Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe
If you love dishes that bring together simple ingredients in an irresistible way, you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe. Featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked to perfection with crisped skin and bathed in a savory, slightly sweet ginger-scallion sauce, this meal is a celebration of bright flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just diving into Chinese-inspired dishes, this recipe balances ease and taste effortlessly, making it a staple to whip up any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is essential for capturing the authentic taste and texture of this Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, from the aromatic ginger to the vibrant scallions and the all-important balance of soy sauce and oyster sauce for that perfect umami punch.
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts): The skin adds juiciness and crisps up beautifully for texture contrast.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds savory depth to the marinade and sauce; can adjust saltiness here.
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity to the meat.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a toasty, nutty aroma that makes this dish truly aromatic.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper: Provides gentle heat and earthiness, perfect for Chinese cooking.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps create a slight crust and keeps the chicken tender.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking to crisp the chicken skin.
- 1 tablespoon ginger (julienned): Fresh ginger adds a bright, spicy note that pairs so well with scallions.
- 6 scallions (cut into 2-inch sections): The star ingredient that delivers crunch and an unmistakable fresh onion flavor.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for sauce): Boosts the final sauce’s savoriness.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds richness and umami, making the sauce silky and tasty.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the salt and adds a hint of sweetness to the glaze.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water: Creates the perfect consistency for the sauce, keeping it luscious but not heavy.
How to Make Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, salt, white pepper, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Add the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well-coated. This marinade not only infuses the chicken with incredible flavor but also tenderizes it. Letting it rest for at least 20 minutes allows all those ingredients to settle deliciously into the meat.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat up the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down first; this is where the magic happens as the skin crisps up to a perfect golden brown. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes without disturbing, then flip to the other side for 3 to 4 more minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and irresistible in texture.
Step 3: Stir-fry Ginger and Scallions
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and keep warm. Add the julienned ginger to the same pan and cook for just 30 seconds to release its fragrance. Then toss in the scallions and give them a quick stir-fry for about a minute. This flash cooking keeps the scallions vibrant and slightly crisp while intensifying their natural sweetness.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Sauce
Mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chicken broth in a small bowl, then pour the sauce into the skillet with ginger and scallions. Bring it to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld perfectly. Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce generously on top, and let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes. This final step infuses the chicken with the luscious sauce.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Slice the chicken into serving pieces, spoon the scallions and sauce over the top, and prepare for the best part – digging in!
How to Serve Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few extra fresh scallion rings can take this dish over the top. These little touches add a bit of visual appeal and enhance texture with delightful nuttiness or crunch.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up that delicious sauce perfectly. Alternatively, add some stir-fried greens like bok choy or garlic spinach for freshness and color contrast, turning the meal into a perfectly balanced feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over crispy lettuce cups for a fresh bite, or arrange it atop fried rice for a real one-pan wonder. The versatility of this Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe makes it easy to tailor the presentation to your mood or occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, making the meals that follow equally enjoyable.
Freezing
For longer storage, this dish freezes well. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and keep for up to two months for a convenient homemade meal ready at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
When reheating, use a stovetop pan over medium heat to keep the chicken skin crisp if possible, or microwave briefly then finish with a quick pan sear. Add a splash of water or broth as needed to loosen the sauce and keep everything saucy and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine although thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor. Just be mindful not to overcook breasts as they can dry out more quickly.
Is Shaoxing wine necessary?
Shaoxing wine adds authenticity and complexity, but if you don’t have it, dry sherry is a great substitute. You can even skip it, though you might miss a little depth of flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
This Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe is mild with no added chili heat, focusing instead on the fresh brightness of ginger and scallions. You can spice it up with a pinch of chili flakes if you like some kick.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives to make this dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising on taste.
What’s the best way to cut scallions for this recipe?
Cutting scallions into 2-inch sections rather than finely chopping keeps their texture intact during cooking, giving you those wonderful bursts of flavor and slight crunch that define this dish.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It’s a perfect go-to that’s full of flavor, quick enough for a weeknight, and impressive enough for company. Once you try it, it might just become one of your favorite Asian-inspired dishes to cook again and again.
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Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Chinese Scallion Chicken recipe features tender, crispy-skinned chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and spices. The chicken is pan-seared to golden perfection and then simmered with fresh ginger, scallions, and a savory soy-oyster sauce mixture. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness, this dish is a comforting and authentic main course that pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried greens.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger, julienned
- 6 scallions, cut into 2-inch sections
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, salt, white pepper, and cornstarch. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and cook for 5–6 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for 3–4 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add julienned ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the scallions and stir-fry for 1 minute, allowing them to soften and release aroma.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chicken broth or water. Pour this sauce mixture into the pan and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Combine and finish: Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Slice the chicken and arrange on a serving plate, spooning the scallions and sauce over the top. Serve immediately alongside steamed jasmine rice or your choice of sides.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of boneless.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried greens to complete the meal.
- Adjust the saltiness of the dish by reducing the soy sauce if using regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium.
- You can substitute Shaoxing wine with dry sherry if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
