Scallion Chicken

Oh, let me tell you about my go-to quick and flavorful chicken dish—Scallion Chicken! This is one of those recipes that I always turn to when I need something fast, delicious, and packed with flavor. The combination of tender chicken thighs and fresh scallions creates a perfect balance of savory and aromatic goodness. Plus, it’s so easy to make that even on my busiest days, I can whip it up in just 20 minutes!

I still remember the first time I made this dish. I had a bunch of scallions sitting in my fridge, and I didn’t want them to go to waste. So, I threw them into the pan with some marinated chicken, and the result was incredible! The scallions caramelized slightly, releasing their sweet, oniony aroma, while the soy sauce and oyster sauce coated the chicken in a rich, umami-packed glaze. From that day on, Scallion Chicken became a staple in my kitchen.

The best part? This dish is so versatile! You can serve it over steaming hot rice, toss it with noodles, or even wrap it in lettuce for a low-carb option. And if you like a bit of heat, a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of chili oil takes it to the next level.

What’s in Scallion Chicken?

Chicken Thighs

I always go for chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender even after cooking. Cut them into small pieces for quicker cooking and better sauce absorption.

Scallions (Green Onions)

The real star of the dish! Scallions bring a mild, fresh onion flavor that enhances the entire dish. I separate the white and green parts because they cook at different rates—white parts for depth, green parts for a burst of freshness at the end.

Soy Sauce & Dark Soy Sauce

Soy sauce adds that classic salty umami taste, while dark soy sauce deepens the color and gives a richer flavor.

Oyster Sauce

This is the secret to the dish’s irresistible savoriness. It adds a slightly sweet and briny depth that pairs beautifully with the scallions.

Black Pepper Powder

A little spice goes a long way! It gives the chicken a subtle kick without overpowering the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch helps lock in moisture, making the chicken extra tender, and also thickens the sauce for a silky coating.

Oil

You’ll need oil for pan-frying the chicken, ensuring it gets a nice golden brown sear. I prefer a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil.

Is Scallion Chicken Good for You?

Absolutely! This dish is packed with protein and fresh ingredients, making it a nutritious choice.

• Chicken Thighs provide a good amount of protein to keep you full and satisfied.

• Scallions are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which support immune health.

• Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce add flavor without the need for excessive salt.

• Cornstarch helps with texture while keeping the dish light.

The key to keeping it healthy is portion control with sauces, as they can be high in sodium. But as long as you balance it with a side of fresh veggies or whole grains, it’s a fantastic meal choice!

Ingredients

• 400 g chicken thighs (cut into small pieces)

• 2 cups scallions (chopped, white and green parts separated)

• 4 tablespoons oil

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce

• 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder (adjust to taste)

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

This recipe serves 2-3 people, but trust me, you might want to make extra because it’s just that good! Now, let’s get cooking!

How to Make Scallion Chicken

Step One: Preparing the Chicken

Before anything else, we need to marinate the chicken. This step is key to getting that deep, rich flavor in every bite.

1. In a mixing bowl, add the chicken thighs, soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper powder, and cornstarch.

2. Mix everything well, ensuring the chicken is fully coated with the marinade.

3. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the scallions.

4. Chop the scallions, keeping the white parts separate from the green parts—this will help us control how they cook later.

Step Two: Pan-Frying the Chicken

Now, let’s cook the chicken to golden perfection!

1. Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.

2. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces.

3. Spread them out evenly and let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, allowing a nice sear to develop.

4. Flip the chicken pieces and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fully cooked and slightly crispy on the edges.

Step Three: Adding the Scallions

The scallions bring a fresh, mild onion flavor that makes this dish shine.

1. First, add the white parts of the scallions to the pan.

2. Stir-fry them with the chicken for 1-2 minutes until they soften and release their fragrance.

3. If you’re using larger chicken pieces or pieces with bones, cover the pan with a lid and let them cook thoroughly.

4. Finally, add the green parts of the scallions and stir for just 10-20 seconds—this keeps them bright and fresh!

Step Four: Serving Scallion Chicken

Your dish is now ready to serve!

• Transfer the chicken to a plate.

• Sprinkle extra black pepper powder or fresh scallions on top for an extra boost of flavor.

• Enjoy it with rice or noodles for a complete meal!

Sweet Tips and Fun Variations

• For Extra Sauce: If you prefer a saucier dish, add 2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth to the pan after adding the scallions. Stir well and let it thicken slightly.

• Spicy Kick: Love a bit of heat? Add a dash of chili flakes or a spoonful of chili oil when serving.

• Crunchy Texture: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top for added crunch.

• Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice and serve this with steamed veggies or wrapped in lettuce leaves.

This dish is a flavor-packed, quick, and easy meal that works for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep! Try it out, and let me know how you like it.

How to Make Scallion Chicken – Step-by-Step

Step One: Marinating the Chicken

Marination is what gives this dish its incredible depth of flavor. Let’s get started!

1. In a large mixing bowl, add 400 g chicken thighs (cut into small pieces).

2. Pour in 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce, and 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce.

3. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder over the chicken for a hint of spice.

4. Add 2 tablespoons cornstarch and mix well, ensuring each piece of chicken is evenly coated.

5. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the scallions.

6. Meanwhile, chop the 2 cups of scallions, separating the white parts from the green parts.

Step Two: Cooking the Chicken

Now, let’s move to the pan and bring the flavors to life!

1. Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.

2. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces.

3. Spread them out evenly in the pan, making sure they are not overcrowded.

4. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust.

5. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are fully cooked and slightly crispy.

Step Three: Adding the Scallions

Scallions are what make this dish stand out. Their freshness and mild onion flavor bring everything together.

1. First, add the white parts of the scallions to the pan.

2. Stir-fry them with the chicken for about 1-2 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their aroma.

3. If your chicken pieces are larger or have bones, cover the pan with a lid and let them cook for a couple more minutes to ensure they are fully done.

4. Finally, toss in the green parts of the scallions and stir for just 10-20 seconds to preserve their bright color and fresh taste.

Step Four: Final Touches & Serving

The dish is ready, and now it’s time to plate it up!

1. Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate.

2. Garnish with extra black pepper powder or fresh scallions for added flavor.

3. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a comforting meal.

Sweet Tips and Fun Variations

• Make it saucier: If you love extra sauce, add 2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth while cooking the chicken. Let it simmer for a minute to thicken.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for some heat.

• Extra crunch: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top before serving.

• Low-carb option: Instead of rice or noodles, serve this dish with steamed vegetables or lettuce wraps.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Scallion Chicken

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

Yes, you can! While chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, chicken breast works well too. Just be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out. You might want to reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes.

2. What can I serve with Scallion Chicken?

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white or brown rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables or a side of sautéed bok choy for extra greens.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. If you want to meal prep, cook the dish and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in a pan or microwave before serving.

4. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then add it to the pan while cooking. Let it simmer for a minute until the sauce thickens.