Scallion Chicken Recipe

If you find yourself craving bold flavors, succulent chicken, and fresh bursts of scallion, this Scallion Chicken will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Juicy marinated chicken thighs are stir-fried until golden and tossed in a tangy, savory sauce, then finished with crisp, aromatic scallions. It strikes a perfect balance between comforting and exciting, making it easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to serve guests. This dish is both simple and showstopping, with the Scallion Chicken name appearing again and again on the lips of those who fall for this irresistible recipe.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Scallion Chicken is in the way humble, everyday ingredients come alive when combined thoughtfully. Each component plays a crucial part—whether that’s building the sauce’s complexity or lending irresistible tenderness to the chicken.

• Chicken thighs: Juicy and full of flavor, thighs stay tender and soak up the marinade beautifully.
• Soy sauce: Gives a savory depth and helps tenderize the chicken while adding lovely color to the dish.
• Cornstarch: Ensures the chicken crisps up in the pan and thickens the glossy sauce perfectly.
• Vegetable oil: Neutral oil that’s perfect for high-heat stir-frying.
• Scallions: The starring ingredient; their mild onion flavor brings both zest and freshness, especially when used in two stages for texture contrast.
• Garlic: A few quick sautés of garlic brings background sweetness and rich aroma.
• Fresh ginger: Lifts the flavor profile with its bright, slightly spicy notes.
• Oyster sauce: Adds rich umami and a touch of sweetness to the savory sauce.
• Soy sauce (for the sauce): Balances saltiness while deepening the color of the final dish.
• Rice vinegar: Adds just enough acid to brighten up the entire meal.
• Sesame oil: A tiny drizzle offers irresistible nuttiness and a classic Asian aroma.
• Sugar: Just a bit, to balance the savory and tangy flavors in the sauce.
• Water: Helps to loosen the sauce and ensure every bite of chicken gets coated.
• Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce to a silky, clingy texture that hugs each piece of chicken.
• Sesame seeds: Optional, but they add a pretty garnish and a hint of crunch.

How to Make Scallion Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start things off by marinating your bite-sized chicken thighs in soy sauce and cornstarch. This quick soak guarantees juicy, well-seasoned chicken, and the cornstarch primes it for a perfect, golden crust once it hits the skillet. Even if you’re in a rush, those extra 10–15 minutes make all the difference in both flavor and texture for your Scallion Chicken.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your vegetable oil in a large, heavy skillet or wok, then add the chicken. Give the pieces space so they brown (not steam), and let them cook for about 5–7 minutes. Once each bite is cooked through and deliciously golden, transfer them out of the pan so they don’t overcook during the next steps.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics & Scallion Whites

Use the same pan (no need to wash!) and toss in the white parts of the scallions, minced garlic, and ginger. The pan will sizzle and send up incredible aromas that set the stage for your sauce. A quick stir—just 1–2 minutes—is all you need here to draw out maximum fragrance without letting anything brown too deeply.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add oyster sauce, a second hit of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and water to the pan. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a low simmer. This savory, vibrant sauce is what makes Scallion Chicken truly crave-worthy, enveloping each piece of chicken in glossy, irresistible flavor.

Step 5: Thicken and Finish

Pour in your cornstarch slurry while stirring, and watch as the sauce thickens to a beautiful clingy texture in just 1–2 minutes. Return the cooked chicken (and any juices!) to the pan, tossing to coat every piece. Right at the end, stir in the green scallion tops and let everything cook for just another minute—so the scallions stay crisp and verdant. If desired, shower on some sesame seeds for garnish before bringing your Scallion Chicken to the table!

How to Serve Scallion Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your Scallion Chicken with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a handful of finely sliced extra scallions, or a dash of chili flakes if you like some kick. These little touches don’t just make things pretty—they add bursts of flavor and texture that turn good into memorable.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry is wonderful over a steaming bowl of jasmine or short-grain rice, which eagerly soaks up all the savory sauce. For a vibrant plate, try serving it alongside quick-seared bok choy, garlicky green beans, or even a pile of stir-fried noodles.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you can stuff your Scallion Chicken into lettuce cups for a handheld dinner, or pile it over greens for a cozy, protein-packed main-course salad. Even spooned into a warm bao bun or wrapped inside a rice paper roll, it brings a burst of flavor wherever it goes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Scallion Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within three days, as the flavors fully meld and the chicken stays tender without drying out.

Freezing

Scallion Chicken freezes well! Let the dish cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to two months, allowing you to enjoy a speedy, homemade meal even on your busiest nights.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat Scallion Chicken gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a tablespoon of water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, to heat evenly without overcooking the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs are extra juicy, chicken breasts will also work beautifully in this recipe—just watch the cooking time closely so they stay moist and tender.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Definitely! Add a spoonful of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce when you add the liquids. This will give your Scallion Chicken the perfect amount of heat for spice-lovers.

What vegetables can I add to bulk up the dish?

Try tossing in snow peas, thinly sliced bell peppers, or snap peas during the final minute of cooking. They’ll stay crisp-tender and bring color as well as extra nutrition to your Scallion Chicken.

Can I prepare Scallion Chicken ahead for meal prep?

Yes, Scallion Chicken is ideal for meal prep! Cook as directed, divide into containers with rice or noodles, and refrigerate. The flavors get even better after a day in the fridge.

Do I need a wok to make this?

No wok required—a large, heavy skillet will work just as well. The key is a hot pan, plenty of space to sear the chicken, and a quick hand as you build the sauce and finish the dish.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hoping to shake up your weeknight menu or wow your family with something special, this Scallion Chicken is every bit as delicious as it is simple. Give it a try—you might find yourself looking forward to leftovers just as much as the first bite!

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