What To Serve With Mongolian Chicken (16 BEST Side Dishes!)

Are you looking for ideas for what to serve with Mongolian chicken? 

You’re in the right place! 

Here’s the short answer… 

The best side dishes for Mongolian chicken include steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, stir-fried veggies, cucumber salad, Asian slaw, steamed broccoli, spring rolls, pancakes, and lettuce wraps. 

Let’s take a look at more ideas and essential serving tips… 

(By the way, you might also enjoy checking out what to serve with Mongolian beef!) 

Essential Information About Mongolian Chicken

When preparing to serve Mongolian chicken, you’ll be indulging in a delightful dish that boasts a complex layering of flavours.

Remarkably, despite its name, Mongolian chicken is not traditionally Mongolian; it’s a dish developed in Taiwanese restaurants! 

Ingredients: Your Mongolian chicken will usually feature thinly sliced chicken breast, which is prized for its tenderness.

The sauce is a blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and chilli peppers, offering a beautifully balanced sweet and spicy profile.

Cooking Method: Typically, the chicken is quickly stir-fried, which preserves its moisture and keeps the slices succulent.

The sauce caramelises in the high heat, wrapping each piece of chicken in a glossy, flavourful coating.

• Texture: Expect a slight crispness from the chicken with a rich and sticky sauce that clings to each bite.
• Taste Profile: The dish is known for its sweet yet spicy taste, with a garlicky undertone that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

Classic Accompaniments

Let’s dive into the best ideas for what to serve with Mongolian chicken… 

Steamed Rice

Steamed rice is the quintessential partner for Mongolian chicken, providing a subtle flavour that allows the bold sauce of the chicken to shine.

Choose long-grain rice for its fluffy texture and ability to absorb the dish’s rich sauce.

• Type of Rice: Long-grain (e.g. Basmati or Jasmine)
• Serving Tip: Use a rice cooker or boil on the hob for best results

Fried Rice

Elevate your meal by pairing your Mongolian chicken with fried rice.

This adds an additional layer of taste and texture.

Infuse the rice with aromatics like garlic or spring onions to enrich the profile.

• Ingredients: Garlic, spring onions, peas, carrots, eggs
• Method: Stir-fried in a wok or large frying pan

Noodles

A plate of warm noodles tossed with vegetables offers a hearty alternative to rice.

Opt for egg or wheat noodles and lightly sauté them with a mix of fresh vegetables for a balanced side.

• Noodle Types: Egg or wheat
• Vegetables to Include: Bell peppers, sprouts, green beans

If you love noodles, you’ll also enjoy side dishes for chow mein noodles. 

Vegetable Sides

When serving Mongolian chicken, companion vegetable dishes enhance the meal with textures and flavours.

Here are some suggestions to consider.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

Pair your Mongolian chicken with a vibrant mix of stir-fried vegetables.

Essential in this mix are bell peppers, sliced carrots, and snow peas.

The crispness complements the tender chicken.

• Ingredients:
  • Bell peppers
  • Carrots
  • Snow peas
  • Vegetable oil
  • Garlic
• Method:
  1. Heat oil in a pan.
  2. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add sliced vegetables and stir-fry until just tender.

Salads

A fresh salad can balance the rich flavours of the dish.

Try a simple cucumber salad or a tangy Asian slaw for a refreshing side.

• Cucumber Salad:
  • Thinly sliced cucumbers
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame seeds
• Asian Slaw:
  • Shredded cabbage
  • Carrot strips
  • Dressing: soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice

Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli is a wholesome addition that adds a nutrient-rich side to your plate.

Season lightly with salt and drizzle with melted butter or olive oil to flavour.

• Steps:
  1. Cut broccoli into florets.
  2. Steam until tender.
  3. Season to your preference.

(Love chicken dishes for dinner? You’ll also enjoy side dishes for peppercorn chicken!) 

Breads and Wraps

Accompanying your Mongolian chicken with the right type of bread or wrap can elevate your meal.

Consider these options for a more immersive experience.

Spring Rolls

• Ingredients: Thin flour and water wrappers filled with vegetables and sometimes meat
• Serving: Offer as an appetiser or side, typically fried to a golden crisp

Spring rolls are a delightful starter to pair with Mongolian chicken.

The crispy texture complements the tender chicken pieces, providing a satisfying contrast.

Pancakes

• Ingredients: Flour, water, and salt, rolled thin and cooked until slightly crisp
• Usage: Wrap around slices of chicken and vegetables, often with a sauce

Pancakes bring a casual, interactive element to your meal.

You can roll succulent pieces of Mongolian chicken inside, similar to how one might enjoy Peking duck.

Lettuce Wraps

• Ingredients: Leaves of iceberg or butter lettuce, used as a fresh, crisp holder
• Serving: Assemble by spooning chicken into the lettuce, then eat with your hands

Lettuce wraps are a fresh, lighter alternative.

They’re perfect for those who prefer a low-carb option and they add a crunch to the savoury chicken.

Additional Toppings and Garnishes

Enhance your Mongolian chicken by adding these selected toppings and garnishes for a burst of flavour and texture.

Sesame Seeds

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds liberally over your dish to add a nutty taste and a delightful crunch.

This simple addition not only provides a contrast to the tender chicken but also contributes to the visual appeal.

Spring Onions

Finely chop spring onions and scatter them on top of your Mongolian chicken.

Their sharp, fresh flavour cuts through the richness and adds a pop of colour.

Chilli Flakes

For a gentle heat, sprinkle a pinch of chilli flakes over the dish.

This will invigorate the taste buds without overwhelming the other subtle flavours of the meal.

Beverage Pairings

Let’s not forget about drinks when it comes to what to serve with Mongolian chicken! 

Here are the best options… 

Green Tea

Sipping green tea with your Mongolian chicken can be a refreshing choice.

Its herbal notes and slight bitterness balance the dish’s sweetness and heat.

Choose a high-quality green tea for a more refined taste.

Beer

A cold beer serves as a great palate cleanser.

Opt for a lager with a crisp finish to cut through the dish’s rich sauce.

A lighter ale also works well if you prefer a smoother drink with your meal.

Jasmine Tea

Jasmine tea is a fragrant option that pairs delicately with Mongolian chicken.

Its floral aroma and subtle sweetness echo the dish’s spices without overpowering them.

A freshly brewed pot can heighten the sensory enjoyment of your meal.

What’s your favourite side dish for Mongolian chicken? 

Leave a comment and share your ideas below!