Scallion Chicken

Introduction

Scallion Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken with the vibrant taste of scallions, soy sauce, and ginger. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish delivers a delicious punch of umami with minimal effort. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, Scallion Chicken is a simple recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes.

I first learned this recipe from a family friend who shared her love for quick and easy Chinese-inspired dishes. The balance of flavors and ease of preparation made it an instant hit at home. With each bite, the crisp scallions and tender chicken offer a comforting and satisfying experience, reminding me of cozy family meals shared around the table.

I vividly recall the first time I made Scallion Chicken; the kitchen was filled with the irresistible aroma of sizzling scallions and soy sauce. The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with how quickly it came together, made it one of those dishes I knew I’d return to time and time again. Now, it’s a go-to recipe when I’m short on time but still want a meal that feels special, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are several reasons why Scallion Chicken will become a staple in your recipe collection:

• Bright, Fresh Flavor: The combination of scallions and tender chicken gives the dish a fresh and vibrant flavor that’s light yet satisfying.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare and can be on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and nutrients from the scallions, it’s a wholesome meal that’s both tasty and nutritious.
• Versatile Dish: Scallion Chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, or a simple salad, making it a versatile option for any meal.
• Minimal Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish without needing a long list of items.
• Customizable Spice Level: You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili flakes, making it perfect for anyone’s spice preference.
• Great for Meal Prep: This dish stores well and is ideal for meal prepping, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for family dinner or a small gathering, this dish is always a hit with its approachable and delicious flavors.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: This recipe is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
• Delicious Leftovers: The flavors deepen as it sits, so the leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead option!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbohydrates: 10g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

To make Scallion Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Sauce:

• 4-5 scallions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional for added flavor)

Ingredient Highlights

• Scallions: These fresh, mildly onion-flavored vegetables provide brightness to the dish and pair perfectly with the savory chicken.
• Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce: These sauces bring the umami flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Scallion Chicken:

1st Step: Prepare the Chicken

• Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and cornstarch. This helps create a slightly crispy texture when cooked.

2nd Step: Cook the Chicken

• Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3rd Step: Prepare the Sauce

• In the same skillet, add the white parts of the scallions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, chicken broth, and sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

4th Step: Combine Chicken and Sauce

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Add the green parts of the scallions and stir everything together. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the chicken is fully coated and heated through.

5th Step: Serve

• Remove from heat and drizzle with sesame oil (if using) before serving.

How to Serve

Here are some great ideas for serving your Scallion Chicken:

• Over Steamed Rice: Serve the tender scallion chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up all the savory sauce.
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair the chicken with a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a balanced meal.
• On Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the chicken wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, adding a fresh, crunchy texture.
• With Noodles: Toss the scallion chicken with your favorite noodles—such as lo mein or soba—for a comforting and flavorful dish.
• As a Salad Topper: Serve sliced scallion chicken over a green salad with a light sesame or ginger dressing for a healthy twist.
• With Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, serve the chicken over cauliflower rice, allowing the bold flavors to shine.
• In Tacos: Use the scallion chicken as a filling for soft tortillas, adding some sliced cucumber and a drizzle of hoisin or sriracha for a fusion-style taco.
• In a Grain Bowl: Combine the chicken with quinoa or farro, roasted vegetables, and a tangy dressing for a wholesome, nutrient-packed grain bowl.
• With Fried Rice: Pair the scallion chicken with fried rice for a more indulgent meal that’s full of complementary flavors and textures.
• In a Bento Box: Present the chicken as part of a bento box-style meal, accompanied by rice, pickled vegetables, and a small side salad for a well-rounded lunch.

Additional Tips

Make your Scallion Chicken perfect with these helpful tips:

1. Marinate Longer for Flavor: For an extra boost of flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the scallions and other seasonings to fully penetrate.
2. Use Fresh Scallions: Fresh scallions provide a more vibrant flavor and better texture, so avoid using wilted or old ones.
3. Thinly Slice Scallions: Slice the scallions thinly, especially for garnish, to distribute their flavor evenly and add a decorative touch.
4. Sear the Chicken: Sear the chicken in a hot pan before finishing it in the oven to lock in the juices and create a crispy exterior.
5. Adjust Heat Levels: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade if you prefer a spicy kick.
6. Serve with a Sauce: Drizzle the chicken with a light soy sauce or a tangy lemon-scallion dressing to enhance the dish’s overall flavor.
7. Cook Evenly: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure they cook uniformly without drying out.
8. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan to allow each piece to brown properly.
9. Use Dark Meat: If you prefer juicier meat, swap chicken breasts for thighs or drumsticks, which remain moist when cooked.
10. Garnish Just Before Serving: Add a final sprinkle of fresh scallions on top just before serving for an extra burst of freshness and color.

Recipe Variations

Explore these variations for your Scallion Chicken:

• Spicy Scallion Chicken: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Lemon Garlic Scallion Chicken: Incorporate fresh lemon juice and minced garlic into the marinade for a bright, zesty flavor.
• Honey Soy Scallion Chicken: Mix honey with soy sauce in the marinade for a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
• Ginger Scallion Chicken: Add freshly grated ginger to the dish for a warm, aromatic twist that pairs perfectly with scallions.
• Scallion Chicken Stir-Fry: Slice the chicken into thin strips and stir-fry with scallions, bell peppers, and broccoli for a quick and healthy variation.
• Teriyaki Scallion Chicken: Swap the marinade for a homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce, adding a Japanese-inspired twist to the dish.
• Scallion Chicken Skewers: Thread marinated chicken and scallion pieces onto skewers, then grill for a fun and flavorful presentation at barbecues.
• Sesame Scallion Chicken: Add a tablespoon of toasted sesame oil to the marinade, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving for a nutty flavor.
• Coconut Milk Scallion Chicken: Marinate the chicken in coconut milk along with scallions and spices for a creamy, rich variation with a tropical flair.
• Scallion Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Serve the cooked chicken and scallions inside lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb option that’s great as an appetizer or main dish.

Freezing and Storage

Here’s how to store and freeze your Scallion Chicken:

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Special Equipment

Here are some helpful tools for making Scallion Chicken:

1. Wok or Skillet: Essential for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables evenly and quickly.
2. Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for chopping the chicken, scallions, and any other vegetables.
3. Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife for slicing the chicken and vegetables efficiently.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring sauces, oils, and seasonings.
5. Mixing Bowls: Various sizes for marinating the chicken and mixing sauces.
6. Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and tossing the ingredients while cooking in the wok.
7. Tongs: Useful for flipping and serving the chicken without damaging the meat.
8. Plate or Serving Dish: To transfer the cooked scallion chicken for serving.
9. Grater or Zester: If using fresh ginger or garlic, a grater will help incorporate them into the dish easily.
10. Thermometer (Optional): A meat thermometer can ensure the chicken is cooked to the right internal temperature for safety.

Having these tools will help streamline the cooking process and enhance your overall cooking experience!

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe:

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
  Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result.
• Can I substitute oyster sauce?
  Hoisin sauce can be used in place of oyster sauce, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Is this dish gluten-free?
  Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish gluten-free.
• Can I make this ahead?
  Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and reheat it, though the scallions may lose some of their crispness.
• What vegetables can I add?
  Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas make excellent additions to this dish.

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Conclusion

Scallion Chicken is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that brings the best of Chinese-inspired cooking to your home kitchen. With its savory sauce and fresh ingredients, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it over rice or with noodles, Scallion Chicken is sure to become a family favorite!

Its vibrant flavors and simple preparation make it a delightful addition to weeknight dinners, yet it’s impressive enough to serve at gatherings or special occasions. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy the joy of sharing a delicious, home-cooked meal with your loved ones. With each bite, you’ll appreciate the beautiful blend of flavors and the warmth of a dish that’s easy to make but unforgettable in taste!