If you’re craving a dish that brings together tender chicken and the fresh, bright flavor of scallions in a way that feels both comforting and exciting, this Scallion Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. With each bite, you’ll experience succulent chicken thighs coated in a savory, umami-rich sauce balanced perfectly by the crispness of scallions. It’s a quick and easy meal that feels special enough for any night of the week, delivering big flavors with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this Scallion Chicken Recipe is straightforward yet crucial to building the perfect blend of taste, texture, and color. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the juicy chicken that serves as the hearty base, to the scallions that add a burst of fresh greenery and subtle sharpness.
- 400 g chicken thighs: Choose thighs for juiciness and rich flavor, cut into bite-sized pieces to cook evenly.
- 2 cups scallions, chopped: Make sure to separate the white and green parts to layer flavors skillfully during cooking.
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil that can handle high heat without overpowering the dish.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: This brings a salty depth and a touch of sweetness that complements the chicken beautifully.
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce: Adds a lovely color and a richer soy flavor to enhance the sauce.
- ½ tablespoon oyster sauce: Contributes a savory umami punch that rounds out the seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground pepper gives a gentle heat and aromatic tingling sensation.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps to create a silky coating on the chicken, locking in moisture and giving it a wonderful texture.
How to Make Scallion Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by marinating your bite-sized chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch. This step isn’t just about flavor—it tenderizes the chicken and sets the stage for a beautifully silky texture. While the chicken soaks in this tasty marinade for about 10 minutes, chop the scallions carefully, remembering to keep the white and green parts separate since each part will be added at different times to maximize flavor.
Step 2: Pan Fry the Chicken
Heat 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken pieces, spreading them out to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the chicken with occasional stirring to ensure even browning and to lock in those incredible marinade flavors. After about 6 to 8 minutes, the chicken should be perfectly cooked—juicy on the inside with a light caramelized crust all over.
Step 3: Add the White Parts of the Scallions
Next, toss in the white parts of your scallions and sauté them with the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes. This subtle step helps to soften the scallions and infuse their mild onion flavor deeply into the chicken. If your chicken pieces are on the larger side, it’s a good idea to cover the pan briefly while cooking to ensure thorough cooking without drying out the meat.
Step 4: Finish the Dish with Green Scallions
When the chicken is cooked through, quickly add the green parts of the scallions and stir everything together just for 10 to 20 seconds. This last quick sauté retains the scallions’ bright vivid color and fresh bite, delivering that perfect contrast to the rich cooked chicken and sauce.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Season
Give your delicious scallion chicken a final sprinkle of black pepper if you like a little extra kick. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or noodles to soak up every last bit of the flavorful sauce. This is where those simple ingredients truly shine and come together into an absolutely unforgettable meal.
How to Serve Scallion Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this recipe beautifully. I love adding a few extra chopped green scallions on top after plating for an eye-catching burst of color and a fresh, crisp flavor. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil can also introduce a toasty, nutty aroma that amplifies the dish’s savory appeal.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, steamed jasmine or basmati rice is a classic match, soaking up the luscious sauce perfectly. Alternatively, noodles—whether rice noodles, egg noodles, or even stir-fried ones—make an excellent accompaniment. For veggies, consider a simple stir-fry of baby bok choy, snap peas, or a crunchy cucumber salad to add a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little fancy, try serving your scallion chicken in lettuce cups for a delightful handheld option that’s fun and refreshing. It also works wonderfully over a bed of steamed quinoa or cauliflower rice if you’re aiming for a lighter twist. For a family-style dinner, presentation right in the skillet or a pretty serving dish invites everyone to dig in and share the warmth of this flavorful dish together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got some scallion chicken left over? No problem! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep fresh for up to three days. Because the dish is so flavorful, it’s fantastic for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze scallion chicken too. Just place it in a freezer-safe container or bag within a couple of hours after cooking. It’s best used within one month for optimal taste and texture. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for a yummy meal ready in minutes.
Reheating
For reheating, a gentle approach works best. Warm your scallion chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the chicken moist and the scallions fresh. Microwaving works too, but cover the dish and stir occasionally to heat evenly without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs give a richer and juicier result, chicken breasts can work just fine if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook the breasts, as they can dry out faster.
Do I have to separate the scallion parts?
Yes, separating the white and green parts makes a big difference. The white parts soften and mellow when cooked, flavoring the dish deeply, while the green parts add a fresh, vibrant crunch at the end.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Scallion Chicken Recipe isn’t spicy by default, but you can easily add chili flakes or fresh chili slices if you like some heat. It’s very adaptable to your taste!
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, a mix of hoisin sauce and a splash of soy sauce can mimic the sweet-savory flavor. Mushroom sauce is a good vegetarian alternative.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so no change needed there. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry.
Final Thoughts
This Scallion Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that sticks with you because it’s so full of flavor, yet quick and simple enough to make any day. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you want to impress friends without fuss, this recipe brings irresistible taste and a warm, welcoming aroma to your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own favorite!
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Scallion Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Scallion Chicken is a quick and flavorful Chinese-inspired stir-fry featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a savory sauce with soy and oyster sauce, then pan-fried with aromatic scallions. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 400 g chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Vegetables & Oil
- 2 cups scallions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for 10 minutes while you chop the scallions, separating the white and green parts.
- Pan Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the Scallions: Add the white parts of the scallions to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften. If your chicken pieces are larger, cover the pan for a few minutes to ensure thorough cooking.
- Finish the Dish: Once the chicken is cooked and scallions are tender, add the green parts of the scallions and quickly stir-fry for 10-20 seconds to combine flavors and keep the greens fresh.
- Serve: Optionally season with additional black pepper to taste. Serve the scallion chicken hot with steamed rice or your choice of noodles for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes but not more than 30 minutes.
- If you prefer a crispier texture, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs provide more tenderness and juiciness.
- Add a splash of sesame oil at the end for extra aroma.
- Adjust black pepper to your spice preference; freshly ground black pepper works best.
