Scallion Chicken Recipe
If you are looking for a dish that bursts with flavor yet comes together quickly, this Scallion Chicken Recipe is going to become your new weeknight hero. Juicy chicken thighs meld with the fresh vibrancy of scallions, all coated in a savory glaze from soy and oyster sauces. It’s a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that looks impressive on the plate but is incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dish delivers comfort and excitement in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Scallion Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s bringing a punch of flavor, tender texture, or beautiful color. These simple staples come together to create a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to make.
- 400 g chicken thighs: Choose boneless, skinless or bone-in pieces for juicy, tender bites that soak up the marinade perfectly.
- 2 cups scallions (chopped): Separating the white and green parts enhances flavor layering and color contrast in the dish.
- 4 tablespoons oil: A neutral oil like vegetable or canola is ideal for pan frying to get the chicken crispy without overpowering flavors.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory umami depth and a touch of saltiness to the marinade.
- 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce: Provides rich color and a slightly sweeter, more robust soy flavor.
- 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce: Boosts the dish’s complexity with its velvety texture and mildly sweet seafood notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder: Adjust this to taste for just the right amount of warmth and spice.
- 2 tablespoons corn starch: This helps create a light, crispy coating on the chicken while thickening the sauce as it cooks.
How to Make Scallion Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing the chicken thighs with soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and corn starch. This combination not only seasons the meat deeply but also forms a slight crust once cooked. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes to absorb all those wonderful flavors. While the chicken marinates, chop the scallions carefully, separating the white parts from the green parts—each will be added at different stages to build layers of taste and texture.
Step 2: Pan Fry the Chicken
Heat your oil over medium heat in a non-stick pan, then add the marinated chicken pieces. Cooking at the right temperature ensures they brown beautifully while staying juicy inside. Fry until the chicken is fully cooked through, getting a nice golden exterior that adds a pleasant crunch to contrast the tender inside.
Step 3: Add the Scallions
Once the chicken is nearly done, stir in the white parts of the scallions first. Their sharper, slightly oniony flavor mellows as they cook, infusing the dish with freshness. If your chicken pieces are large or bone-in, covering the pan during this step helps them cook through while letting the scallions soften perfectly. Finally, toss in the green parts of the scallions for just 10-20 seconds. This final quick stir keeps them vibrant and crisp, adding a pop of color and a mild, pleasing crunch just before serving.
Step 4: Serve Up Your Scallion Chicken Recipe
Finish by sprinkling some extra black pepper or fresh scallions on top for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal. Serve this Scallion Chicken Recipe hot alongside steamed rice or your favorite noodles. The sauce from the pan is perfect for spooning over each bite, making every forkful a delicious experience.
How to Serve Scallion Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh scallions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can elevate the dish’s presentation and add a gentle nutty flavor. A scattering of thinly sliced red chilies can also provide a vibrant contrast and a touch of heat if you like spice.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy noodles, which soak up the flavorful sauce effortlessly. For a veggie boost, serve it alongside stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas for a bright, crunchy counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Scallion Chicken Recipe wrapped in lettuce cups or as a topping for crunchy rice crackers. It’s also fantastic as a filling in a warm bao bun for an informal, party-ready snack that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the cooked scallion chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Stored properly in the fridge, it will stay delicious for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors again without any loss of texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Scallion Chicken Recipe longer, freezing is an option. Pack it into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag, removing as much air as possible. The dish will hold up well for up to 2 months. When freezing, consider storing sauce and chicken together to preserve flavor balance.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This will restore moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the texture from becoming rubbery, especially in the scallions.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but since they are leaner, be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out more easily. Marinating and careful pan frying will help keep them moist and flavorful.
Is it necessary to separate white and green parts of the scallions?
Separating the scallions adds layers of flavor and texture. The white parts are stronger and need more time to cook, while the green parts add a fresh, crisp finish when added at the end. It’s a small step that pays off beautifully.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! You can add sliced fresh chilies or a dash of chili oil during cooking. Adjust the black pepper to suit your spice preferences. This flexibility makes the Scallion Chicken Recipe easy to customize.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If oyster sauce isn’t on hand, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar for sweetness. While it won’t be exactly the same, it will still add depth and richness to the dish.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
While 10 minutes is enough to infuse flavor and tenderize the chicken, you can marinate it longer—up to a couple of hours in the fridge—for an even more flavorful result, especially useful if planning ahead.
Final Thoughts
This Scallion Chicken Recipe has everything you want from a simple, satisfying meal: bright flavors, tender meat, and a sauce that ties it all together perfectly. It’s quick enough for busy nights but flavorful enough to make you feel like you’re dining out. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to dishes that you make again and again.
Print
Scallion Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful scallion chicken stir-fry featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a savory blend of soy sauces, oyster sauce, and pepper, then pan-fried with fresh scallions for a delicious, aromatic meal perfect to serve with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 400 g chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
Vegetables
- 2 cups scallions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
Cooking
- 4 tablespoons oil
Instructions
- Preparing: Mix the chicken thighs with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper powder, and corn starch thoroughly. Marinate the mixture for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. While marinating, chop the scallions and separate the white parts from the green parts for staggered cooking.
- Pan frying chicken: Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and pan fry, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes depending on size.
- Adding scallions: Add the white parts of the scallions to the pan and cook until they soften, around 2-3 minutes. If the chicken pieces are larger or have bones, cover the pan with a lid and cook until the chicken is cooked through. Then add the green parts of the scallions and stir-fry for an additional 10-20 seconds to retain freshness and color.
- Serving: Sprinkle additional black pepper or more scallions if desired, then serve the scallion chicken hot alongside steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little water to the marinade before cooking and adjust the corn starch accordingly.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat compared to breast.
- Adjust pepper quantity based on your spice preference.
- Cooking the scallion whites first prevents them from overpowering the dish while preserving the crispness and freshness of the scallion greens.
- This dish pairs excellently with jasmine or basmati rice or stir-fried noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
