Scallion Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful and Easy Dish

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying chicken dish, Scallion Chicken is the perfect choice! This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with the fresh, mild bite of scallions, all coated in a savory, aromatic sauce. It’s simple to make, yet packed with bold flavors that are perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a special meal.

The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes using just a handful of simple ingredients. Whether you serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried vegetables, this Scallion Chicken is sure to be a hit at your dinner table!

Let’s dive into this easy, delicious recipe that’s bursting with garlic, ginger, and scallion goodness.

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Ingredients for Scallion Chicken

This recipe keeps things simple with easy-to-find ingredients that create an irresistibly savory dish.

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating the chicken)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry, optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, finely chopped
• 5 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces (white and green parts separated)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, to thicken the sauce)

For Serving (Optional):

• Steamed jasmine rice or noodles
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Extra chopped scallions, for garnish

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How to Make Scallion Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 30 minutes for more flavor).
2. Add the cornstarch to the marinated chicken and toss to coat. This helps create a light, crispy coating when cooked.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and chicken broth. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping once, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

1. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed.
2. Add the garlic, ginger, and white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
2. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Toss in the green parts of the scallions and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they are slightly wilted but still vibrant.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

1. If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir it into the pan. Cook for 30 seconds until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Transfer the Scallion Chicken to a serving plate.
2. Garnish with extra scallions or sesame seeds if desired.
3. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

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Why You’ll Love Scallion Chicken

✔ Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
✔ Bold and Savory – Packed with umami-rich flavors from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic.
✔ Healthy and Customizable – Use chicken breast for a leaner option or add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra nutrients.
✔ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Tastes just like something you’d order from an Asian restaurant, but made fresh in your kitchen!

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Tips for the Best Scallion Chicken

✅ Use Chicken Thighs for More Flavor – Chicken thighs are more juicy and flavorful than chicken breasts, but both work well.
✅ Marinate for Maximum Flavor – Even a short 10-minute marinade helps the chicken absorb more flavor.
✅ Cornstarch for a Crispy Coating – Lightly coating the chicken in cornstarch before cooking helps give it a crispy, golden exterior.
✅ Don’t Overcook the Scallions – Add the green parts of the scallions last to keep them fresh and vibrant.
✅ Adjust the Heat – Like it spicier? Add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers for an extra kick.

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Variations & Substitutions

🌶 Make It Spicy – Add sriracha, chili flakes, or diced red chili peppers for a spicy twist.
🥦 Add More Vegetables – Try adding broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
🥚 Try an Egg Sauce – For an extra silky sauce, stir in a lightly beaten egg right before serving.
🍚 Serve with Different Bases – Instead of rice, serve with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or stir-fried noodles.
🥢 Go Low-Sodium – Use low-sodium soy sauce and omit the salt if you’re watching your sodium intake.

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FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes! While chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, chicken breasts are a leaner option. If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out quickly.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for a quick meal.

3. Can I freeze Scallion Chicken?

Yes! Once cooled, place the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

4. What’s the best way to reheat Scallion Chicken?

For best results, reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave it, but the texture may not be as crispy.

5. What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with:

• Hoisin sauce (for a slightly sweeter flavor)
• Teriyaki sauce
• Extra soy sauce + a pinch of sugar

6. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

7. What vegetables go well with Scallion Chicken?

This dish pairs well with broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or bok choy. Add them during the stir-fry step for a more veggie-packed meal.

8. Can I cook this in an air fryer?

Yes! You can air fry the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, then toss it in the sauce with the scallions.

9. What’s the best way to serve Scallion Chicken?

Serve it over steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also enjoy it with lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

10. How can I make this dish spicier?

For extra heat, add:

• Red pepper flakes
• Sriracha sauce
• Diced chili peppers (such as Thai chilies or jalapeños)
• A drizzle of chili oil at the end