If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor but doesn’t keep you tied to the kitchen for hours, you’ve got to try this 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami all wrapped around tender, crispy chicken strips tossed in a luscious brown sugar soy glaze. What’s truly charming about this recipe is how quickly it comes together without sacrificing that rich, homemade taste we all love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you simply want to impress guests without breaking a sweat, this is definitely a dish to keep in your culinary arsenal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ten small glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center is a bowl filled with small, light pink raw meat pieces. Surrounding it are bowls holding dark brown paste, black soy sauce, chopped green onions, minced garlic, a white powder, a mix of salt and pepper, clear liquid, and golden oil. One empty bowl is also present. Each bowl is clear glass with different ingredients showing distinct colors and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but carefully chosen to create a delightful harmony of taste, texture, and color. From the natural sweetness of dark brown sugar to the zing of fresh ginger and the deep saltiness of soy sauce, each item plays an essential role in bringing your 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken Recipe to life.

1 pound boneless chicken: Thighs are highly recommended for juicy, tender pieces that soak up sauce beautifully, though breasts work well too.
¼ cup corn starch + 2 teaspoons extra: Used for coating the chicken to get that perfect crispy crust and thickening the sauce to silky perfection.
Salt and pepper to taste: Basic seasonings that enhance every ingredient and bring out the natural flavors.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for frying chicken strips until golden and crispy, with more on standby just in case.
1 teaspoon minced ginger: Adds a subtle bite and fragrant warmth that brightens up the dish.
1 teaspoon minced garlic: Deepens flavor and creates that irresistible aromatics Mongolian chicken is known for.
½ cup green onion: Both white and green parts add crunch, freshness, and a mild pungency to the dish.
½ cup dark brown sugar: Provides that signature caramelized sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce beautifully.
½ cup low sodium soy sauce: The backbone salty, umami component — choose gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
1½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil: Gives a nutty, luxurious finish that elevates the dish to restaurant-quality.
⅓ cup water: Mixed with corn starch to create a slurry that thickens the sauce perfectly without lumps.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry

Start by mixing 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with ⅓ cup water in a small bowl. This slurry will come into play shortly to thicken the delicious sauce so it coats every piece of chicken in glossy perfection.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Cut your boneless chicken into thin strips for quick, even cooking. Toss the strips in a zip-lock bag with ¼ cup cornstarch, then add a pinch of salt and pepper. Seal the bag and shake it energetically to ensure every piece gets beautifully coated — this is what will give your chicken that lovely crispy exterior.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken strips in batches — avoid crowding to allow them to brown evenly. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp. Once done, transfer the chicken onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Keep frying until all chicken strips are perfectly crispy.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Using the same pan, add minced ginger, garlic, and half of the sliced green onions. If the pan seems dry, add a couple teaspoons of oil to coax out their flavors. Let those aromas fill your kitchen!

Step 5: Combine Sauce Ingredients

Stir in toasted sesame oil, low sodium soy sauce, and dark brown sugar. Mix everything well so the sugar begins to melt and mingle with the sauce. Give your cornstarch slurry a quick stir then pour it in, constantly stirring for about 30 seconds as the sauce thickens luxuriously.

Step 6: Finish with Chicken and Green Onions

Return the crispy chicken strips to the pan along with the remaining green onions. Toss everything quickly so every bite is coated in that signature sticky, sweet-savory sauce. If the sauce feels a bit too thick, no worries — a splash of water or chicken stock fixes it right up!

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Remove from heat and serve your 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken Recipe piping hot, ideally over fluffy steamed rice to soak up every last drop of that glorious sauce.

How to Serve 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken Recipe

A top view of a cooking pan containing two main parts: on the right side, small pieces of cooked shrimp that are light pink with some browned edges, showing a slightly crispy texture; on the left side, fresh green chopped scallions with a crisp and vibrant look. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh green onions sprinkled generously on top add brightness and crunch, while a scattering of toasted sesame seeds will bring extra nuttiness and texture. If you like a little heat, a few red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili can kick things up perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with classic steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which helps balance the intense flavors. For added freshness and color, serve alongside a simple cucumber salad or lightly steamed broccoli for a pop of green and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the chicken wrapped in lettuce leaves for a refreshing handheld bite. You can also plate it over cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb without compromising the taste. A drizzle of extra sesame oil just before serving adds an irresistible aroma that will make your dinner guests swoon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or reheated dinners.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken less crispy, and stirring gently will keep everything tasting fresh and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and have more flavor, chicken breasts work just fine. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster.

Is the soy sauce in this recipe gluten-free?

Regular soy sauce contains gluten, so if you follow a gluten-free diet, look for tamari or gluten-free labeled soy sauce to keep this recipe safe and tasty.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

To add heat, simply toss in some crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic and ginger, or garnish with fresh sliced chili peppers right before serving.

Can I prepare this dish vegetarian?

For a vegetarian twist, substitute chicken with crispy tofu or mushrooms and use vegetarian-friendly soy sauce. The sauce and method remain the same, delivering fantastic flavor.

Why is it important not to overcrowd the pan when frying chicken?

Overcrowding traps steam around the chicken strips, preventing them from crisping properly. Frying in batches ensures even browning and that irresistible crunch that makes the dish so special.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful meal that feels special yet comes together in a flash, the 20-Minute Mongolian Chicken Recipe is your go-to solution. It’s a delightful crowd-pleaser that balances speed with incredible taste, making it a cherished favorite in my kitchen and, I’m sure, will soon be in yours too. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every saucy, savory bite!