If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, quick to prepare, and irresistibly delicious, the Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe will immediately win your heart. This dish beautifully showcases tender chicken coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, enriched with the fresh, vibrant punch that scallions bring. With aromatic garlic and ginger perfectly balancing the flavors, every bite is a delightful harmony of textures and savory goodness. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just diving into Chinese cuisine at home, this recipe offers a simple yet impressive meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the foundation for the success of this Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to deliver a balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic notes that dance together beautifully in the final dish.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken sliced thinly for quick cooking and tender texture.
- Soy sauce: Adds that essential savory umami flavor that is signature in Chinese cooking.
- Cornstarch: Helps create a light coating on the chicken, giving it a velvety texture and helping the sauce cling perfectly.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil for stir-frying without overpowering the flavors.
- Sesame oil: Infuses the dish with its iconic nutty aroma and depth.
- Scallions: Using both white and green parts ensures a mix of sharpness and color vibrancy.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings richly pungent warmth that wakes up the palate.
- Ginger: Freshly minced ginger adds a subtle zing and keeps the dish bright.
- Oyster sauce: Provides a luscious, slightly sweet earthiness to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity brightens the dish and balances the richness.
- Sugar: Just enough sweetness to create harmony with the savory ingredients.
- Black pepper: Offers a mild spice that complements without overwhelming.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a touch of heat, these add a perfect kick.
How to Make Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by coating the thinly sliced chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. This simple marination is crucial because it not only infuses the chicken with savory flavor but also creates a tender, silky texture once cooked. Letting it sit for 10 to 15 minutes allows the flavors to deepen beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whisk together the oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper in a separate bowl. This balanced mix will become your sauce, giving that perfect mix of umami, tang, and sweetness that defines the Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Set a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil along with sesame oil. Heating both oils together ensures you get the high-heat cooking power from the vegetable oil combined with the fragrant richness of sesame oil.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to your hot pan and stir-fry it until it’s cooked through and beautifully golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. The quick cooking retains the juiciness while providing a slight caramelization that enhances flavor.
Step 5: Add Aromatics
Next, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for another 1 to 2 minutes until their inviting aromas fill the kitchen. This step is key because it layers the dish with that unmistakable fresh and fragrant punch that makes every bite so memorable.
Step 6: Incorporate the Scallions
Now it’s time for the star ingredient – the scallions. Adding both the white and green parts and cooking them for 2 to 3 minutes keeps their texture tender yet vibrant, lending the dish its signature fresh, crisp notes and bright color.
Step 7: Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and scallions. Stir everything together so the sauce evenly coats each piece. This step ties all the flavors into a harmonious whole, creating that mouthwatering glossy finish that Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe is famous for.
Step 8: Final Touch
Cook the mixture for an additional minute while stirring constantly. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, intensifying the flavors and giving the dish that perfect clingy texture that’s impossible not to love.
Step 9: Serve Hot
Once the sauce is perfectly thickened and everything is tender yet vibrant, remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with extra scallions if you wish for a beautiful pop of green and an added fresh bite.
How to Serve Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle some additional chopped scallions over the dish to enhance the freshness and add a crisp texture. A few red pepper flakes can also accentuate the dish’s flavor with a bit of heat that wakes up the senses.
Side Dishes
Chinese Scallion Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up every bit of the sauce. For a more balanced meal, add a side of stir-fried vegetables or simple steamed broccoli, which complements the richness of the chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve the chicken over a bed of lightly fried rice noodles or even wrapped in lettuce leaves for a refreshing and interactive dining experience. This keeps things fun and lets everyone enjoy their meal in their own way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Chinese Scallion Chicken into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to three days, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy weeknights.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, removing as much air as possible. Frozen Chinese Scallion Chicken is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the chicken’s tenderness and keep the scallions lively. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the chicken rubbery and the scallions wilted.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken thighs and breasts work well. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking, while breasts offer a leaner option. Just slice thinly for even cooking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
You can swap the chicken for firm tofu or seitan and follow the same steps, adjusting cooking time accordingly. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom sauce to keep the umami flavor intact.
How spicy is this recipe?
By default, this Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe is mild and full of balanced flavors. However, you can easily add red pepper flakes or chili oil if you prefer a spicier kick.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a touch of mushroom broth can be great alternatives to keep that savory, slightly sweet richness.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce a few hours ahead or even overnight. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to develop even more before cooking.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely believe this Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe has all the qualities that make a meal truly special: it’s flavorful, quick to make, and always comforting. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to share with friends and family again and again, whether for a casual dinner or when you want to impress without stress. So next time you’re craving something mouthwatering and satisfying, give this recipe a whirl – I promise you’ll fall in love with every bite.
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Chinese Scallion Chicken is a quick and flavorful stir-fry recipe featuring tender slices of chicken cooked with fresh scallions, garlic, and ginger, all coated in a savory oyster sauce blend. This dish combines the umami richness of soy and oyster sauces with the aromatic punch of sesame oil and scallions, making a perfect weeknight meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced thinly
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup scallions, chopped (white and green parts)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to coat all pieces and let it marinate for 10-15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves completely. Set this sauce aside for later use.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil along with sesame oil. Allow the oils to warm up and become fragrant before adding ingredients.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the hot pan and stir-fry it for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice golden brown color on the outside.
- Add Aromatics: Incorporate the minced garlic and ginger into the pan and cook together with the chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes until their aromas are released and fragrant.
- Add Scallions: Stir in the chopped scallions and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the scallions remain vibrant and slightly tender but not mushy.
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared oyster sauce mixture over the chicken and scallions. Stir well to evenly coat all ingredients with the savory sauce.
- Final Touch: Continue to cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and cling well to the chicken and vegetables.
- Serve Hot: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with additional chopped scallions if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra heat, add red pepper flakes when preparing the sauce or while stir-frying.
- Chicken thighs provide juicier results, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Be careful not to overcook the scallions to preserve their bright flavor and crunch.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
- Use a wok or large skillet for even high-heat cooking and easy stirring.
