Name: Scallion Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 4–5 scallions (cut into 2-inch pieces, whites and greens separated); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar; 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water; Salt and pepper to taste; Toastedsesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a fast, flavor-packed dinner that feels a bit special but is easy enough for any weeknight, Scallion Chicken should be at the very top of your list. This dish is a celebration of juicy chicken bathed in a glossy, savory sauce, with pops of fresh scallion and a subtle sweetness you’ll crave. My favorite part? Every bite is infused with aromatic ginger, garlic, and those irresistible caramelized scallion whites, perfectly balancing taste and texture. Scallion Chicken is proof that a handful of well-chosen ingredients can turn humble chicken into something you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Scallion Chicken is in its simplicity—each ingredient earns its spot, bringing either depth, brightness, or a satisfying texture. Fresh aromatics and a quick marinade transform pantry staples into something really special!

Chicken thighs or breasts (1 lb): Thighs give maximum juiciness, but chicken breast works great if you prefer leaner bites.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds the salty, umami backbone that seasons every piece of chicken.
Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Deepens the savory notes and helps the sauce cling beautifully to the chicken.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Key for locking in juiciness and gives a craveable silkiness to the sauce.
Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Neutral, perfect for high-heat stir-frying to get that golden sear.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Just a little brings a deep, toasty aroma reminiscent of your favorite takeout.
Scallions (4–5, cut into 2-inch pieces, whites and greens separated): The star of Scallion Chicken—their dual textures and flavors make this dish sing!
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds robust warmth and plays so well with ginger.
Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Punches up the flavor and keeps each bite lively.
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Lifts the whole dish with a subtle tang so it never feels heavy.
Honey or brown sugar (1 tablespoon): A touch of sweetness to make every bite even more irresistible.
Low-sodium chicken broth or water (1/4 cup): Rounds out the sauce, keeping it silky and light.
Salt and pepper to taste: Just a sprinkle to finish—taste after you add sauces!
Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional): That little nutty crunch at the end just takes things over the top.

How to Make Scallion Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Toss your cut chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. This quick marinade not only infuses every morsel with flavor, but the cornstarch creates a protective coating, keeping the meat tender as it cooks. Let it sit for just 10 to 15 minutes while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet or wok, heat up your vegetable and sesame oil over medium-high. When it’s shimmering, add your marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to get extra color, then stir-fry until beautifully browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside—don’t worry, it’ll be back soon!

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

In the same pan (no need to clean it!), add your minced garlic, grated ginger, and the sturdy white parts of your scallions. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until everything smells incredible and the scallions begin to soften but still hold shape.

Step 4: Build the Flavorful Sauce

Add in the rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, and chicken broth. Stir well to create a light, shiny sauce that’s just thick enough to hug the chicken. The sweetness and tang here balance the savory depth perfectly.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat in that gorgeous sauce, cooking for another 2 minutes so everything melds and gets a lovely shine. Right at the end, add in the scallion greens and stir just until wilted. This final step keeps them bright-green and full of punch—classic Scallion Chicken goodness!

How to Serve Scallion Chicken

Garnishes

If you want to make your Scallion Chicken look and taste restaurant-worthy, sprinkle over toasted sesame seeds and a few extra fresh scallion greens right before serving. The sesame seeds add a gentle crunch and a nutty finish, while those scallion tops reinforce the dish’s signature brightness.

Side Dishes

This dish is practically begging to be served over a bowl of fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up all that savory sauce (trust me, you’ll want every last drop). Noodles are another stellar choice, or you can add stir-fried veggies—think bell peppers or snap peas—for color and crunch that plays so well with the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful and serve Scallion Chicken in lettuce cups for a light, hand-held meal, or wrap individual portions in steamed rice paper for a fun starter. If you want to impress guests, serve the chicken on a platter with a side of pickled veggies and a sprinkle of microgreens—elevating a beloved comfort food into a gorgeous main event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, pack your leftover Scallion Chicken into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, making lunches or a next-day dinner super easy (and just as delicious)!

Freezing

Need your Scallion Chicken to last even longer? Freeze portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. For best results, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the flavors and that lovely texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat your Scallion Chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce needs loosening. Microwave works in a pinch, too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, so the chicken stays juicy and saucy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast is a great leaner option for Scallion Chicken—just be careful not to overcook it so it stays tender. Both cuts taste wonderful with the punchy sauce and fresh scallions.

How can I make this gluten-free?

No problem! Swap out regular soy sauce for tamari, and double-check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free. This simple adjustment keeps all the flavors you love without the gluten.

What vegetables can I add for variety?

Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or thin carrot strips are all fantastic additions. Just toss them in with the scallion whites, and they’ll soak up the savory sauce while adding pops of color and crunch to your Scallion Chicken.

Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, hoisin sauce or vegetarian mushroom sauce will work in a pinch. It’ll slightly change the flavor profile but still delivers that satisfying depth Scallion Chicken is known for!

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! If you’re feeding a crowd, simply double all the ingredients. For best results, cook the chicken in batches so it sears nicely, then bring everything back together for that final delicious toss in the sauce.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give Scallion Chicken a try—it’s the kind of recipe that turns a handful of ingredients and a few minutes at the stove into something unforgettable. If you’re after a new weeknight favorite or a crowd-pleasing platter for sharing, this dish delivers every single time. Happy cooking!

Scallion Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Scallion Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying Asian-inspired dish that features tender pieces of chicken cooked with scallions in a savory sauce. This easy-to-make stir-fry is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil

For the Stir-Fry:

4–5 scallions (cut into 2-inch pieces, whites and greens separated)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
Salt and pepper to taste
Toastedsesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil and sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Stir-Fry: In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the scallions. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the rice vinegar, honey, and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes until everything is heated through and slightly thickened. Stir in the green scallion tops just before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.