20 Minutes Mongolian Chicken Recipe

When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For me, it’s the sizzling, sweet, and savory notes of Mongolian chicken. I first stumbled upon this gem during a bustling night out in a little Asian bistro. The blend of spices and tender chicken effortlessly transported me to another world. I thought, “I need this in my home!” Little did I know, I could whip it up in just 20 minutes. Yes, you heard me right! With a few pantry staples and a splash of flavor, this dish has become a frequent guest at my dinner table, and I think it’ll earn a spot on yours too!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let’s dive into the flavors, shall we? This Mongolian chicken is a beautiful symphony of sweet and tangy with a hint of umami that dances on your taste buds. In just about 20 minutes, you can serve a dish that boasts restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen. Imagine tender pieces of chicken glazed in a luscious sauce, making every bite a delight. Furthermore, it’s not just about the taste – it’s all about the ease! Perfect for those busy weeknights, yet fancy enough to impress a weekend guest. Plus, it’s versatile! You can adjust the level of sweetness or add a touch of heat, tailoring it to your preference. Feeling adventurous? Serve it over rice or noodles, and you have a complete meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying.

Gather these ingredients

• Boneless Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs for their juicy tenderness, but boneless chicken breast works too if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember, thighs will elevate the flavor!

• Soy Sauce: This salty, savory ingredient forms the base of our sauce, contributing that mouthwatering umami punch. Opt for low-sodium if you want to keep things lighter.

• Brown Sugar: Sweetness is key. Brown sugar caramelizes beautifully in the pan, adding depth and richness to our dish. If you prefer a healthier option, try coconut sugar.

• Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced, these aromatic powerhouses bring warmth and complexity to your sauce. Trust me; don’t substitute with powders if you can help it – the fresh versions truly make a difference!

• Green Onions: These aren’t just for garnish – they add a sharp, fresh crunch that balances the richness of the chicken.

• Cornstarch: This is our little secret for achieving that glossy sauce. It thickens the sauce beautifully, giving it that nice cling to the chicken.

The cooking process explained

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Start by slicing your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Mince your garlic and ginger, and chop the green onions, keeping the white and green parts separate. It’s like assembling your little army for a flavor explosion!

2. Whisk the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. This will be the magic potion that transforms your chicken!

3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, throw in the chicken, seasoned with salt and pepper. Sear it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and almost cooked through. Don’t rush this step – that caramelization is pure gold.

4. Add the Sauce: Pour your sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat it evenly. Let it bubble up, and watch as it thickens and clings to every piece. This takes just a few minutes and smells heavenly!

5. Finish with Green Onions: Toss in the white parts of the green onions, stir, and cook for one final minute. This adds freshness and a pop of color to your dish.

6. Serve: Plate it up with the greens sprinkled on top. Voila! You’re done.

Best way to enjoy it

Now that you’ve put in the work, let’s talk serving! This Mongolian chicken shines on its own but truly dazzles when accompanied by a fluffy bed of jasmine rice or some tender steamed veggies. If you’re feeling generous, toss in some sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for an extra flair! I also love to serve it with quick pickled cucumbers on the side for a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness.

Storage and reheating tips

Let’s be real – if you have leftovers, you’ll want to keep them fresh! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days (though it’s unlikely to last that long!). When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to create that beautiful sauce again. If you decide to freeze any, make sure to cool it completely before transferring it into freezer bags. Thaw and reheat slowly, and it’ll still taste fabulous!

Helpful cooking tips

Here’s the deal; if you’re looking to elevate this dish further, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! First, try marinating your chicken in the soy sauce mix for about 30 minutes before cooking – it adds an extra depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Also, don’t hesitate to play with the sweetness; a drizzle of honey can work wonders if brown sugar isn’t accessible. Oh, and if you love a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes to the sauce. Seriously, it’s all about making it your own!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous and want to shake things up? Consider swapping out the chicken for beef or tofu for a bit of variety. You could even add veggies like bell peppers or snap peas in the last few minutes of cooking for a pop of color and nutrition. Feeling like a global explorer? Try adding a splash of sesame oil for a nutty undertone or stir in some peanut butter for a creamy twist. The world is your oyster!

Ingredients list

• Boneless Chicken Thighs
• Soy Sauce
• Brown Sugar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Green Onions
• Cornstarch

Directions to follow

1. Slice chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
2. Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch in a bowl.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear chicken until golden brown for 5-7 mins.
5. Pour sauce over chicken and stir to coat.
6. Add white parts of the green onions and cook for one minute.
7. Plate and garnish with green onions.

Your questions answered

• What’s the prep time? Approximately 10 minutes.
• Can I use chicken breasts instead? Yes, just adjust the cooking time slightly.
• How spicy is this dish? It’s mild, but you can add red pepper flakes for heat.
• Is this gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• Can I make this ahead? Yes, but the sauce tastes best fresh!

Whenever you’re feeling the need for a quick and utterly scrumptious meal, remember this delicious Mongolian chicken. With its perfect blend of sweetness and savory goodness, it’s like a warm hug on a plate, ready to mend a weary day. Cooking is all about experimentation, so don’t hesitate to try your own variations. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out—share your twists or any thoughts in the comments! Let’s keep this cooking community thriving, one delicious bite at a time!

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20 Minutes Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: E Easy High Protein Non Vegetarian Quick Meals W Weeknight

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 20 mins

Cooking Temp: medium-high  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 300

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

A savory and sweet dish featuring tender chicken glazed in a rich sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Boneless Chicken Thighs (Can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred)
• ¹⁄₂ cup Soy Sauce (Use low-sodium for a lighter option)
• ¹⁄₄ cup Brown Sugar (Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative)
• 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
• 1 inch Ginger (Minced)
• 3 stalks Green Onions (Chop and keep white and green parts separate)
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch (For thickening the sauce)

Cooking Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Prepare the Ingredients

   Start by slicing chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Mince garlic and ginger, and chop green onions, keeping white and green parts separate.
   Mark as complete

2. Whisk the Sauce

   In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch.
   Mark as complete

3. Sauté the Chicken

   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
   Do not rush to ensure proper caramelization.
   Mark as complete

4. Add the Sauce

   Pour the sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly, and allow to simmer until thickened.
   This takes just a few minutes.
   Mark as complete

5. Finish with Green Onions

   Add the white parts of the green onions and stir, cooking for one final minute.
   This adds freshness to the dish.
   Mark as complete

6. Serve

   Plate the dish, garnishing with the green parts of the green onions.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 300kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 14g22%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 90mg30%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 400mg12%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 12g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 200 IU

Vitamin C 3 mg

Calcium 30 mg

Iron 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Keywords: Mongolian chicken, quick dinner, comfort food, Asian bistro, easy recipe