There’s just something so comforting about the sizzling sound of chicken thighs cooking in a hot pan, especially when paired with the vibrant freshness of scallions. As I stood in my kitchen, the aroma wafting through the air transported me to my favorite Asian bistro, reminding me of those meals I cherished during busy weeknights. This Quick and Flavorful Scallion Chicken comes together in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal option for anyone seeking to elevate home cooking without the hassle.
Bursting with savory notes and a hint of sweetness from the scallions, this dish strikes the perfect balance of flavor and simplicity. It’s budget-friendly too, proving that delicious meals don’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this scallion chicken is sure to impress, allowing you to showcase a delightful Asian-inspired dish that feels both familiar and exciting. So grab your ingredients, and let’s bring this satisfying feast to your table tonight!
Why is Scallion Chicken a Must-Try?
Quick Prep Time: This dish comes together in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Savory Delight: Juicy chicken thighs paired with aromatic scallions create a flavor bomb that’s hard to resist.
Budget-Friendly: Using common ingredients keeps costs low without sacrificing taste or quality.
Versatile Base: Easily customize with vegetables like bell peppers or a protein swap for variety.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for dinner parties or family meals, this recipe will impress anyone at the table.
Get ready to elevate your cooking game with this amazing Scallion Chicken that balances ease and excitement!
Scallion Chicken Ingredients
• Dive into the deliciousness with these essential components.
For the Chicken
- Chicken thighs – Provides richness and tenderness, ideal for marinating; substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option, adjusting cooking time to prevent dryness.
For the Scallions
- Scallions – Adds a sweet, onion-like flavor that enhances the dish; substitute with green onions or chives if necessary.
For the Sauce
- Oil – Used for frying to ensure even cooking; can be replaced with sesame oil for added flavor.
- Soy sauce – Adds a savory umami note; swap with coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
- Dark soy sauce – Provides color and depth of flavor; omit if unavailable.
- Oyster sauce – Enhances the savory profile with sweetness; substitute with mushroom sauce for a vegan version.
- Black pepper powder – Adds a touch of heat; adjust according to preference.
- Corn starch – Helps thicken and coat the chicken; replace with tapioca starch or omit for simpler texture.
These ingredients will come together beautifully to create an unforgettable Scallion Chicken that’s perfect for any night of the week!
How to Make Scallion Chicken
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Marinate Chicken: Begin by combining the chicken thighs with soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and corn starch in a bowl. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you chop the scallions, making sure to separate the white and green parts for better flavor layering.
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Cook Chicken: Heat a generous drizzle of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and pan-fry until it’s fully cooked and reaches a lovely golden brown color, which should take approximately 10 minutes.
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Add Scallions: Now it’s time to stir in the white parts of the scallions. Cook them down until softened for about 1-2 minutes. For larger chicken pieces, cover the pan to ensure even cooking. Finally, add the green parts of the scallions and give everything a good stir for just another 10-20 seconds.
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Serve: Carefully plate your beautiful scallion chicken, garnishing with additional scallions or a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Optional: Drizzle a light soy sauce mixture over the dish for an extra flavor boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Scallion Chicken?
Transform your everyday dinner into a memorable affair with the perfect accompaniments that enhance each bite of flavor-packed chicken.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice absorbs the savory sauce beautifully, creating a satisfying and comforting base for the scallion chicken.
- Sautéed Broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli adds a delightful crunch and a pop of color, balancing the richness of the chicken.
- Crispy Wontons: For an added texture, light and crispy wontons are a perfect finger-food side, inviting everyone to snack away.
- Garlic Bok Choy: The subtle garlic flavor of bok choy perfectly complements the scallions in the chicken, while its tender leaves bring freshness to the meal.
- Pickled Radishes: These tangy, crunchy morsels contrast with the savory chicken, awakening the taste buds and adding a lively twist to your plate.
- Cashew Stir-Fry Noodles: Chewy noodles tossed with cashews and veggies create a delightful blend of textures and flavors, rounding out the heartiness of the chicken dish.
These delightful sides make for a balanced and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Scallion Chicken Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this delicious dish and make it your own!
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Pork Swap: Replace chicken thighs with boneless pork for a different meat flavor. Adjust cooking time for tenderness.
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Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the pan for a colorful and nutritious upgrade. These veggies will soak up those savory flavors!
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Spicy Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha for a heat boost. Your taste buds will dance with excitement!
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Ginger Zing: Include freshly grated ginger with the marinade for a spirited twist. It adds warmth and depth that will wow your palate.
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Coconut Flavor: Use coconut milk instead of soy sauce for a creamy, tropical vibe. This version is both rich and incredibly satisfying.
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Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make your dish gluten-free while maintaining delicious umami flavor.
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Nutty Finish: Drizzle with sesame oil just before serving for a perfect nutty finish. It elevates the overall taste that you won’t want to miss!
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Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh cilantro or basil before plating for a fragrant herby touch that brightens each bite with freshness.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Scallion Chicken in advance can save you precious time during busy weeknights! You can marinate the chicken thighs up to 24 hours in advance; simply combine them with soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and corn starch, and refrigerate until ready to cook. The scallions can also be chopped and stored separately (maintaining their freshness) in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, heat a non-stick pan with a little oil and cook the marinated chicken for about 10 minutes. Add the scallions for the final few moments, and you’ll have a delightful dish that’s just as flavorful and satisfying as if you made it freshly!
How to Store and Freeze Scallion Chicken
Fridge: Store your scallion chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a non-stick pan over low heat to preserve moisture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. This ensures a delightful texture when enjoying your scallion chicken again.
Serving: If you plan on enjoying the scallion chicken later, serve it freshly made for the best flavors, but it maintains its deliciousness even after storage.
Expert Tips for Scallion Chicken
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Marinate Wisely: Ensure the chicken thighs fully absorb the flavors by marinating for at least 10 minutes—this step enhances the overall taste of your scallion chicken.
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Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium heat to prevent the chicken from cooking too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. A non-stick pan is essential to avoid sticking.
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Scallion Technique: Separate the scallion parts for better flavor integration; adding the white parts first allows them to soften and release their sweetness before adding the vibrant green tops.
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Sauce Variation: If you love extra sauce, consider adding a simple mix of broth and soy sauce for drizzling over the finished dish, enhancing the taste even further.
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Protein Substitution: Don’t hesitate to swap chicken with boneless pork or beef, but adjust cook times to ensure everything is thoroughly cooked—your scallion chicken journey could take a delicious turn!
Scallion Chicken Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my scallions are ripe?
Look for scallions that have a firm, crisp texture and vibrant green tops. Avoid those with dark spots or wilting, as they may not have the best flavor or freshness.
What is the best way to store leftover scallion chicken?
Store your scallion chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so in a non-stick pan over low heat to retain moisture and flavor.
Can I freeze scallion chicken?
Absolutely! To freeze, place the cooked scallion chicken in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in a pan.
What if my scallion chicken is too dry?
If you find your chicken has turned out dry, it may be due to overcooking. Next time, keep an eye on your cooking time. For this go-around, consider adding a splash of broth or soy sauce while reheating to restore some moisture.
Is scallion chicken safe for diabetics?
Yes! This scallion chicken recipe can be diabetic-friendly. It uses low-calorie ingredients and is customizable. Just watch the soy sauce and opt for low-sodium versions to minimize sodium intake.
Can I make scallion chicken for my pet?
I recommend not serving this dish to pets, mainly because of the soy sauce and spices that could be harmful to them. Always check with your veterinarian for pet-safe foods!
Savory Scallion Chicken in Under 20 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by combining the chicken thighs with soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and corn starch in a bowl. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you chop the scallions, making sure to separate the white and green parts for better flavor layering.
- Heat a generous drizzle of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and pan-fry until it’s fully cooked and reaches a lovely golden brown color, which should take approximately 10 minutes.
- Now it's time to stir in the white parts of the scallions. Cook them down until softened for about 1-2 minutes. For larger chicken pieces, cover the pan to ensure even cooking. Finally, add the green parts of the scallions and give everything a good stir for just another 10-20 seconds.
- Carefully plate your beautiful scallion chicken, garnishing with additional scallions or a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
