20-Minute Mongolian Chicken

Quick, easy, and insanely delicious 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken! This dish is inspired by the flavors of your favorite meal from a local Chinese restaurant. It comes together in less time than it would take to order takeout, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Enjoy this flavorful chicken stir-fry that packs a punch in under 20 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: In just 20 minutes, you can have a satisfying meal ready to serve.
• Flavorful Dish: This recipe bursts with authentic flavors that rival any takeout.
• One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup is required thanks to this convenient one-pan cooking method.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily swap ingredients based on your preference or what’s available.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version without losing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience hassle-free, gather the necessary tools ahead of time. Effective tools will enhance the process and ensure even cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Provides enough space for cooking the chicken evenly and allows for easy stirring.
• Whisk: Helps blend the corn starch and vegetable broth smoothly, preventing lumps in your sauce.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, thinly sliced
• salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup corn starch, or arrowroot starch

For Cooking

• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 3 scallions, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated

For the Sauce

• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce, or tamari if gluten-free

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

this recipe

How to Make 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the sliced chicken breast with salt.
2. Toss the chicken in corn starch until well coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add the coated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

1. Lower the heat to medium.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and scallions to the skillet.
3. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. Whisk corn starch into vegetable broth until smooth.
2. Pour this mixture into the skillet along with soy sauce.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Once thickened, add chicken back into the skillet.
2. Toss everything in the sauce until well combined, then serve immediately.

This speedily prepared 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken is sure to become a family favorite!

How to Serve 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken

Serving 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken is all about enhancing the flavors while keeping it simple. This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides, making it a versatile meal option.

Over Steamed Rice

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice complements the savory sauce perfectly and absorbs all the delicious flavors.

With Noodles

• Tossed with lo mein or rice noodles, this chicken dish creates a satisfying and hearty meal.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Serve the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb option that adds crunch and texture.

On a Bed of Vegetables

• Layer over stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli for a nutritious and colorful plate.

How to Perfect 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken

Perfecting your 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken can elevate your cooking game. Here are some tips to ensure the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and scallions enhance the flavor profile significantly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Feel free to adjust salt or soy sauce based on your preference.
• Let Sauce Thicken: Give the sauce enough time to thicken on low heat before adding back the chicken for better coating.
• Experiment with Proteins: Try using beef or tofu for a different twist on this quick recipe.
• Add Heat: For spice lovers, add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers to bring some heat into the dish.

Best Side Dishes for 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken

Pairing side dishes with 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fried Rice: Classic fried rice enriched with peas and carrots makes for a flavorful complement.
2. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with veggies provide a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
3. Garlic Broccoli: Garlic sautéed broccoli adds a nutritious green element while being easy to prepare.
4. Egg Drop Soup: This light soup is perfect as an appetizer, balancing out the richness of Mongolian chicken.
5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar offers a cool counterpoint to spicy flavors.
6. Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with pork or veggies are delightful sides that soak up the savory sauce well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish.

• Skipping the seasoning: Make sure to season the chicken breast with salt before coating it in corn starch. This step is essential for flavor.
• Overcrowding the pan: If you add too much chicken at once, it will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Neglecting to whisk the sauce: Whisking the corn starch into the broth is crucial for a smooth sauce. Skip this step, and you may end up with lumps.
• Not letting the sauce thicken: Patience is key! Allow the sauce to simmer until thickened for a better texture and flavor.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using high-quality soy sauce or tamari can elevate your dish. Don’t settle for low-grade options.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
• Best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water and reheat chicken until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken?

You can serve this dish with steamed rice, vegetables, or noodles for a complete meal.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version of this delicious Mongolian chicken.

How spicy is 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken?

This recipe is not spicy but can be adjusted by adding chili flakes or fresh peppers according to your taste preference.

How do I customize my 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to make it more nutritious and colorful!

Final Thoughts

This 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken recipe is quick, easy, and versatile. Perfect for busy weeknights, it allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Don’t hesitate to try it out; you’ll love how simple yet flavorful it is!

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20-Minute Mongolian Chicken

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the quick and flavorful 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken, a stir-fry that captures the essence of your favorite Chinese takeout without the wait. This delectable dish features tender chicken breast coated in a luscious sauce made from soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option), garlic, and ginger, all cooked in just twenty minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings, this one-pan meal is customizable to suit your preferences. Whether served over steamed rice, tossed with noodles, or wrapped in lettuce leaves, every bite is sure to impress. Elevate your dinner game with this easy-to-make recipe that’s not only delicious but also effortless to clean up!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup corn starch (or arrowroot starch)
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 3 scallions, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari)
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth

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Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and coat with corn starch.
2. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté garlic, ginger, and scallions in the same skillet until fragrant.
4. Whisk corn starch into vegetable broth and add to skillet along with soy sauce; simmer until thickened.
5. Return chicken to skillet; toss well in sauce and serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 384
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 830mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking chicken for even browning. Customize with vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition.