Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, savory sauce that’s bursting with flavor. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the bold taste of traditional Mongolian dishes but wants the convenience of a slow cooker. Imagine coming home to a warm, aromatic meal that practically makes itself throughout the day. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-off cooking: Just prep the ingredients, toss them into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic.
Deliciously tender chicken: Slow cooking ensures the chicken breasts are juicy and soak up the flavorful sauce perfectly.
Sweet and savory sauce: The combination of brown sugar and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering sauce that’s balanced and addictive.
Healthy and wholesome: Made with simple ingredients like chicken, carrots, and green onions, it’s a balanced meal that satisfies.
Perfect for meal prep: It stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making lunches and dinners a breeze.

Ingredient Rundown

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes: The star protein that soaks up all the flavors.
½ cup cornstarch: Helps to coat the chicken, giving it a slight crispy texture and thickening the sauce.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the chicken cubes before slow cooking.
1 teaspoon minced garlic: Adds that aromatic kick essential in Mongolian dishes.
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce: The salty, umami base of the sauce. Low-sodium keeps it balanced.
½ cup water: Dilutes the sauce slightly to prevent it from being too intense.
½ cup brown sugar: Brings sweetness that perfectly balances the soy sauce.
1 cup grated carrots: Adds a natural sweetness and a bit of crunch.
Green onions, for garnish: Brightens the dish with fresh, mild onion flavor and color.

Gear Up: What to Grab

Slow cooker: Essential for that effortless, all-day slow cooking.
Large skillet or frying pan: To brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker.
Mixing bowl: For tossing the chicken with cornstarch.
Grater: To shred the carrots finely.
Knife and cutting board: For prepping chicken and slicing green onions.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.

Step-by-Step: Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Place the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl and toss them with ½ cup of cornstarch until they’re evenly coated. This step is key to creating a slight crust on the chicken and thickening the sauce later on.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding and brown them on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. You don’t need to cook through, just get a nice golden color. This adds flavor and texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon minced garlic, ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce, ½ cup water, and ½ cup brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This mixture will form the signature sweet and savory sauce for your Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken.

Step 4: Combine in the Slow Cooker

Transfer all the browned chicken to the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated. Add 1 cup of grated carrots to the pot and give everything a gentle stir to combine.

Step 5: Slow Cook and Serve

Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2 hours. The chicken should be tender and the sauce thickened. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.

Substitutions by Category

Chicken: Swap chicken breasts for boneless skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Sauce: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Sweetener: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a different sweetness profile.
Vegetables: Add bell peppers or snap peas along with the carrots to increase veggie variety.

Cook’s Notes

Be careful not to overcook the chicken in the slow cooker; it can dry out if left too long.
For a thicker sauce, mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Save It for Later

This Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep and freezing. Cool completely, then portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick weeknight dinner. You can also add it to rice bowls or wraps for easy lunches throughout the week.

Quick Questions

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and food safety. Using frozen chicken in the slow cooker can result in uneven cooking and longer cook times.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken?

This dish goes wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even noodles. For a lighter option, serve it alongside sautéed vegetables or a crisp green salad.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help the sauce become glossy and coat the chicken beautifully.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative instead of regular soy sauce. Make sure your cornstarch is pure and gluten-free as well.

Similar Recipes

Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta – A sweet and savory chicken pasta dish that’s quick and satisfying.
One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Creamy, cheesy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Chicken And Mushroom Rigatoni – A comforting pasta loaded with tender chicken and earthy mushrooms.

Let’s Eat

Now that you have a delicious Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken recipe in your hands, it’s time to get cooking! This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful, easy meal with minimal effort. The sweet and salty sauce, tender chicken, and fresh green onion garnish make every bite a delight. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or prepping meals ahead, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy every bite!

Share on Pinterest