As I hurriedly stirred a bubbling pot of rice, the clock ticked ominously close to dinner time. That’s when I thought about my go-to lifesaver: Scallion Chicken. This quick and easy dish, ready in under 20 minutes, features succulent chicken thighs that soak up a savory blend of soy and oyster sauces, all topped with vibrant scallions. It’s a comforting meal that’s not only budget-friendly but also makes weeknight cooking feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re a busy home chef or just looking to spice up your dinner routine, this scallion chicken recipe offers a delightful taste of Asian cuisine that even the pickiest eaters will crave. Ready to impress your dinner guests—or just treat yourself? Let’s dive into this flavor-packed adventure!
Why is Scallion Chicken a Must-Try?
Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for your busy weeknight dinners.
Savory Satisfaction: A harmonious blend of soy and oyster sauces creates a rich umami flavor that tantalizes your taste buds.
Versatile Ingredients: It swaps easily for pork or beef, plus you can toss in any vegetables you have on hand for added nutrition.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Even the pickiest eaters will adore this delightful dish, especially when served over steaming rice or noodles. Check out some of my other favorites like Garlic Parmesan Chicken for more delicious ideas!
Health-Conscious: With a gluten-free option and low-calorie potential, it fits nicely into various dietary preferences.
Scallion Chicken Ingredients
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For the Chicken
• Chicken thighs – Tender and juicy, these pieces soak up all the delicious flavors.
• Corn starch – Helps the marinade stick and gives the dish a lovely glaze. -
For the Marinade
• Soy sauce – A key seasoning that adds depth; use tamari for gluten-free option.
• Dark soy sauce – Enhances richness and color; can be omitted for a lighter flavor.
• Oyster sauce – Provides umami; substitute with mushroom sauce for a vegetarian option.
• Black pepper powder – Adds a punch; adjust to your heat preference. -
For Cooking
• Oil – Essential for frying; go for vegetable or sesame oil to boost flavor. -
For the Garnish
• Scallions – Adds sweetness and color; use green onions as a substitute if necessary.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Scallion Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken thighs in a bowl. Combine soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and corn starch, mixing until the chicken pieces are well coated. Let the chicken marinate for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to infuse and will keep your scallion chicken succulent and flavorful during cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add your choice of vegetable or sesame oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the marinated chicken thighs in the pan. Pan-fry the chicken for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and fully cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 3: Add Scallions
With the chicken cooked to perfection, it’s time to add the scallions. Stir in the white parts of the scallions first and allow them to soften in the heat for about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the green parts of the scallions and cook for an additional 10-20 seconds, just until they brighten in color and become fragrant, elevating the flavor of your scallion chicken.
Step 4: Serve
Finally, season your scallion chicken with extra black pepper or more chopped scallions if desired. Serve piping hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a delightful meal. The aromatic scents and vibrant colors will make this quick dish not only a feast for the palate but also a visual delight on your dinner table.
What to Serve with Quick & Easy Scallion Chicken
Elevate your dining experience with delightful side dishes that complement the savoriness of the scallion chicken perfectly.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture and subtle fragrance of jasmine rice are a perfect canvas for soaking up the savory sauce from the chicken.
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Garlic Broccoli: Crunchy and vibrant, garlic broccoli adds a fresh, crisp element that balances the rich flavors of the scallion chicken. A drizzle of lemon juice enhances its zestiness.
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Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette cleanses the palate after each bite, adding a cool contrast to the warm dish.
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Noodle Stir-Fry: Pair your scallion chicken with a quick noodle stir-fry tossed in soy sauce for a hearty meal. The silky texture of the noodles complements the tender chicken beautifully.
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Sesame Green Beans: The nutty flavor of sesame green beans brings a delightful crunch, enhancing the overall flavor palette. This dish not only looks beautiful but tastes divine alongside the chicken.
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Chilled Sake or Green Tea: Complement your meal with a soothing cup of chilled sake or refreshing green tea to cleanse your palate and heighten the experience of this Asian-inspired dinner.
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Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, end on a sweet note with mango sticky rice. The creamy coconut-infused rice pairs delightfully with the succulent flavors of scallion chicken.
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Exotic Fruit Platter: Arrange a colorful fruit platter featuring tropical fruits like kiwi, pineapple, and dragon fruit. This adds vibrant colors and a juicy sweetness that’s refreshing after the savory main course.
How to Store and Freeze Scallion Chicken
Fridge: Store any leftover scallion chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep it fresh. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature first.
Freezer: To freeze, place the scallion chicken in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months; just label it with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist and flavorful.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving scallion chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety. Always refrigerate leftovers quickly.
Make Ahead Options
These delicious scallion chicken thighs are perfect for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken in the soy, oyster sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch mixture up to 24 hours in advance—just be sure to keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness. The scallions can be chopped the night before and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply pan-fry the marinated chicken as directed, adding the scallions during the last few minutes of cooking. This way, you’ll enjoy all the savory, succulent flavors of your scallion chicken with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights!
Scallion Chicken Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to mix and match these variations to make this dish uniquely yours and awaken your taste buds!
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Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Consider pairing it with gluten-free noodles or steamed rice for a satisfying meal. -
Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh, marinating and cooking them in the same style for a plant-based option.
The umami-rich sauces will elevate the tofu’s flavor, making it just as delicious and satisfying! -
Add Heat: Incorporate a dash of sriracha or chili oil into the marinade for a spicy kick!
This little twist creates an exciting depth of flavor that spice lovers will adore. -
Extra Veggies: Mix in bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas while cooking for added nutrition and crunch.
These bright veggies not only enhance the nutritional value but also make the dish visually appealing. -
Herb Infusion: Add a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro or basil just before serving for a refreshing twist.
These herbs add a vibrant burst of flavor, making your scallion chicken even more delicious. -
Sweet Touch: For a hint of sweetness, consider adding a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to the marinade.
This will balance out the saltiness while bringing a delicious caramelization to your chicken. -
Citrus Zing: Squeeze a fresh lime or lemon over your finished dish for a zesty kick.
The acidity brightens the flavor profile and elevates the overall taste of the scallion chicken. -
Noodle Twist: Instead of serving with rice, try tossing the scallion chicken with cooked noodles or use it in a wrap for a delightful meal!
This variation offers a different texture and can turn the dish into a fun handheld meal.
If you’re looking for even more inspiration, check out my Sweet Chili Chicken or Korean Spicy Chicken for delightful twists you can incorporate!
Expert Tips for Scallion Chicken
- Marinade Time Matters: Give your chicken at least 10 minutes to marinate; this enhances the flavor and keeps the scallion chicken tender.
- Cooking Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; otherwise, it may become soggy instead of crispy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the chicken; this ensures a beautiful golden crust.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to modify the soy sauce and oyster sauce ratios; taste as you go for the perfect balance in your scallion chicken.
- Thoughtful Garnishing: Add extra scallions or sesame seeds just before serving for a delightful crunch and fresh flavor; it brightens the finished dish visually and taste-wise.
Scallion Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use?
Absolutely, chicken thighs are the star of this dish! They provide the best moisture and tenderness during cooking. If you’re looking for lighter options, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, though they may require extra attention to prevent drying out.
How should I store leftover scallion chicken?
The best way to keep your scallion chicken fresh is to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3 days. Always ensure it’s cooled down to room temperature before sealing it up to avoid condensation.
Can I freeze scallion chicken?
Yes, you can! To freeze, transfer the scallion chicken to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to label it with the date for your reference. This dish can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water for moisture.
What if my scallion chicken doesn’t seem saucy enough?
Not a problem! If you find your scallion chicken lacks that luscious sauce, you can easily whip up a quick homemade sauce. In a small bowl, mix equal parts soy sauce and water, along with a dash of sugar. Pour it into the pan after cooking the chicken, letting it simmer for a minute to thicken. This quick fix adds flavor and moisture, enhancing your dish’s overall appeal!
Is scallion chicken suitable for gluten-free diets?
Very much so! To make a gluten-free version, simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari, which is gluten-free. Additionally, make sure your oyster sauce is also gluten-free, or use a mushroom sauce as a tasty substitute. This way, everyone can enjoy the delightful flavors of scallion chicken!
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A great question! Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, look for juices running clear and no pink in the middle. Cooking time varies depending on the size of your chicken pieces—larger pieces may require a tad more time, so keep an eye on it!
Savory Scallion Chicken: Quick, Flavorful Dinner Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Marinate the chicken thighs in a bowl with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and corn starch for about 10 minutes.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add vegetable or sesame oil. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Add the white parts of the scallions to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes, then add the green parts for an additional 10-20 seconds.
- Finish by seasoning with extra black pepper or chopped scallions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
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