If you love a dish that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and comes together in less than half an hour, you are going to adore this Scallion Chicken Recipe. Tender chicken pieces marinated in a savory blend of soy and oyster sauce get pan-fried to a golden perfection, then mingled with the bright, oniony goodness of scallions. This dish is the ultimate weeknight winner—simple yet packed with layers of flavor that feel both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re a scallion fan or new to using them in cooking, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to a great Scallion Chicken Recipe. Each component plays a key role—from the rich chicken thighs to the punchy scallions, and the sauces that create the perfect balance of salty, umami, and slightly sweet flavors.
- 400 g chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, chicken thighs stay moist and soak up marinades beautifully.
- 2 cups scallions, chopped: Using both white and green parts adds layers of flavor and color contrast.
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil: Provides the perfect cooking medium for even browning and crispiness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings salty, savory depth to the marinade.
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce: Adds a touch of richness and a lovely darker hue to the chicken.
- ½ tablespoon oyster sauce: Infuses a subtle sweet umami punch for extra complexity.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right amount of gentle heat; feel free to adjust to your taste.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps create a slight crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce slightly.
How to Make Scallion Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by combining those juicy chicken thighs with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch in a bowl. The cornstarch not only adds a silky texture to the marinade but also helps form a beautiful light coating on the chicken when it cooks. Letting it marinate for about 10 minutes allows all those flavors to sink in, giving you that delicious savory base fans of the Scallion Chicken Recipe crave. Meanwhile, take this time to chop your scallions, carefully separating the white parts from the green for cooking nuances.
Step 2: Pan-Fry the Chicken
Heat up your vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Adding the marinated chicken at this stage transforms it with a slightly crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside tender. Stir occasionally so the pieces cook evenly, about 6 to 8 minutes total. The sizzling sound and aroma at this point are pure kitchen magic. You want that gorgeous sear without drying out the chicken.
Step 3: Add the Scallions
Next, toss in the white parts of the scallions. These add a mild oniony flavor that softens during a quick sauté of 2 to 3 minutes, marrying perfectly with the chicken. If your chicken pieces are on the larger side, covering the pan for a few minutes traps steam to cook them through thoroughly while keeping everything moist.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Finally, stir in the bright green scallion parts for just 10 to 20 seconds. This last step keeps their color vibrant and flavor fresh and crisp—exactly what elevates this Scallion Chicken Recipe from good to absolutely irresistible. A sprinkle of extra black pepper here can add a little personalized kick. Now your dish is ready to be enjoyed!
Step 5: Serve
Serve your scallion chicken piping hot alongside fluffy steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. The combination of tender chicken and those fresh scallions will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Scallion Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take this dish to another level. Try sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or adding a few red chili flakes for a subtle heat contrast. A drizzle of toasted sesame oil right before serving adds a wonderful, nutty aroma that’s hard to resist. Keep it simple or dress it up—the choice is yours!
Side Dishes
Scallion Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the flavorful juices perfectly. For a low-carb option, serve with sautéed vegetables like bok choy or snap peas. You can also try this dish alongside garlic noodles or a cold cucumber salad for a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to get a bit fancy? Serve the scallion chicken over a bed of crispy wonton strips or in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held experience that adds crunch and freshness. For gatherings, platter presentations with scattered scallion greens and colorful bell pepper slices look stunning and invite sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover scallion chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days without losing its flavor, making it a perfect option for next-day lunches or quick dinners. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing for the best results.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for longer, this Scallion Chicken Recipe freezes nicely. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and it can keep for up to a month. Labeling the container with the date will help you keep track so you can enjoy it at your convenience.
Reheating
Reheating is a breeze—simply warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through to avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth can help bring back moisture. Microwaving works too but stir halfway through for even warmth. Freshen it up with a few chopped green scallions on top just before serving!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breast can work, but keep in mind it is leaner and can dry out faster, so watch the cooking time carefully. Using thighs gives a juicier, more flavorful result typical of the Scallion Chicken Recipe.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce—can I skip it?
While oyster sauce adds a unique depth and subtle sweetness, you can omit it or replace it with a splash of hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce. The dish will still be delicious, just a slight variation from the original flavor profile.
How important is separating the white and green parts of the scallions?
Separating the scallion parts is key because the white parts need cooking longer to soften and mellow, while the green parts are best added at the end to maintain their color and fresh flavor. This technique enhances the overall dish dynamic in this Scallion Chicken Recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is centered around chicken, but you could try substituting with firm tofu or tempeh and adjusting cooking times accordingly. Just marinate and cook thoughtfully to absorb the delicious flavors.
Is this dish spicy?
This Scallion Chicken Recipe is mild by default but can be easily customized with added chili flakes, fresh sliced chili, or a drizzle of chili oil if you prefer a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Scallion Chicken Recipe a whirl in your kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day—quick to prepare and deeply satisfying. Beyond just being tasty, it’s a fantastic way to bring some fresh flavors and vibrant colors to your dinner plate. Once you try it, I bet it will become a favorite go-to meal, guaranteed to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share it with you!
Print
Scallion Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A flavorful and quick-to-make Scallion Chicken dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a savory soy-based sauce and stir-fried with fresh scallions for a delightful balance of aroma and taste. Perfect for a weeknight meal served alongside steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 400 g chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Vegetables and Cooking
- 2 cups scallions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well to coat evenly and let the mixture marinate for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, chop the scallions, keeping the white and green parts separate.
- Pan Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes browned on the outside and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add the Scallions: Add the white parts of the scallions to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften. If you notice any larger chicken pieces during cooking, cover the pan for a few minutes to ensure they cook thoroughly.
- Finish the Dish: Once the chicken is fully cooked, toss in the green parts of the scallions and stir stir-fry for an additional 10-20 seconds to combine flavors and preserve freshness.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning by adding extra black pepper if desired. Serve the scallion chicken hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use dark soy sauce sparingly as it adds color and richer flavor but is saltier than regular soy sauce.
- Separating the scallions into white and green parts ensures proper cooking and freshness in texture.
- Marinating allows the chicken to absorb flavors and stay tender during cooking.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for more servings.
- Optionally garnish with additional chopped scallions or a drizzle of sesame oil for added aroma.
