Scallion chicken is a quick and flavorful chicken dish made with tender chicken thighs, fresh scallions, soy sauce, and simple pantry ingredients. The chicken becomes juicy and savory while the scallions add freshness and aroma. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is simple, fast, and packed with flavor. The chicken stays tender thanks to the marinade, while the scallions create a fresh and fragrant finish. It uses affordable ingredients and comes together in only about 20 minutes. You can also customize it easily with vegetables or extra spices to fit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 400 g chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 cups scallions, chopped and separated into white and green parts
• 4 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon halal-certified oyster sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions

Place the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl. Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.

Wash and chop the scallions. Separate the white parts from the green parts because they cook differently and are added at different times.

Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and spread it into a single layer. Cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken begins to brown.

Add the white scallion pieces to the pan and continue cooking until fragrant and softened. If needed, cover the pan briefly to help the chicken cook through completely.

Once the chicken is fully cooked, add the green scallion pieces. Stir for another 10 to 20 seconds until the scallions are slightly softened but still vibrant in color.

Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2 servings

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

Variations

You can add garlic and fresh ginger for deeper flavor. If you enjoy spicy food, mix in chili flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers. Vegetables such as mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers can also be added to make the dish more filling. For a sweeter flavor, stir in a small amount of honey or brown sugar.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover scallion chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep the chicken moist. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each interval for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well, although chicken thighs tend to stay juicier.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken several hours in advance or overnight in the refrigerator.

What does dark soy sauce do?

Dark soy sauce adds a richer color and deeper flavor to the dish.

Can I freeze scallion chicken?

Yes, cooked scallion chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months in a sealed container.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, the recipe is mild, but you can add chili if you want heat.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free oyster sauce alternatives.

Why is cornstarch used?

Cornstarch helps create a light coating that keeps the chicken tender and glossy.

What side dishes go well with scallion chicken?

Steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables pair very well.

Can I use green onions instead of scallions?

Yes, green onions and scallions are commonly used interchangeably.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should be opaque all the way through and reach a safe internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

Conclusion

Scallion chicken is a delicious and easy meal that combines tender chicken with the fresh flavor of scallions in a savory sauce. It is quick enough for busy evenings while still delivering comforting homemade flavor. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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