Zesty Scallion Chicken Recipe: Fresh Flavors Made Simple

Sizzling pans and aromatic garlic set the stage for this mouthwatering scallion chicken recipe that promises pure culinary delight.

Tender chicken pieces dance with vibrant green onions, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory and fresh elements, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

The recipe blends traditional techniques with modern zest, ensuring a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected spices elevate this chicken to restaurant-quality status right in your own kitchen.

Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, this dish becomes an instant favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.

Get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table with this irresistible culinary creation.

Kitchen Must-Haves for Scallion Chicken

• Large Bowl: Essential for marinating chicken with sauces and seasonings.
• Non-Stick Pan: Perfect for even cooking and preventing chicken from sticking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping scallions into white and green parts.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for cleanly slicing scallions and preparing ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir chicken and scallions while cooking.
• Lid (optional): Useful for covering pan when cooking larger chicken pieces.

Cooking Scallion Chicken from Start to Finish

• Flavor Infusion

Combine chicken with a blend of savory sauces and seasonings in a mixing bowl. Let the flavors mingle and soak into the meat for a short rest.

• Golden Sizzle

Warm a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Carefully place chicken pieces into the pan, allowing them to transform into a crispy, caramel-colored delight.

• Aromatic Transformation

Introduce the white sections of fresh scallions to the cooking chicken. Let them soften and release their subtle fragrance. If needed, cover the pan to ensure complete cooking. Finish with a quick toss of vibrant green scallion tops for a burst of freshness.

• Delicious Presentation

Transfer the succulent chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra scallions or a dash of black pepper. Pair with fluffy steamed rice or tender noodles for a complete meal that celebrates simple, bold flavors.

Tips and Tweaks for Scallion Chicken Recipes

• Replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts, tofu, or shrimp for a different protein experience while maintaining similar seasoning techniques.
• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for an extra kick of heat that transforms the dish's flavor profile.
• Let chicken sit in marinade for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator to enhance deeper flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Pat chicken pieces dry before cooking to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in juicy flavor and prevents soggy results.

Tasty Pairings for Scallion Chicken

• Pair with Steamed Rice: Create a comforting meal by serving the scallion chicken over fluffy white rice, allowing the savory sauce to soak into each grain and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or extra green onion tops over the dish to add a bright, fresh burst of color and a crisp, aromatic finish that elevates the chicken's rich taste.
• Complement with Quick Pickles: Prepare a quick side of cucumber or radish pickles to provide a tangy, crunchy contrast that cuts through the richness of the pan-fried chicken and balances the meal's texture.
• Add Chili Sauce on Side: Offer a small bowl of chili oil or sriracha sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat, allowing diners to customize the spice level to their personal preference.

How to Store Scallion Chicken

• Refrigerate Strategically: Store leftover scallion chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal freshness and flavor.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to restore moisture and preserve tenderness. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly.
• Freeze for Later Meals: Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare extra scallion chicken during cooking to create quick weeknight meals. Portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners. Pair with steamed rice or fresh vegetables for a balanced meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 427 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Scallion Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful cut that absorbs marinades beautifully, providing rich depth to the dish. Choose fresh, boneless thighs for quicker cooking and easier preparation.

• Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Powerful flavor boosters that infuse the chicken with savory umami and deep caramel undertones. Select high-quality, authentic Asian sauces for the most authentic taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and sharp aromatic notes that complement the chicken's richness. Fresh ground pepper delivers more intense flavor than pre-ground varieties.
• Corn Starch: Creates a delicate protective coating that helps seal in moisture and generates a subtle crispy exterior when pan-frying. Ensures chicken remains juicy and tender during cooking.

• Scallions: Bright, green onion that provides a sharp, clean flavor contrast to the rich chicken. Select crisp, vibrant green stalks with firm white bases for maximum flavor and visual appeal. Green and white parts offer different taste intensities and cooking characteristics.
• Cooking Oil: Neutral medium for pan-frying that helps achieve golden, crispy chicken exterior. Use vegetable or canola oil for consistent heat distribution.

Crispy Scallion Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade Chinese scallion chicken brings complex layers of savory flavor to kitchen tables. Ginger, garlic, and green onions combine deliciously, offering you a simple yet remarkable culinary experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 400 g (14 oz) chicken thighs
• 2 cups scallions (chopped, white and green parts separated)
• 4 tbsps vegetable oil
• 2 tbsps soy sauce
• ½ tbsp dark soy sauce
• ½ tbsp oyster sauce
• ½ tsp black pepper powder
• 2 tbsps corn starch

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Blend chicken thighs with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, ground black pepper, and corn starch. Let the meat absorb flavors for 10 minutes at room temperature, ensuring thorough coating.
2. Prep Scallions: Finely chop scallions, meticulously separating white and green segments to create distinct flavor layers for the dish.
3. Sear Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Arrange marinated chicken pieces without overcrowding, allowing each piece to caramelize evenly and develop a rich golden-brown crust.
4. Cook Thoroughly: Sauté chicken for 6-8 minutes, rotating periodically to ensure uniform cooking and reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Incorporate white scallion segments midway through cooking to infuse additional aromatic depth.
5. Finish and Garnish: Reduce heat if needed, covering the pan briefly to guarantee complete cooking. Sprinkle vibrant green scallion tops, tossing quickly to maintain their crisp texture and fresh flavor.
6. Serve: Transfer the fragrant scallion chicken to a serving platter, optionally adding a final dusting of ground black pepper or decorative scallion ribbons. Accompany with steamed jasmine rice or delicate wheat noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Marinate Wisely: Let chicken absorb flavors at room temperature for maximum taste infusion, but avoid leaving meat out longer than 30 minutes to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pan Perfection: Use a non-stick skillet with sufficient surface area to prevent chicken pieces from touching, ensuring crispy caramelization instead of steaming.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning; adjust flame if chicken browns too quickly or remains undercooked.
• Scallion Strategy: Reserve green tops until final moments of cooking to preserve their vibrant color, fresh flavor, and delicate texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 427
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 754 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 126 mg