Quick and Easy Scallion Chicken Recipe

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and easy chicken recipe for dinner? This Scallion Chicken recipe is the perfect balance of tender chicken, savory soy sauce, and fragrant scallions. It’s a one-pan dish that takes less than 20 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients, you can transform a simple chicken dinner into a delightful culinary experience that is both satisfying and nourishing.

This recipe is also known as Chinese Scallion Chicken or Spring Onion Chicken, a popular Asian stir-fry dish that’s healthy, high-protein, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out, this dish is simple enough for anyone to whip up and impressive enough to serve guests or family. Let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with this delightful recipe and how you can prepare it in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Scallion Chicken

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: A harmonious blend of soy and oyster sauce with the freshness of scallions.
• One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup with all cooking done in a single pan.
• Health-Conscious: High protein and low in calories, perfect for a balanced meal.
• Versatile: Great with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you jump into cooking your Scallion Chicken, preparation is key to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Start by gathering your ingredients and measuring them out. This makes cooking much more efficient, allowing you to focus on the methods rather than scrambling to find items mid-recipe. You’ll need a sharp knife for chopping scallions, a mixing bowl for marinating the chicken, and a non-stick frying pan for cooking.

For the best results, have all the ingredients nearby and prepped, including separating the white and green parts of the scallions. In terms of tools, having a spatula handy for stirring and flipping the chicken is essential. You may also want a measuring spoon for accurate sauce ingredients. Keeping everything organized ensures you’re ready to create a delicious dish without any last-minute hitches.

Ingredients

• 400g (14oz) Chicken thighs (Boneless, skin-on or skinless)
• 2 cups Scallions (green onions) (Chopped, white and green parts separated)
• 4 tbsp Oil (Vegetable or sesame oil)
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce (Light soy sauce for umami flavor)
• ½ tbsp Dark soy sauce (Adds deep color & rich flavor)
• ½ tbsp Oyster sauce (For a touch of sweetness and depth)
• ½ tsp Black pepper (Adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp Cornstarch (Thickens the sauce and makes chicken tender)
• Optional Add-Ins:
• 1 tsp Sugar or Honey (Balances the savory flavors)
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar (For extra tang)
• ½ tsp Sesame Oil (Adds a nutty aroma)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

To begin, take your chicken thighs and place them in a mixing bowl. Add the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that the chicken is well-coated with the marinade. Allow it to marinate for about 10-15 minutes; this step is crucial as it helps the chicken absorb all those wonderful flavors, ultimately enhancing the taste of your dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Scallions

While the chicken marinates, wash and chop your scallions. Be sure to keep the white and green parts separate. The white part of the scallion will take a bit longer to cook, so it gets added first. This layering of flavors in cooking is important; it allows each element to shine in its own right while blending beautifully together.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In a non-stick pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Cooking on medium-high heat ensures that the chicken browns nicely while maintaining tenderness. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 4: Add the Scallions

With the chicken cooked, it’s time to bring in the scallions. First, toss the chopped white parts of the scallion into the same pan. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until they are softened. Then, add the green parts and stir-fry for another 10-20 seconds. This quick cooking will provide a beautiful bright color and aroma that enhances the dish. After it’s beautifully fragrant, it’s time to combine everything.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Finally, return the cooked chicken to the pan and give everything a gentle toss to coat the chicken in the delicious scallion mixture. Serve your Scallion Chicken hot, garnished with extra scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, garlic noodles, or stir-fried vegetables, offering a complete meal packed with flavor.

Variations

• Protein: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Vegetables: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra colors and nutrients.
• Spices: Incorporate garlic or chili flakes to add a spicy kick to the dish.

Cooking Notes

• Make sure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• For a thicker sauce, feel free to add more cornstarch mixed with a bit of water as the sauce cooks to your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over a bed of fragrant jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Pile it high onto a plate of garlic noodles for an indulgent dinner experience.

Tips

• Feel free to customize your sauce with different ingredients based on your taste preferences.
• If you’re short on time, you can prep your vegetables and chicken in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 320 calories per serving
• Protein: About 28 grams
• Sodium: Around 600 mg

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breast can be used, but thighs provide more flavor and tenderness due to their fat content.

Is this dish spicy?

This Scallion Chicken recipe is not inherently spicy. However, you can easily add chili flakes or hot sauce to increase the heat to your liking.

Can I make this dish in advance?

While fresh is best, you can prepare the chicken and scallion mixture ahead of time and quickly stir-fry before serving.

What can I serve with Scallion Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, garlic noodles, or a simple stir-fried vegetable medley for a complete meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Scallion Chicken recipe is not only a breeze to make but also a delightful option for any night of the week. Bursting with flavors and nutrition, it caters to everyone from busy families to health-conscious individuals. The ease of preparation and clean-up makes it a fantastic go-to dish. We invite you to try this delicious recipe for yourself and make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients or side dishes. Please leave a comment below, share your experience, or share any variations you’ve tried. Happy cooking!