Scallion Chicken Recipe

Picture this: the sizzle of tender chicken hitting a hot pan, releasing an irresistible aroma of soy, oyster sauce, and fragrant scallions. As the vibrant green scallions mingle with the golden chicken, your kitchen fills with a warm, inviting scent that promises a burst of flavor in every bite. This Scallion Chicken Recipe is the ultimate quick-fix dish that feels like a special treat—simple to make yet rich with savory goodness that will have you craving more.

Why You’ll Love This Scallion Chicken Recipe

• Ready in 20 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast but fulfilling.
• Uses simple ingredients: Most of these pantry staples you already have, no complicated shopping lists needed.
• Perfect for beginners: The straightforward steps make it easy to nail, even if cooking isn’t your daily jam yet.
• Impressive presentation: Those bright green scallions give it a fresh pop of color that’s as lovely on the plate as on the palate.
• Customizable: Easily tweak the sauces or spice level to make this Scallion Chicken Recipe your signature dish.

Why This Scallion Chicken Recipe Works

The magic of this Scallion Chicken Recipe lies in its elegant simplicity. First, marinating the chicken in a blend of soy and oyster sauce tenderizes each bite and infuses deep umami flavors, while the cornstarch gives it a silky coating that locks in juices. Next, cooking the white parts of the scallions till softened releases their sweetness, creating a delicate balance against the savory chicken. Lastly, adding the green scallion tops at the end ensures a fresh, vibrant crunch that brings both color and texture to the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These straightforward ingredients come together effortlessly to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 400 g chicken thighs: Cut into small pieces for quick, even cooking and juicy tenderness.
• 2 cups scallions: Chopped and separated into white and green parts to layer flavors perfectly.
• 4 tablespoons oil: For frying the chicken to a golden perfection.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory depth and saltiness.
• 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce: Enhances color and adds a sweet, smoky undertone.
• 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce: Brings a rich, briny flavor that elevates the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder: Adds a gentle kick and warmth.
• 2 tablespoons corn starch: Helps coat the chicken for that silky texture and locks in moisture.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Chicken thighs: Boneless chicken breasts can be used, but thighs provide juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Oyster sauce: Substitute with hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce for a vegetarian tweak.
• Soy sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter salt content without sacrificing flavor.
• Corn starch: Arrowroot powder or potato starch work just as well for the coating.

How to Make Scallion Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Scallions

Start by placing your chicken thigh pieces in a mixing bowl. Add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch, then toss everything together until each piece is well coated. Let this marinate for about 10 minutes while you chop the scallions. Be sure to separate the white parts from the green parts, as they will be cooked at different times to bring out the best flavors.

💡 Pro Tip: Marinade time is key—if you’re in a rush, even 10 minutes gives the chicken a tender, flavorful boost.

Step 2: Pan-Fry the Chicken

Heat up your oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Give it space and let the chicken fry undisturbed so it gets beautifully golden and slightly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. Flip the pieces as they cook until they’re fully done through, about 6-8 minutes depending on size.

💡 Pro Tip: If your chicken pieces are larger or bone-in, covering the pan with a lid helps trap heat and cook through evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Scallions

Once the chicken is mostly cooked, add in the white parts of the scallions. Stir and cook them with the chicken until they soften and release their sweet essence, about 2-3 minutes. Then toss in the green scallion tops, cooking them just 10-20 seconds to keep that fresh crunch and vibrant color.

💡 Pro Tip: Adding the green parts last preserves their brightness and crunch – don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Finish by sprinkling extra black pepper or more scallions on top if you like. Serve this flavorful Scallion Chicken Recipe alongside steamed rice or your favorite noodles to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.

💡 Pro Tip: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil just before serving adds a nutty, aromatic finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls to get your Scallion Chicken Recipe just right every time:

• Overcrowding the pan: This leads to steaming, not frying, resulting in soggy chicken.
• Skipping marination: The savory flavor won’t penetrate as deeply without the rest time.
• Adding all scallions at once: Cooking green parts too long makes them limp and dull.
• Using low heat only: Medium-high heat helps to sear and caramelize the chicken.
• Not separating scallion parts: White and green parts have very different textures and flavors.
• Cooking chicken too long: Overcooked chicken can dry out quickly.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Scallion Chicken Recipe, have some fun by trying these tasty twists:

Spicy Scallion Chicken

Add a tablespoon of chili paste or fresh sliced chili when frying the scallions for a fiery kick that wakes up your palate.

Lemon Garlic Scallion Chicken

Stir in minced garlic with the scallions and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor.

Honey Soy Scallion Chicken

Mix a teaspoon of honey into the marinade for a subtly sweet and sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully.

Ginger Scallion Chicken

Add freshly grated ginger to the marinade and along with the white scallions for warming depth and aromatic bite.

Sesame Scallion Chicken

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish and use sesame oil to fry the chicken for a rich, nutty variation.

Vegetable-Loaded Scallion Chicken

Stir-fry bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms along with the scallions to add color, crunch, and nutrition.

How to Serve Scallion Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh slices of chili, extra chopped scallions, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add visual appeal and additional flavor layers.

Side Dishes

This Scallion Chicken shines best alongside steamed jasmine rice, garlic fried rice, or simple stir-fried noodles. Light sautéed greens or a crisp Asian slaw also complement the savory richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in a shallow bowl garnished with scallion curls or a wedge of lime for brightness. For gatherings, place the chicken on a large platter with scattered scallions and chili slices for a family-style feast feeling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover scallion chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked scallion chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken crispy. Microwave reheating works too but might soften the texture slightly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breast works, but it’s less juicy, so be careful not to overcook it.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

Hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce are good vegetarian-friendly alternatives that offer similar umami notes.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default, but you can easily add chili flakes or fresh chilis to make it as spicy as you like.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce options, and double-check your corn starch for cross-contamination.

How do I store leftover scallion chicken?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

What side dishes go well with scallion chicken?

Steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or simple sautéed vegetables complement this dish beautifully.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to cook.

Why do we separate the white and green parts of scallions?

The white parts soften and sweeten when cooked longer, while the green parts add a fresh crunch and vibrant flavor when added last.

Final Thoughts

This Scallion Chicken Recipe is one of those simple yet spectacular dishes that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Its wonderful balance of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors comes together quickly, making it a reliable favorite for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, it’s a dish that never fails to impress and satisfy.

Have you tried this Scallion Chicken Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🍽️

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