Get ready to fall in love with Scallion Chicken—a dish that’s the epitome of quick comfort and big flavor! Juicy bites of chicken thighs are cloaked in a glossy, savory sauce, kissed with ginger and garlic, and crowned with a scattering of fresh scallions for a fragrant, slightly sweet crunch. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing and turns any weeknight into something special. Whether served over steaming rice or tumbled onto noodles, this is one recipe you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Scallion Chicken especially irresistible is just how simple and fuss-free the ingredient list is. Each component, though minimal, plays a starring role—bringing savory depth, zingy freshness, or a lovely silky texture to every bite. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each one matters.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs guarantee juiciness and rich flavor—plus, they’re nearly impossible to overcook!
- Soy sauce: The essential salty punch that forms the backbone of the sauce.
- Oyster sauce: Adds umami complexity and a hint of sweetness that balances the dish beautifully.
- Rice vinegar: Delivers bright, tangy notes that lift each bite.
- Sesame oil: Just a drizzle for that unmistakable nutty fragrance—don’t skip this!
- Vegetable oil: Keeps everything from sticking and gets things sizzling hot quickly.
- Scallions: Sliced and separated; the whites infuse the dish with savoriness, while the greens add a final burst of freshness.
- Garlic: Minced garlic perfumes the dish and brings a warm, pungent depth.
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger gives the sauce a peppery, zesty character—totally worth grating fresh.
- Cornstarch slurry: This mixture thickens the sauce so it clings deliciously to every morsel.
- Black pepper: Just a sprinkle enhances the chicken and adds mild heat.
How to Make Scallion Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your cut chicken thighs in a bowl with soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Even 10–15 minutes does wonders—this quick marinade infuses deep savory flavor and a gentle tang that works its magic while you prep the other ingredients. It’s the difference between bland and truly craveworthy!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your vegetable oil in a roomy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the marinated chicken and let it sizzle, undisturbed, for a couple of minutes to build a golden crust. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides and fully cooked through. The aroma alone is enough to make everyone hover around the stove!
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Push the cooked chicken to one side of the pan, then pour in the sesame oil. Immediately add the scallion whites, minced garlic, and grated ginger. These quick-cooking flavor boosters need only about 30 seconds; you want them fragrant but not burnt. Stir everything together so the aromatics coat the chicken beautifully.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Stir in your cornstarch slurry (just cornstarch mixed with water) and watch the sauce instantly turn glossy and thick—perfect for clinging to every piece of chicken. Simmer for 1–2 minutes; this magic step gives Scallion Chicken its signature luscious texture and helps marry all the bold flavors together.
Step 5: Finish with Scallion Greens
Right before serving, sprinkle in the scallion greens and give everything a final toss. The greens retain their color and crunch, lending a fresh edge to each bite and making the dish as vibrant to look at as it is to eat.
How to Serve Scallion Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra scallion greens on top never goes amiss—think of it as both flavor and decoration. Toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil can also elevate the final presentation, adding a nutty or spicy accent for those who want a little extra wow.
Side Dishes
Scallion Chicken absolutely shines when paired with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up that delicious sauce. For something different, try spooning it over chewy noodles or nestling it next to a pile of garlicky stir-fried veggies like bok choy or snap peas for a complete and colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Scallion Chicken family-style in a big platter, topped with ribbons of fresh scallion and maybe even thin slices of red chili for contrast. Or, for a fun twist, serve it in lettuce wraps with crunchy cucumber and shredded carrots for a fresh, hand-held appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Scallion Chicken keeps surprisingly well. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; the flavors actually deepen as they meld overnight. Just be sure to keep any garnishes separate for best texture.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Scallion Chicken! Pack it in a freezer-safe container or bag, pressing out extra air, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without garnishes and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftover Scallion Chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir frequently to keep the sauce silky and the chicken juicy—a minute or two is all it takes. Microwave also works in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can swap in boneless, skinless chicken breast for a leaner option. Just take care not to overcook, as breasts can dry out more easily than thighs. The sauce keeps things tender and flavorful, either way!
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If you’re out of oyster sauce, try using hoisin as a substitute for a touch more sweetness, or increase the soy sauce by a half tablespoon and add a pinch of sugar for balance. The dish will still be delicious!
Is Scallion Chicken spicy?
This recipe as written is mild and all about savory, aromatic goodness. If you like things spicy, feel free to add some chili flakes while you sauté the aromatics or finish with a drizzle of chili oil.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or even mushrooms work beautifully in Scallion Chicken. Stir-fry them alongside the chicken or just after, so they stay crisp-tender and colorful.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Make sure to use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce and double-check your oyster sauce for wheat content. Otherwise, the recipe is naturally free of gluten and dairy, making it a great option for many diets.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s fast, flavorful, and downright satisfying, give Scallion Chicken a spot on your table this week. There’s just something magical about those juicy chicken pieces mingling with gingery, garlicky sauce and bursts of fresh scallion. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
Print
Scallion Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful scallion chicken recipe that is perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender chicken pieces stir-fried with aromatic scallions and a savory sauce, served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 scallions (sliced, whites and greens separated)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Stir-fry: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Push the chicken to the side of the pan and add sesame oil, scallion whites, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds, then mix everything together. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in the scallion greens. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat.
- Add sliced bell peppers or snow peas for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
