Scallion Chicken

Scallion Chicken is a popular Chinese-inspired dish known for its savory flavors, juicy chicken, and the aromatic kick of scallions (green onions). With tender chicken pieces tossed in a flavorful soy-based sauce and generously mixed with fragrant scallions, this dish is a perfect combination of simplicity and taste. The bold flavors of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and scallions create an enticing blend that’s incredibly satisfying.

This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings when you need something quick, easy, and delicious. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables, making it a versatile choice for any meal. Scallion Chicken is a dish that brings warmth and comfort, with an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen and whets your appetite.

In this guide, I’ll provide a comprehensive recipe to make Scallion Chicken at home, along with tips for perfecting it, ingredient substitutions, variations, and serving suggestions. Let’s dive into this savory, aromatic dish that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Scallion Chicken is a dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare but full of rich flavors. You’ll love the balance of tender chicken with the slightly pungent and sharp flavor of fresh scallions. The soy-based sauce, with hints of garlic and ginger, provides an umami-packed punch that complements the chicken perfectly. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, you can adjust the spice level to suit your preference. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine or simply looking for a quick and delicious chicken recipe, Scallion Chicken won’t disappoint.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 1 cup

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating the chicken)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (for sweetness)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)

For Aromatics and Garnish

• 3-4 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (optional)

Optional Add-Ins

• Sliced bell peppers for color and crunch
• Sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor
• Chopped green chilies for additional heat

For Serving

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
• Stir-fried vegetables or a fresh side salad

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat each piece evenly.
2. Coat with Cornstarch: Add the cornstarch to the bowl and toss the chicken until each piece is lightly coated. The cornstarch helps create a crispy texture when frying and thickens the sauce as it cooks.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat Oil in a Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Fry the Chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer, cooking for about 5-6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and chicken broth. Dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce mixture. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are combined.

Step 4: Cook the Aromatics

1. Add Garlic and Ginger: In the same pan used for the chicken, add a little more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add Scallions and Red Pepper Flakes: Add the scallions and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the scallions to soften slightly while maintaining a bit of crunch.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

1. Return Chicken to the Pan: Add the fried chicken back to the pan, tossing with the garlic, ginger, and scallions.
2. Pour in the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and scallions, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken and fully coat the chicken.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions or cilantro over the Scallion Chicken for added color and flavor.
2. Serve Hot: Serve the dish immediately, over a bed of steamed rice, noodles, or alongside sautéed vegetables. Enjoy!

Ingredient Background

Scallions, or green onions, are the star of this dish, providing a fresh, slightly pungent flavor that complements the rich, savory sauce. Soy sauce and oyster sauce are essential for creating a deep umami flavor, while honey or brown sugar balances the dish with a touch of sweetness. Ginger and garlic add aromatic depth, enhancing the flavor profile. Cornstarch is used to create a crispy coating on the chicken and helps thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy finish that clings to each piece.

Technique Tips

• Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat helps sear the chicken quickly and gives it a crispy exterior.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Scallion Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Serve the chicken in lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb presentation.
• Scallion Chicken Fried Rice: Chop the chicken into smaller pieces and mix it into fried rice with extra vegetables for a one-pan meal.
• Scallion Chicken Stir-Fry: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to turn this into a complete stir-fry.

Additional Tips for Success

• Cut Chicken Evenly: Uniform pieces cook more evenly, so try to cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces.
• Balance Sweet and Savory: Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to taste by varying the amount of honey and soy sauce.
• Avoid Overcooking Scallions: Scallions are best when they have a slight crunch, so avoid overcooking them in the sauce.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Scallion Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of Sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free Scallion Chicken: Use gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce alternative.
• Scallion Tofu Stir-Fry: Substitute tofu for chicken for a vegetarian version. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture before frying.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover Scallion Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Bake Instead of Frying: For a lighter version, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until golden.
• Reduce Sugar: Use a small amount of sugar or a sugar substitute to lower the overall sugar content.
• Add More Veggies: Bulk up the dish with extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Appetizer Platter: Serve Scallion Chicken as an appetizer on a platter with toothpicks for a fun party dish.
• Family-Style Meal: Serve Scallion Chicken on a large plate with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a family-style dinner.
• Asian-Themed Feast: Include Scallion Chicken as part of a larger Asian-themed meal with dumplings, fried rice, and stir-fried vegetables.

Special Equipment

• Wok or Large Skillet: A wok or large skillet is ideal for stir-frying, providing even heat distribution and ample space for tossing ingredients.
• Tongs: Tongs are useful for handling the chicken pieces, especially when frying.
• Sharp Knife: A good knife is essential for evenly slicing chicken and scallions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well, but be mindful that they can cook faster than thighs. Adjust the cooking time to prevent them from drying out.

2. How do I make Scallion Chicken less salty?
Reduce the amount of soy sauce and add a splash of water or extra chicken broth to adjust the saltiness.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute chicken with tofu, mushrooms, or even tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version.

4. Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a dash of fish sauce for a similar flavor.

5. What can I serve with Scallion Chicken?
Serve Scallion Chicken with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. It also pairs well with sautéed or steamed vegetables.

6. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and combine them just before serving for the best texture.

7. How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Serve the chicken immediately after cooking to maintain its crispy texture. Avoid covering the dish tightly, as steam can make it soggy.

8. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, add more red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or chopped fresh chilies to increase the heat level.

Conclusion

Scallion Chicken is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings bold flavors to the table. With juicy chicken, aromatic scallions, and a rich, savory sauce, this dish is perfect for those who love flavorful meals with a touch of Asian inspiration. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to serve to guests. Whether you’re enjoying it with rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables, Scallion Chicken is versatile and satisfying. Try this recipe and enjoy a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. Happy cooking!