Hello and welcome, food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a quick and delightful recipe that’s sure to bring joy to your dinner table—Scallion Chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing for a cozy dinner with friends, this easy-to-make dish will elevate your meals with vibrant flavors. Think tender chicken, aromatic garlic and ginger, and the satisfying crunch of fresh scallions. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a comforting experience you’ll want to repeat!
Scallion Chicken is a unique combination of flavors that are perfectly balanced. The dish offers a wonderful integration of sweet, salty, and tangy elements, ensuring every bite bursts with taste. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up—ideal for those who want a flavorsome meal without fuss. If you’re looking for a healthy option, this dish caters well. With lean chicken meat and fresh vegetables, you can serve this as a guilt-free dinner that never compromises on flavor. Who wouldn’t want a delicious meal that’s both simple and satisfying?
Why You’ll Love This Scallion Chicken
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fresh flavors creates a delightful sauce that makes every bite memorable.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, keeping you out of the kitchen while still providing a wholesome meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or spice level to suit your preferences, making this a versatile recipe for everyone.
- Health-Conscious: With lean chicken and fresh vegetables, this dish is a great choice for those mindful of their health without sacrificing taste.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into cooking, taking the time for a quick kitchen prep makes the process smoother. Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. You will need a cutting board and a good chef’s knife for chopping, along with measuring spoons to ensure accurate proportions.
For cooking, a large skillet or wok is essential to give you enough space for stir-frying. Ensure your pot or skillet is heated adequately to achieve that nice sear on the chicken. A spatula or wooden spoon will assist you with stirring and flipping ingredients as they cook, promoting even heat distribution.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless (recommended thighs for flavor and juiciness)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred for a balanced flavor)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (adds a slightly sweet and complex taste)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (balances richness with a touch of acidity)
- 2 tbsp sugar (rounds out the savory flavors)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or grapeseed oil works best)
- 4–5 scallions, chopped (separate the whites and greens for even cooking)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for that aromatic punch)
- 1 inch ginger, grated (adds warmth and zest)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (for a nutty finish)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (optional, to thicken the sauce)
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional, but adds elegance)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by combining the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Whisk them together until the sugar dissolves completely. This sauce will be the heart of your dish, blending sweet, salty, and tangy flavors that enhance the chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking. Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken and stir-fry it. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the white parts of the chopped scallions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring until the mixture becomes fragrant and aromatic. This step is crucial, as it releases all the delicious scents that make this dish delightful.
Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in your prepared sauce mixture. Stir everything together so that the chicken is well-coated. Allow the dish to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. If you enjoy a thicker sauce, now is the time to add the cornstarch mixture and stir to combine.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Once the chicken is nicely coated with the sauce, stir in the chopped scallion greens and drizzle with sesame oil. Give it one last mix to combine all the flavors, then remove the skillet from heat.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Scallion Chicken is now ready to serve! Present it hot and don’t forget to sprinkle with sesame seeds for an attractive finish. This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice or noodles, giving you that perfect flavorful bite with every forkful!
Variations
- Protein: You can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version, or use shrimp for a delightful seafood alternative.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added color and nutritional value.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like red pepper flakes for heat, or try adding a splash of hoisin sauce for additional sweetness.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure that your chicken is cut evenly to guarantee that it cooks at the same rate, preventing dry or undercooked pieces.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time of your aromatics; burnt garlic can impart an unpleasant bitter taste to your dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Scallion Chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice for an authentic Asian-inspired meal.
- Add steamed bok choy or green beans on the side for extra freshness and crunch.
Tips
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your liking by adding a touch more sugar or even honey for natural sweetness.
- Consider marinating your chicken in the sauce mixture before cooking for added depth of flavor.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 28 grams
- Sodium: Based on low-sodium soy sauce, around 600 mg
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast; however, be mindful that it may be less juicy than thighs, so consider marinating for tenderness.
Can I prep this dish in advance?
While the chicken tastes best fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to cook!
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce, ensuring it fits dietary needs.
What can I serve with Scallion Chicken?
This dish pairs well with white rice, fried rice, or even noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Scallion Chicken is a quick, delightful dish that can effortlessly transform your weeknight meals. With its vibrant flavors, simple preparation steps, and endless customization possibilities, this recipe is a keeper in any busy household’s cookbook. It’s a perfect way to bring the family together at the dinner table without hours spent in the kitchen. So why not give it a try? Share your experience in the comments below or let us know your favorite variations of the dish. Don’t forget to enjoy every savory bite!
Print
Scallion Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This quick and delightful Scallion Chicken dish is packed with vibrant flavors and is perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless (recommended thighs for flavor and juiciness)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred for a balanced flavor)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (adds a slightly sweet and complex taste)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (balances richness with a touch of acidity)
- 2 tbsp sugar (rounds out the savory flavors)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or grapeseed oil works best)
- 4–5 scallions, chopped (separate the whites and greens for even cooking)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for that aromatic punch)
- 1 inch ginger, grated (adds warmth and zest)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (for a nutty finish)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (optional, to thicken the sauce)
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional, but adds elegance)
Instructions
- Start by combining the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Whisk them together until the sugar dissolves completely. This sauce will be the heart of your dish, blending sweet, salty, and tangy flavors that enhance the chicken.
- Next, cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking. Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken and stir-fry it. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the white parts of the chopped scallions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring until the mixture becomes fragrant and aromatic. This step is crucial, as it releases all the delicious scents that make this dish delightful.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in your prepared sauce mixture. Stir everything together so that the chicken is well-coated. Allow the dish to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. If you enjoy a thicker sauce, now is the time to add the cornstarch mixture and stir to combine.
- Once the chicken is nicely coated with the sauce, stir in the chopped scallion greens and drizzle with sesame oil. Give it one last mix to combine all the flavors, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Your Scallion Chicken is now ready to serve! Present it hot and don’t forget to sprinkle with sesame seeds for an attractive finish. This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice or noodles, giving you that perfect flavorful bite with every forkful!
Notes
Ensure that your chicken is cut evenly to guarantee that it cooks at the same rate, preventing dry or undercooked pieces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Sodium: around 600 mg
- Protein: 28 grams