20-Minute Mongolian Chicken

Quick, easy, and insanely delicious 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken! Inspired by the flavors in your favorite dish from your local Chinese restaurant, this recipe comes together in less time than it’d take you to order takeout. Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick meal prep, this dish is sure to impress family and friends with its vibrant taste and aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: In just 20 minutes, you can have a flavorful meal ready to serve. Perfect for those hectic nights!
• Irresistible Flavors: The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a deliciously savory sauce that elevates the chicken.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it over rice, noodles, or even with steamed vegetables. This recipe adapts to what you have on hand.
• One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is cooked in one skillet. Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal!
• Gluten-Free Option: By using tamari instead of soy sauce, this dish can easily be made gluten-free without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather the right tools to make your preparation seamless. Having the essential equipment ready will help ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Provides ample space for cooking the chicken evenly and allows for perfect sauce reduction.
• Whisk: Essential for mixing ingredients thoroughly, especially when combining cornstarch with broth for a smooth sauce.

Ingredients

For this delightful 20-minute mongolian chicken, you’ll need:

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

For Flavoring

• 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

How to Make 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the 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 in the coated chicken.
3. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

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

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together corn starch with vegetable broth.
2. Pour this mixture into the skillet along with the soy sauce.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Once thickened, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
2. Toss everything together until well coated in sauce.
3. Serve hot over rice or noodles as desired!

How to Serve 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken

Serving 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken is all about enhancing its delightful flavors. This dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes that complement its savory taste. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed white rice or jasmine rice absorbs the delicious sauce, making each bite satisfying.

Over Noodles

• Serve it over lo mein or rice noodles for a heartier dish that adds texture and flavor.

Garnished with Sesame Seeds

• A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds crunch and enhances the presentation of your dish.

Accompanied by a Fresh Salad

• A light cucumber or mixed greens salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the chicken.

How to Perfect 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken

To make sure your 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and scallions bring vibrant flavors that dried or older ingredients can’t match.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it gets that golden-brown sear without steaming.
• Adjust the sauce thickness: If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply add more vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Marinate for added flavor: Letting the chicken sit in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a few minutes before cooking can enhance its taste significantly.

Best Side Dishes for 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Fried Rice: A classic choice that combines leftover rice with vegetables and eggs for added flavor and texture.
2. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Quickly sauté broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas in sesame oil for a colorful, nutritious side.
3. Egg Drop Soup: This light soup is easy to make and provides a warm complement to your main course.
4. Crispy Spring Rolls: These crispy delights filled with vegetables add a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
5. Quinoa Salad: A nutritious option packed with fiber—mix quinoa with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for freshness.
6. Roasted Bok Choy: Simple yet flavorful; roast bok choy with garlic for an easy side that pairs perfectly with Asian dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience with this 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken recipe.

• Not seasoning the chicken: Failing to season your chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always add salt and any preferred spices before cooking.
• Overcrowding the skillet: Adding too much chicken at once can lower the skillet’s temperature, causing steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if needed for even cooking.
• Skipping the cornstarch coating: This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Ensure every piece is well-coated before frying.
• Cooking on high heat only: While high heat is good for searing, you must lower it when adding other ingredients to prevent burning. Adjust temperatures as needed throughout the process.
• Ignoring sauce thickening: If the sauce isn’t thickening, consider increasing the heat slightly or adding a touch more cornstarch to achieve your desired consistency.
• Not letting leftovers cool before storing: Placing hot food directly in containers can create condensation, leading to soggy leftovers. Allow it to cool first for better storage.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure the dish has cooled completely before sealing.

Freezing 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
• Best used within 2-3 months for optimal taste and quality.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water and stir in the chicken until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken.

Can I use beef or turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! This recipe is versatile; you can easily substitute beef or turkey for chicken while maintaining delicious flavors.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make gluten-free 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What should I serve with 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables to create a balanced meal.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add chili flakes or fresh chili if you prefer some heat!

Final Thoughts

This 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken recipe is not only quick but also incredibly flavorful and satisfying! You can customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the sauce ingredients. Enjoy experimenting with this delightful dish that brings takeout flavors straight to your kitchen!