Scallion Chicken: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Dinner
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dinner that’s easy to make yet full of savory goodness, this Scallion Chicken recipe is perfect for you. Tender pieces of chicken thighs are marinated in a delicious soy-based sauce, pan-fried to perfection, and then combined with fragrant scallions for a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Serve this dish with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that comes together in just 35 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, you can have a restaurant-quality dish on the table in no time.
- Flavorful & Versatile: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and scallions creates a rich umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it an ideal option for meal prepping your lunches or dinners for the week.
Ingredients
- 400 g chicken thighs (cut into small pieces)
- 2 cups scallions (chopped, white and green parts separated)
- 4 tablespoons oil
- 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
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken thighs. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and corn starch. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly in the marinade, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This marinating time helps infuse the chicken with flavor and ensures a tender texture. While the chicken is marinating, chop the scallions, making sure to separate the white parts from the green.
2. Pan-Fry the Chicken
Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Pan-fry the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked and develops a golden-brown exterior. This should take about 7-10 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces.
3. Add the Scallions
Once the chicken is cooked through, add the white parts of the scallions to the pan. Cook them for a few minutes until softened, stirring occasionally to make sure they’re evenly distributed. If you’re using larger chicken pieces or bone-in chicken, you may want to cover the pan with a lid to ensure the chicken cooks all the way through. Finally, add the green parts of the scallions to the pan and cook for an additional 10-20 seconds, just enough to wilt them slightly while maintaining their fresh flavor.
4. Serve
Serve the scallion chicken warm, with a sprinkle of extra black pepper or fresh scallions on top if desired. This dish is delicious when paired with steamed rice or noodles, making it a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Tips for Success
- Marinating Tip: Don’t skip the marinating step! Even a short 10-minute marination helps to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Corn Starch: The corn starch in the marinade helps create a light coating on the chicken, giving it a slightly crispy texture when pan-fried.
- Scallion Usage: Make sure to separate the white and green parts of the scallions. The white parts need more time to cook and soften, while the green parts are added at the end for a fresh and vibrant flavor.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 300 kcal per serving
Final Thoughts
This Scallion Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of tender chicken, savory sauces, and fragrant scallions creates a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
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Scallion Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Scallion Chicken is a quick and delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights. The tender chicken thighs are marinated with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and oyster sauce, then stir-fried until golden and juicy. Fresh scallions add a bright, flavorful punch, complementing the rich, savory sauces.
Ingredients
400 g chicken thighs (cut into small pieces)
2 cups scallions (chopped, white and green parts separated)
4 tablespoons oil
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
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the chicken thighs with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and corn starch. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes. While marinating, chop the scallions, separating the white parts from the green.
Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and pan-fry until they are fully cooked and golden on the outside.
Add Scallions: Once the chicken is cooked, add the white parts of the scallions to the pan. Cook until softened, stirring occasionally. If using larger chicken pieces or bone-in chicken, cover the pan with a lid and cook until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through. Finally, add the green parts of the scallions and stir for 10-20 seconds to lightly cook them.
Serve: Serve the scallion chicken warm, with a sprinkle of extra pepper or scallions on top if desired. Enjoy with steamed rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300