Scallion Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that features tender chicken thighs cooked in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of black pepper. The addition of fresh scallions adds a burst of flavor and color, making this a vibrant and delicious meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 400 g (about 4-5) chicken thighs, cut into small pieces

• 2 cups scallions, chopped (separate the white and green parts)

• 4 tablespoons oil (vegetable, sunflower, or your preferred oil)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce

• ½ tablespoon oyster sauce

• ½ teaspoon black pepper powder (adjust to taste)

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch. Marinate for 10 minutes.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes depending on the size of the pieces.

3. Add the Scallions:

   • Add the white parts of the chopped scallions to the pan and cook until softened. If you’re using larger chicken pieces or bone-in thighs, cover the pan with a lid to ensure the chicken cooks through.

4. Finish the Dish:

   • Once the chicken is cooked, add the green parts of the scallions and stir for 10-20 seconds to lightly cook them.

5. Serve:

   • Garnish with additional scallions or black pepper as desired. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 738 kcal

• Fat: 61g

  • Saturated Fat: 11g

• Carbohydrates: 11g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 3g

• Protein: 37g

• Sodium: 1550mg

• Cholesterol: 196mg

• Potassium: 743mg

• Iron: 3mg

Why Scallion Chicken is So Special

Scallion Chicken is special because it offers a delightful combination of tender, juicy chicken, a rich umami-packed sauce, and the freshness of scallions. The scallions add both color and flavor, creating a dish that’s visually appealing and aromatic.

What makes this dish even better is how quickly it comes together. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal. The sauce, which combines soy sauce, oyster sauce, and black pepper, is simple but delivers bold, savory flavors that elevate the chicken. The fresh scallions not only enhance the flavor but also provide a crunchy texture, especially in the green part, making each bite interesting.

Key Ingredients and Their Role in the Recipe

• Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are chosen for their juiciness and tenderness, which make them perfect for this dish. They cook up flavorful and moist, soaking up the savory sauce beautifully.

• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a key ingredient in the marinade and sauce, contributing a salty, umami flavor that adds depth to the dish.

• Dark Soy Sauce: Dark soy sauce adds a richer, deeper color and a slightly sweeter, more complex flavor compared to regular soy sauce.

• Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce brings a savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish and adds depth to the sauce.

• Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a mild heat and piquancy to the dish, balancing out the sweetness of the oyster sauce.

• Scallions: Scallions are the star ingredient, providing a fresh, mild onion flavor. The white parts are cooked down for a softer texture, while the green parts are added at the end for a burst of color and crunch.

• Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to marinate the chicken, giving it a slightly crisp exterior when cooked, and also helps thicken the sauce.

How to Make the Perfect Scallion Chicken

This easy, flavorful dish comes together quickly with minimal effort. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch. Let the chicken marinate for about 10 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb all the flavors from the sauce and gives it a nice texture when cooked.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

3. Add the Scallions: Once the chicken is cooked, add the white parts of the scallions to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant. This adds sweetness and depth to the dish.

4. Finish the Dish: Add the green parts of the scallions to the pan and stir for 10-20 seconds, just enough to lightly cook them. This keeps the green scallions crisp and vibrant, adding a fresh element to the dish.

5. Serve: Garnish with additional scallions or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper if desired. Serve immediately with rice or noodles to complete the meal.

Pro Tips for Perfect Scallion Chicken

• Use Bone-In or Boneless Chicken Thighs: While the recipe calls for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, you can use boneless thighs to save on cooking time. Skinless thighs will cook faster, but the skin adds extra flavor and juiciness.

• Let the Chicken Marinate: Even though the marinade time is only about 10 minutes, letting the chicken sit longer (up to 30 minutes) can enhance the flavors even more.

• Adjust the Sauce: If you like a sweeter sauce, add a bit more honey or brown sugar. For a spicier version, add some chili flakes or fresh chili to the sauce.

• Don’t Overcook the Scallions: The green parts of the scallions should be added at the end and only lightly cooked, as they provide a burst of freshness and a slight crunch that balances the dish.

• Serve with Rice or Noodles: This dish pairs perfectly with plain steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles, which will soak up the flavorful sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Scallion Chicken

Scallion Chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides:

• With Rice: Serve it with steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice to absorb the delicious sauce.

• With Noodles: This dish also pairs beautifully with noodles, such as soba, udon, or egg noodles. The sauce will coat the noodles perfectly.

• With Vegetables: Serve the chicken alongside sautéed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas for a complete meal.

• As a Meal Prep Option: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge and can be easily reheated with rice or noodles for a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner.

Nutritional Information for Scallion Chicken

Each serving of Scallion Chicken contains approximately 738 calories, with 61 grams of fat, including 11 grams of saturated fat. The dish provides 11 grams of carbohydrates, including 3 grams of fiber and 3 grams of sugar. It also offers 37 grams of protein, making it a filling and satisfying meal. With a sodium content of 1550 mg, this dish is on the higher side in terms of salt, so be mindful of your sodium intake if serving with salty sides or sauces.

Conclusion

Scallion Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, savory sauces, and the freshness of scallions. With its balance of rich umami flavors, mild sweetness, and aromatic freshness, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s versatile enough to pair with rice or noodles, and the addition of vegetables makes it a well-rounded meal. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal that’s both simple and packed with flavor!