Scallion Chicken

Introduction

Scallion Chicken is your ticket to bringing restaurant-quality flavor right into your kitchen! This dish is a celebration of simplicity, where tender chicken meets the fragrant, savory essence of fresh scallions. Lightly seasoned to let the natural flavors shine, it strikes the perfect balance between freshness and depth, making every bite satisfying yet light.

I remember the first time I made this dish for a family dinner—it instantly became a favorite. The aroma of sizzling scallions filled the kitchen, and the first taste was pure comfort. What’s great about Scallion Chicken is its versatility. Whether you stir-fry it for a quick and flavorful meal, poach it for a delicate, juicy texture, or grill it for a smoky char, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Pair it with steamed rice to soak up the savory juices, toss it with noodles for a satisfying bowl, or serve it alongside crisp stir-fried vegetables for a well-rounded meal. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of soy sauce, a touch of ginger, or a splash of sesame oil can take it to the next level.

Easy enough for a busy weeknight but elegant enough for special occasions, this recipe is a dish you’ll find yourself making again and again!

Perfect for:

• Quick and easy weeknight dinners
• Meal prep and leftovers
• Healthy, protein-rich meals
• Light yet flavorful dishes
• Pairing with rice or noodles

Why You’ll Love This Scallion Chicken

Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Light and Flavorful: The delicate combination of scallions and chicken creates a fresh, aromatic taste without being too heavy.
• Quick to Make: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy days.
• Healthy and Protein-Packed: With lean chicken and fresh scallions, this recipe is nutritious and satisfying.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether stir-fried, poached, or grilled, you can tailor this dish to your cooking preference.
• Pairs Well with Everything: Serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a balanced meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make this recipe:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier option)
• 3-4 scallions (thinly sliced)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1-inch piece of ginger (grated or minced)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ cup chicken broth or water (optional, for a saucier dish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Scallions: The key ingredient that brings freshness and mild onion flavor to the dish.
• Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: Provide a savory, umami depth.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty aroma.
• Ginger & Garlic: Essential for adding warmth and complexity.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a glossy, thickened sauce if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this recipe:

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Slice the Chicken: Cut the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Marinate: In a bowl, mix the chicken with soy sauce, white pepper, sugar, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
3. Prepare the Scallions: Separate the white and green parts of the scallions. Slice them thinly.
4. Mince the Garlic and Ginger: Set aside for stir-frying.

Cook the Chicken:

5. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
6. Sear the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
7. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the scallions. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
8. Add the Sauces: Pour in the oyster sauce, a splash of water or broth (if using), and sesame oil. Stir well.
9. Return the Chicken: Add the chicken back into the pan and toss to coat.
10. Finish with Scallions: Stir in the green parts of the scallions. Cook for 1 more minute, then remove from heat.

How to Serve Scallion Chicken

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Traditional Chinese-Style – Serve sliced poached chicken with scallion-ginger sauce over steamed jasmine rice.
• Noodle Bowl – Shred the chicken and serve it over egg noodles or rice noodles with scallion sauce and a soy-based broth.
• Lettuce Wraps – Dice the chicken and mix it with scallion sauce, then serve in crisp lettuce cups with sesame seeds.
• Taco Fusion – Use scallion chicken as a filling for soft tortillas, topped with pickled vegetables and hoisin sauce.
• Bento Box – Pair the scallion chicken with sushi rice, steamed vegetables, and a soft-boiled egg for a Japanese-inspired meal.
• Scallion Chicken Congee – Shred the chicken into a bowl of warm rice porridge and drizzle with scallion oil.
• Asian Chicken Salad – Toss shredded scallion chicken with mixed greens, sesame dressing, and crispy wonton strips.
• Scallion Chicken Sandwich – Serve on a toasted brioche bun with cucumber slices and a garlic-scallion aioli.
• Over Fried Rice – Dice the scallion chicken and mix it into wok-fried rice with eggs and peas.
• Dumpling Filling – Mince the scallion chicken and use it as a filling for homemade dumplings, served with soy dipping sauce.

Additional Tips for Scallion Chicken

Follow these tips to ensure this recipe turns out perfectly:

• Use Bone-in Chicken for More Flavor – Chicken thighs or drumsticks will give you richer taste compared to boneless cuts.
• Marinate for Extra Tenderness – Let the chicken marinate in soy sauce, ginger, and a bit of sugar for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Blanch the Scallions First – Lightly blanching scallions before mixing them into the sauce can help release their natural sweetness.
• Use Both White and Green Parts of Scallions – The white part provides a stronger aroma, while the green part gives a fresh, mild oniony taste.
• Pan-Sear Before Steaming – For extra depth of flavor, briefly sear the chicken skin-side down before steaming or simmering.
• Infuse Oil with Scallion & Ginger – Heat oil with chopped scallions and ginger until fragrant before pouring it over the chicken to enhance the aroma.
• Add a Touch of Shaoxing Wine – A splash of Chinese cooking wine will elevate the dish with a more authentic Cantonese flavor.
• Use Cornstarch for a Silky Sauce – If making a sauce, mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water) to give it a smooth consistency.
• Garnish with Crispy Fried Garlic – Sprinkle some crispy fried garlic or shallots on top for extra crunch and umami flavor.
• Serve with a Dipping Sauce – A simple soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil mix can add an extra layer of taste when paired with the chicken.

Recipe Variations for Scallion Chicken

Try these variations of this recipe for a unique twist:

• Spicy Scallion Chicken: Add sliced red chilies or chili oil for heat.
• Garlic Butter Scallion Chicken: Stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end for richness.
• Lemon Scallion Chicken: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
• Teriyaki Scallion Chicken: Swap oyster sauce for teriyaki sauce for a sweeter taste.
• Honey Glazed Scallion Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of honey for a sweet-savory balance.
• Crispy Scallion Chicken: Coat the chicken lightly in cornstarch and pan-fry for a crispy texture.
• Black Pepper Scallion Chicken: Increase black pepper for a bold, peppery flavor.
• Sesame Scallion Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
• Scallion Ginger Poached Chicken: Poach the chicken in broth and serve with scallion-ginger sauce.
• Vegan Scallion Tofu: Substitute chicken with firm tofu and follow the same recipe.

Freezing and Storage for Scallion Chicken

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked Scallion Chicken in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to keep it moist.

Special Equipment for Scallion Chicken

These tools can help make preparing Scallion Chicken even easier:

• Sharp Knife: For slicing chicken and scallions efficiently.
• Cutting Board: Use separate boards for meat and vegetables.
• Wok or Large Skillet: A wok helps distribute heat evenly for stir-frying.
• Tongs or Spatula: For flipping and stirring the chicken.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning.
• Mixing Bowls: For marinating and prepping ingredients.
• Grater or Microplane: To finely grate ginger for better flavor infusion.

Frequently Asked Questions for Scallion Chicken

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs will make the dish juicier and more flavorful.
2. What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
   Hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce with a pinch of sugar can work as substitutes.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, but for the best texture, add the scallions fresh when reheating.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Yes, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the oyster sauce is gluten-free.
5. What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
   You can use ½ teaspoon of ground ginger instead.

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Conclusion

Scallion Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings the comfort of home-cooked goodness straight to your table. With tender, juicy chicken infused with the fresh, aromatic essence of scallions, every bite is a perfect balance of taste and texture. Serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a satisfying and versatile meal.

This recipe is as effortless as it is delicious, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Customize it with your favorite seasonings and ingredients to make it uniquely yours!

I’d love to see how your Scallion Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!