If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors yet incredibly easy to prepare, this Scallion Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated to perfection and cooked alongside fragrant scallions, garlic, and ginger, all tied together with a luscious, savory sauce. It’s comfort food with a sophisticated edge that will quickly become one of your go-to meals for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Scallion Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a pivotal role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the tender chicken thighs to the crisp scallions and aromatic garlic, these ingredients come together to create something truly special without any fuss.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Provides juicy, tender bites that soak up the sauce perfectly.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds salty, umami richness essential for the marinade.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Gives the chicken a light coating that locks in moisture and creates a subtle velvety texture.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil: Ideal for stir-frying, ensuring everything cooks evenly and develops a slight crispness.
- 4 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces: Offers a bright, fresh crunch and signature flavor in this dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a punch of warmth and depth.
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced: Brings a refreshing zing that balances the richness.
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce: Boosts the savory profile and adds a subtle sweetness.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (extra for the sauce): Enhances the saucy coating’s umami intensity.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Offers a toasty, nutty aroma that rounds out the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water: Creates a light sauce that keeps the chicken moist without heaviness.
How to Make Scallion Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and the cornstarch. This simple marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also prepares it to develop a gorgeous, slightly crisp exterior when cooked. Give it about 10 to 15 minutes to soak up those flavors—this little rest makes all the difference.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Heat your vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. A hot pan is key to achieving that ideal sear on your chicken, locking in juices while creating a beautiful golden crust. The sizzle tells you you’re on the right track!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next, add the marinated chicken to your hot pan and stir-fry for 5 to 6 minutes. You want the pieces to brown nicely and cook through without drying out. Once cooked, set the chicken aside, but keep any flavorful bits left in the pan for the next step.
Step 4: Cook the Aromatics
In the same pan, toss in the scallions, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry these for just 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. This quick step releases their natural oils and perfumes your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma—trust me, no one can resist the smell!
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
While your aromatics are sizzling, whisk together the oyster sauce, the extra tablespoon of soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and chicken broth (or water). This sauce blend brings a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty notes that will coat the chicken beautifully.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the sauce. Stir-fry everything together for 2 to 3 minutes until every bite of chicken is evenly coated in that glossy, flavorful sauce. This final step melds all the components into one harmonious dish that’s truly satisfying.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your Scallion Chicken hot, ideally over steamed rice or your favorite noodles, to soak up every precious drop of sauce. This dish shines best when it’s fresh, warm, and ready to enjoy immediately.
How to Serve Scallion Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a fantastic way to elevate your Scallion Chicken Recipe. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped fresh cilantro can add a lovely contrast in texture and an extra layer of flavor. Thinly sliced red chili adds a subtle heat and a pop of color that makes the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple, complementary sides. Think steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome base. Light stir-fried vegetables, like bok choy or snap peas, provide an extra crunch and freshness. Alternatively, cold cucumber salad offers a crisp, cooling counterbalance, perfect for brightening the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative twist, try serving your Scallion Chicken in lettuce wraps for a fun finger-food approach that’s perfect for entertaining. You could also plate it alongside fried rice or noodle bowls, garnishing with additional scallions or a drizzle of chili oil. Presentation is your chance to play—don’t hesitate to get a little fancy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which may be unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Scallion Chicken Recipe will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its flavors beautifully if eaten within this time frame.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover scallion chicken for up to 2 months by placing it in a freezer-safe container. When freezing, separate portions into meal-sized servings for easy thawing. Although the texture of scallions softens upon freezing, the dish remains just as flavorful after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it covered to keep the moisture in. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems dry to refresh the sauce. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine in this Scallion Chicken Recipe. Just be careful not to overcook them, as breasts can dry out faster than thighs. Marinating and quick stir-frying help keep them tender and juicy.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If oyster sauce isn’t available, you can substitute with hoisin sauce for a sweeter twist, or a mixture of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar to maintain the balance of flavors. The dish will still be delicious but with a slightly different profile.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Keep the same sauce and aromatics, and you’ll get a delightful vegetarian version that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
This Scallion Chicken Recipe is mild and approachable for all palates. If you love spice, feel free to add sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili oil during cooking or as a garnish for an extra kick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and verify the oyster sauce is gluten-free (many brands offer this). Cornstarch and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the full rundown on how to make this incredibly delicious Scallion Chicken Recipe, it’s time to get cooking! Trust me, once you taste the tender chicken laced with aromatic scallions and that amazing sauce, it’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every fantastic bite from this simple but unforgettable dish.
Print
Scallion Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A flavorful and quick scallion chicken stir-fry that combines tender chicken pieces with aromatic garlic, ginger, and scallions, coated in a savory oyster-soy sauce blend. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal served over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Cooking
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
Sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (extra for the sauce)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well to coat evenly and let it marinate for 10-15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Heat the Pan: Place a skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add the scallions, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, releasing their aromatic flavors but not burning.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 cup chicken broth or water until well combined.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the aromatics, pour in the prepared sauce, and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes to coat the chicken evenly and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Serve the scallion chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles for a delicious and balanced meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and check oyster sauce ingredients.
- Chicken thighs give a juicier texture, but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Adjust black pepper and garlic amounts according to taste preferences.
- Adding a small pinch of sugar can balance the savory sauce if desired.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be reheated gently on stovetop.
