautéing.
How to fix it: Add a splash of water immediately and scrape the bottom of the pot.

Mistake: Leaving out optional ingredients.
Why it happens: Assuming they are not crucial.
How to fix it: Experimenting with all ingredients can enhance flavor and texture.

Recipe Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
• Add bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
• Serve over quinoa for a protein-packed alternative.
• Include pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Experiment with a dash of hoisin sauce for depth.

Nutrition Highlights

How to Serve Instant Pot Mongolian Chicken

• Plate the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor.
• Pair with steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables for a nutritious side.
• Serve with a drizzle of extra soy sauce if desired.

Best Occasions for This Recipe

• Quick weeknight dinners after a busy day.
• Family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a comforting meal.
• Meal prep for lunches throughout the week.
• Holiday celebrations where you want to impress guests.
• Potlucks to share this crowd-pleaser with others.

Make Ahead & Storage

Can This Be Meal Prepped

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat and serve.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken by placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It lasts for up to three months.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture and prevent drying.

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

Use leftover Mongolian chicken in:

• Wraps with lettuce and tortillas for a quick lunch.
• Bowl meals with rice or quinoa topped with veggies and sauce.
• Sandwiches for a hearty work lunch.
• Lunch boxes that kids will love.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure to increase the cooking time and allow extra time for natural pressure release.

How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or incorporate fresh chili peppers into the sauce for an extra kick.

Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes, you can adjust the soy sauce to a gluten-free alternative and use honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.

How should I store the leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than three days or freeze for longer storage.

What can I serve with this dish?
Pair it with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Save This Recipe for Later

Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest boards or bookmark it for easy access later. Your busy weeknights will thank you!

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Mongolian Chicken captures the essence of hearty yet simple meals, delivering flavor and comfort in every bite. This dish not only makes dinner planning effortless but also makes meal prep enjoyable. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to save it for later and explore similar heartwarming dishes!

Instant Pot Mongolian Chicken

A flavorful dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a sweet and savory sauce, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes Source of lean protein.
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil Adds rich flavor.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar Sweetens the sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced Infuses aromatic notes.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced Provides warming flavor.
• 1/2 cup lite soy sauce Delivers depth to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water Used for cooking liquid.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar Adds brightness.
• 1 cup carrots, sliced Optional for added sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Offers a hint of heat.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances garlic flavor.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch Thickens the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons water (for mixing with cornstarch) Used for thickening.
• 2 green onions, chopped garnish Adds freshness.
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, garnish Provides crunch.
• 1 cup basmati rice Optional side.
• 2 cups water (for rice) Cooking liquid for the rice.
• 1 tablespoon herbed or unsalted butter Adds richness to the rice.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for rice) Enhances flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat the Instant Pot. Press the Saute button and select 'More' for medium-high heat. Wait until it indicates 'HOT.'
2. Add sesame oil or olive oil to the pot, then add chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring until golden.
3. If bits stick to the bottom, deglaze with water.
4. Stir in garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, water, carrots, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
5. If using rice, combine rice, salt, and water in a pot. Stir and place on a trivet above the chicken in the Instant Pot. Cover with foil.
6. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes.
7. Open the lid, remove the rice pot, fluff the rice, and set aside.
8. Select Saute on LOW, mix cornstarch and water, then add to the pot and cook until thickened.
9. Plate the chicken and sauce over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients. Pre-marinating the chicken can enhance taste and adjust sugar levels to preference.