20 Minutes Sweet Savory Mongolian Chicken – Easy Recipe

Mongolian chicken is a quick, easy, and delicious dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a rich, sweet-savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for a flavorful, Asian-inspired meal. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dinner at home. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese takeout or just looking for a comforting chicken recipe, this Mongolian chicken is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This 20 Minutes Mongolian Chicken

This 20-minute Mongolian chicken recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves bold, savory flavors but doesn’t have a lot of time to cook. The crispy chicken strips are coated in a sticky, sweet sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil, creating a perfectly balanced taste. This dish is quick and easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s also versatile—feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients Needed for Mongolian Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Mongolian chicken:

• Boneless chicken: Using chicken thighs ensures the meat remains juicy and tender.
• Corn starch: Coats the chicken for that crispy texture.
• Salt and pepper: Adds basic seasoning to the chicken.
• Vegetable oil: Used for frying the chicken to golden perfection.
• Ginger and garlic: Infuse the sauce with a fresh, aromatic flavor.
• Green onions: Adds a mild, fresh taste to the sauce.
• Dark brown sugar: Contributes to the rich sweetness of the sauce.
• Low sodium soy sauce: A key ingredient for the sauce base.
• Toasted sesame oil: Provides an authentic, nutty flavor.
• Water: Helps to adjust the sauce consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have some of these ingredients on hand, here are a few substitutions:

• Chicken breast: While chicken thighs are recommended for juiciness, chicken breasts will also work.
• Gluten-free soy sauce: For those on a gluten-free diet, opt for a gluten-free soy sauce.
• Hoisin sauce: You can add a little hoisin sauce for an extra layer of flavor in the sauce.
• Spice it up: If you like spicy food, add some dried red chilies or a splash of hot sauce to the recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Mongolian Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the boneless chicken into thin strips. Add them to a zip-lock bag with corn starch, salt, and pepper. Shake the bag to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same pan, add minced ginger, garlic, and half of the green onions. If the pan is dry, add 2-3 teaspoons of oil. Sauté for about 20 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Sauce Ingredients

Add toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, and dark brown sugar to the pan. Stir well to combine. In a small bowl, mix corn starch with water to form a slurry, then pour it into the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, which should take about 30 seconds.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Add the fried chicken back into the pan along with the remaining green onions. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water or chicken stock to adjust the consistency.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from heat and serve your Mongolian chicken immediately, preferably over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Mongolian Chicken

• Use chicken thighs for juiciness: Boneless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay tender and juicy even when fried. Avoid using chicken breast unless you’re careful not to overcook it.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure it crisps up properly. Overcrowding the pan can cause the chicken to steam instead of fry, resulting in less crispy pieces.
• Mise en place: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking to ensure the stir-fry process goes smoothly.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Mongolian chicken is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate your meal by pairing it with some delicious sides or experimenting with variations:

• Add veggies: For a healthier dish, consider adding vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. These vegetables will not only enhance the flavor but also add extra nutrition.
• Spicy Mongolian chicken: If you love heat, add dried red chilies, fresh Thai red chilies, or a dash of hot sauce like sriracha.
• Serve with rice: The dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, or for a low-carb alternative, try cauliflower rice.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Mongolian chicken is a great make-ahead dish. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Reheat the chicken on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or chicken stock to bring it back to the right consistency.

Why Mongolian Chicken is a Great Dinner Option

This 20-minute Mongolian chicken recipe is not only quick and easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser. With crispy chicken coated in a rich, sweet-savory sauce, it’s the perfect balance of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your dietary preferences and can be served with a variety of sides for a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, Mongolian chicken is a great choice that everyone will love.

Conclusion

In just 20 minutes, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal with this Mongolian chicken recipe. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this dish is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious combination of crispy chicken and a sweet-savory sauce. The best part? It’s completely customizable, so you can add your favorite vegetables or spice it up to suit your preferences. With simple pantry ingredients, you can bring the taste of a Chinese-inspired dish right into your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this Mongolian chicken is sure to become a go-to recipe that you’ll return to time and time again!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

More Relevant Recipes

• Roasted Veggie and Chickpea Bowl: This vibrant bowl combines roasted vegetables and chickpeas with bold spices, offering a flavorful vegetarian option that’s both hearty and healthy. The dish’s savory and slightly sweet profile complements the Mongolian chicken’s flavors, making it an excellent side dish or main course alternative.
• Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad: This refreshing Korean-inspired salad features crisp cucumbers tossed in a spicy and tangy dressing, providing a perfect balance to the sweet-savory Mongolian chicken. The crunch of the cucumbers adds a refreshing texture, making it an ideal side dish to pair with the main recipe.
• Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad: Combining the sweetness of roasted corn with a creamy dressing, this pasta salad makes for a rich and indulgent dish. Its mild flavors and creamy texture pair wonderfully with the crispy chicken in Mongolian chicken, offering a satisfying and comforting meal combination.

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