If you’re craving something that bursts with flavor yet comes together in under half an hour, this Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Juicy pieces of chicken mingle with fragrant scallions, garlic, and ginger in a savory-sweet sauce that’s utterly addictive. It’s the kind of dish that feels homey and comforting but also has that vibrant, restaurant-quality punch. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe offers simplicity without sacrificing taste or texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building a balanced and delicious dish. From tender chicken to the fresh zip of scallions and the umami-rich sauce, you’ll see how simplicity can pack a powerful punch.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Using bite-sized pieces ensures quick and even cooking with juicy results.
- Vegetable oil: Neutral oil for stir-frying that allows the flavors to shine without overpowering.
- Scallions (white and green parts separated): The whites add depth during cooking, while the greens bring freshness at the end.
- Garlic: Freshly minced, it creates that irresistible aromatic base for the dish.
- Fresh ginger: Finely minced ginger infuses a warm, zesty kick that balances the savory elements.
- Soy sauce (low sodium recommended): Adds saltiness and depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Oyster sauce: Brings a rich, slightly sweet umami flavor crucial to authentic taste.
- Sesame oil: A little goes a long way in providing nuttiness and aroma.
- Sugar: Just a hint to balance richness and deepen flavor complexity.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce luscious and helps meld the flavors.
- Cornstarch slurry: The magic thickener that gives the sauce its glossy, clingy texture.
- Optional garnishes – extra scallions and sesame seeds: These add a final touch of fresh color and texture that truly elevates the presentation.
How to Make Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by mixing together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, chicken broth, and the cornstarch slurry in a small bowl. This sauce is the heart of the Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe, giving that glossy, flavorful coating that’s so memorable.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to get it nice and hot. Lay the bite-sized chicken pieces in a single layer for even cooking. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside, keeping that beautiful sear intact.
Step 3: Build Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium and toss in the scallion whites, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry gently for 30 to 60 seconds until everything smells incredible, but be careful not to burn the garlic. These aromatics set the stage for the sauce to shine.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, pour in your prepared sauce, and stir to coat the pieces evenly. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings beautifully to the chicken. This step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Finish with Scallion Greens
Finally, stir in the scallion greens for a fresh, bright contrast. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. At this point, sprinkle your chosen garnish and serve while it’s hot and steamy—it’s a dish everyone will love digging into.
How to Serve Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Extra sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds are perfect garnishes that add texture and visual appeal. The scallion greens bring a pop of freshness and mild pungency, while sesame seeds contribute a subtle crunch and nutty aroma.
Side Dishes
This Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For vegetable sides, sautéed bok choy or steamed broccoli offer a lovely green balance, making the meal fresh and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more modern twist, serve the chicken over a bed of garlic fried rice or even wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fun hand-held treat. You could also plate it next to a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar for a cool, crisp contrast that awakens the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making leftovers a delicious second meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save it for later. Make sure it cools completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Frozen chicken will keep its best quality for about 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to prevent drying out, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickened too much. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain the texture and flavor integrity of this Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine; just be sure to not overcook them to keep the meat juicy and tender.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this recipe delivers savory and aromatic flavors without heat. However, you can add chili flakes or fresh chili if you want a spicy kick.
What can I substitute if I don’t have oyster sauce?
Hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce with a tiny bit of sugar can work in a pinch, but oyster sauce adds a unique depth that’s worth using if possible.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The sauce and aromatics will still make it flavorful.
How do I get the scallions to stay crisp?
Add the scallion greens at the very end of cooking to keep their bright color and crisp texture intact, just like in this Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug—simple ingredients, bold flavors, and quick cooking come together perfectly. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, it’s a wonderful way to bring some authentic, delicious Chinese-inspired magic into your kitchen. I highly encourage you to give it a try and watch it become a staple in your weekly rotation!
Print
Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Chinese Scallion Chicken is a savory and juicy stir-fried dish featuring tender chicken pieces tossed with aromatic scallions, garlic, and ginger, all coated in a flavorful soy-based sauce. Perfect as a quick and delicious main dish, it offers a wonderful balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 scallions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
Sauce Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Optional Garnish:
- Extra sliced scallions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch slurry. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they are cooked through and lightly golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Build aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. To the same pan, add the white parts of the scallions, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir-fry for 30 to 60 seconds until the mixture is fragrant.
- Combine and simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything to coat the chicken evenly. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish: Stir in the green parts of the scallions. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with extra sliced scallions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve the dish hot for the best flavor.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Chicken thighs provide juicier, more flavorful results, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Make sure to separate the white and green parts of the scallions as they are cooked at different stages for optimum flavor and texture.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by tweaking the amount of cornstarch slurry.
- Serve the dish immediately to enjoy the tender texture and vibrant flavors.
