Description
Quick, flavorful, and satisfying, this 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken brings takeout-style flavor to your table in record time. Tender chicken is coated in a crispy cornstarch layer and tossed in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce made with soy, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a versatile recipe that pairs well with rice, noodles, or veggies.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
1 ½ pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into strips
¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce
½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup (70 g) light brown sugar, packed
½ cup (120 ml) water or chicken broth
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon sesame oil
For Garnish
4 green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Coat the Chicken
Place sliced chicken in a large bowl.
Sprinkle cornstarch and toss to coat evenly. Shake off excess.
Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add chicken in batches, spread out evenly, and cook 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy.
Remove to a plate and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
Lower heat to medium, add garlic and ginger, and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in soy sauce, brown sugar, and water (or broth).
Stir until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return chicken to skillet and toss to coat.
Cook 2–3 more minutes until sauce is glossy and sticky.
Finish
Stir in green onions, sprinkle sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Slice chicken thinly for faster cooking and better sauce absorption.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook chicken in batches for crisp results.
Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing the brown sugar.
Sauce too thick? Add a splash of water. Too thin? Simmer a bit longer.
Have all ingredients ready before starting—the recipe moves quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry / Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: 20-minute mongolian chicken, quick asian chicken stir fry, easy mongolian chicken recipe, takeout-style chicken dinner, chicken with soy garlic ginger