Scallion Chicken

If you’re craving a delicious, Asian-inspired chicken dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes, Scallion Chicken is your answer. This easy recipe brings together tender chicken thighs, savory sauces, and plenty of scallions for a quick, satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.

With its balanced mix of salty, savory, and subtly sweet flavors, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or even when you want a restaurant-quality meal at home without the fuss. The magic lies in the combination of marinated chicken, aromatic scallions, and simple sauces that create a rich, flavorful sauce coating each piece of chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in 20 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
• Tender & Juicy Chicken: Chicken thighs stay moist thanks to cornstarch and a short marinade.
• Vibrant Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and scallions creates a savory, aromatic dish.
• Low-Calorie & Diabetic-Friendly: A light, healthy choice without sacrificing taste.
• Customizable: Adjust soy, pepper, or even add a touch of honey for sweetness.
• Versatile: Serve over rice, noodles, or even a bed of sautéed vegetables.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Main Ingredients:

• 400 g chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
• 2 cups scallions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
• 4 tablespoons oil

Sauces & Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons corn starch

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Non-stick skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon

A non-stick pan works best since cornstarch in the marinade can otherwise stick to the pan.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken thighs, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper powder, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the scallions by separating the white parts from the green parts. The white parts will cook with the chicken for flavor, and the green parts will be added at the end for freshness and color.

Step 2: Pan-Frying the Chicken

Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and pan-fry until fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes depending on the size of your pieces. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning.

Tip: If your chicken pieces are larger or have bones, cover the skillet with a lid to cook them thoroughly without burning.

Step 3: Cooking the Scallions

Add the white parts of the scallions to the pan with the chicken. Cook until softened, about 1–2 minutes. Then, add the green parts of the scallions and stir for 10–20 seconds until slightly wilted. This preserves their bright color and fresh flavor.

Step 4: Serving

Transfer the scallion chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle extra black pepper or chopped scallions on top if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Note: This dish is perfect for a quick dinner, and its vibrant green scallions make it visually appealing as well as delicious.

Tips & Variations

Protein Alternatives

• Chicken breast can be used instead of thighs, but thighs remain juicier.
• Tofu or tempeh can replace chicken for a vegetarian version; increase cooking time slightly.

Sauce Adjustments

• Add a teaspoon of sugar or honey for a slightly sweeter version.
• For extra umami, a dash of sesame oil at the end enhances aroma.

Cooking Tips

• Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Use medium heat to avoid overcooking or burning the scallions.
• Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking to retain moisture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles.
• Add sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy for a balanced meal.
• Garnish with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Flavor Profile

Scallion Chicken is a harmonious blend of flavors:

• Savory & Umami: Soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and oyster sauce create depth.
• Aromatic: The scallions provide a fresh, lightly sweet aroma.
• Mildly Spicy: Black pepper adds subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
• Tender & Juicy: Chicken thighs stay moist thanks to the marinade and cornstarch coating.

The combination makes this dish satisfying, yet light enough for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Nutritional Overview

Per Serving (approx.):

• Calories: 738 kcal
• Protein: 37 g
• Fat: 61 g (Saturated Fat: 11 g, Polyunsaturated: 15 g, Monounsaturated: 32 g)
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 196 mg
• Sodium: 1550 mg
• Potassium: 743 mg
• Vitamin A: 1156 IU
• Vitamin C: 19 mg
• Calcium: 96 mg
• Iron: 3 mg

Dietary Notes:

• Diabetic-friendly and low-carbohydrate.
• Low-fat option if using leaner chicken cuts and less oil.
• Gluten-free if using gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Marinate Chicken Ahead: Marinate up to 2 hours in advance to save time.
• Pre-Chop Scallions: Store in a sealed container in the fridge.
• Cook & Reheat: Fully cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for 2 days and reheated in a skillet for a fast meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs remain more tender and juicy.

2. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Add chili flakes or a small amount of sriracha during cooking for extra heat.

3. Can I use frozen scallions?
Fresh scallions are recommended for flavor and texture, but frozen can work in a pinch.

4. How do I make it sweeter?
A teaspoon of sugar or honey balances the savory flavors.

5. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, store chicken and scallions separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Marinate Chicken	10 min
Pan-Fry Chicken	5–7 min
Cook Scallions	2–3 min
Serve	1–2 min
Total	20 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed white rice for a classic combination.
• Try with brown rice or noodles for a hearty twist.
• Garnish with extra green scallions and sesame seeds.

Recipe Variations

1. Sweet Scallion Chicken: Add 1 tsp honey to the marinade.
2. Spicy Scallion Chicken: Add red chili flakes or chopped fresh chili.
3. Vegetable Boost: Add broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots to the pan.
4. Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce.

Ingredient Spotlight

Scallions

• Provide fresh aroma and subtle sweetness.
• Separate white and green parts for best flavor layering.
• Store in the fridge in a sealed bag for up to a week.

Chicken Thighs

• Remain moist and tender with quick pan-frying.
• Marinating enhances flavor and texture.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan—chicken should sear, not steam.
• Cook scallions quickly to retain their color and flavor.
• Use medium heat for even cooking without burning.
• Toss chicken gently with scallions to preserve tender texture.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Up to 2 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to scallion texture. Freeze only the chicken if needed.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	738 kcal
Protein	37 g
Carbohydrates	11 g
Fat	61 g
Saturated Fat	11 g
Fiber	3 g
Sodium	1550 mg

Dietary Notes: Diabetic-friendly, low-fat, gluten-free if using appropriate sauces.

Expanded Conclusion

Scallion Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish perfect for busy nights, cozy dinners, or even meal prep. With tender chicken, savory sauces, and aromatic scallions, it’s a recipe that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to impress.

Serve with rice or noodles, garnish with extra scallions, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. Try it today, share with family and friends, and make this quick Asian-inspired dish a staple in your weekly rotation.

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