If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and has that perfect balance of tender chicken and vibrant scallions, look no further than Chinese Scallion Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. This delightful meal packs a punch with its savory marinade, aromatic garlic and ginger, and that irresistible hint of sweetness from the oyster sauce. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to share with friends and family when you want to wow them with your cooking skills. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chinese Scallion Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe lies in its straightforward, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture, creating that mouthwatering harmony we all crave.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thinly sliced to cook quickly and soak up all the delicious marinade.
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a deep umami foundation that enhances the savory profile.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps tenderize the chicken and create a silky coating once cooked.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Provides a neutral base for stir-frying without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Delivers a fragrant, nutty note that elevates the dish.
- 1 cup scallions, chopped (white and green parts): Gives the dish a fresh, vibrant crunch and subtle oniony sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warmth and depth.
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced: Adds zesty brightness and a hint of spice.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: A rich, slightly sweet condiment that rounds out the taste.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a gentle tang that balances out the richness.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Softens the savory notes with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough heat to make the flavors pop.
- Optional: red pepper flakes: For those who love a little extra kick in every bite.
How to Make Chinese Scallion Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your thinly sliced chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch. This simple marinade not only seasons the chicken but also tenderizes it. Give it about 10-15 minutes to soak in all those flavors — this is the foundation of our delicious dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Meanwhile, mix together oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper in a bowl. This sauce is your secret weapon, balancing savory, sweet, and tangy notes that make the dish unforgettable.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
On medium-high heat, warm up the vegetable oil and sesame oil in a large skillet or wok. The combination of oils helps achieve that perfect stir-fry flavor and aroma.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to your hot pan and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through, roughly 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll notice the chicken developing a nice caramelized surface that’s packed with flavor.
Step 5: Add Aromatics
Next, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook them for about 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with their incredible fragrance—this step really elevates the dish’s complexity.
Step 6: Incorporate Scallions
Add your chopped scallions and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. The scallions soften slightly but keep their vivid green color and fresh crunch, bringing a lovely contrast to the tender chicken.
Step 7: Add Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and scallions, mixing everything thoroughly. The sauce will coat each ingredient, creating a glossy, flavorful finish that ties the dish together beautifully.
Step 8: Final Touch
Keep cooking while stirring constantly for about one more minute. The sauce will thicken gently, perfectly clinging to every morsel. This step locks in all those incredible flavors.
Step 9: Serve Hot
Remove your Chinese Scallion Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe from heat and serve it immediately. Add extra scallions on top if you like, and prepare for a meal that’s as stunning as it is delicious.
How to Serve Chinese Scallion Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
To add a final pop, sprinkle extra chopped scallions for freshness and a dash of toasted sesame seeds for texture. A few red pepper flakes can also add a beautiful burst of heat if you like things spicy.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice, which soaks up the savory sauce perfectly. For a vegetable side, simple stir-fried bok choy or sautéed snow peas add just the right crunch and green goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken on a bed of crispy noodles or wrapped in lettuce cups for a handheld delight. You can also plate it alongside pickled vegetables to add bright, tangy contrast making each bite even more exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place your leftover Chinese Scallion Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save this amazing dish for later, freeze it in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It’s best eaten within 1 month for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce and keep everything juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well, but thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
Why is cornstarch used in the marinade?
Cornstarch helps tenderize the chicken and creates a silky texture once cooked, ensuring every bite is smooth and satisfying.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken for firm tofu or a mix of hearty mushrooms, and use vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce to keep the flavors intact.
Is it necessary to include sesame oil?
While optional, sesame oil adds a delightful nutty aroma that completes the dish and makes it taste truly authentic.
How spicy is this dish?
By default, it’s mild, but adding red pepper flakes is an easy way to boost the heat without overpowering the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Scallion Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — comforting, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. It’s easy to prepare, packed with fresh ingredients, and perfect whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your kitchen, just like I have!
Print
Chinese Scallion Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese Scallion Chicken is an incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make stir-fry dish that combines tender chicken slices with vibrant scallions, garlic, and ginger, all coated in a savory oyster-soy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe delivers authentic Asian flavors with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and umami notes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced thinly
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Cooking Oils and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup scallions, chopped (white and green parts)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to enhance the flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves completely. Set this flavorful sauce aside for later use.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil along with the sesame oil. Allow the oils to get hot and shimmering, which prepares the pan for quick stir-frying.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken slices to the hot pan. Stir-fry continuously for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and takes on a golden-brown color, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticking.
- Add Aromatics: Incorporate the minced garlic and ginger into the pan with the chicken. Stir-fry these aromatics for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until they become fragrant and release their flavors without burning.
- Incorporate Scallions: Add the chopped scallions (both white and green parts) to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for 2 to 3 minutes until the scallions are tender but still vibrant, which adds freshness and slight crunch to the dish.
- Add Sauce: Pour the previously prepared sauce over the chicken and scallion mixture. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the savory sauce.
- Final Touch: Continue cooking for one more minute while stirring constantly to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the chicken and scallions, enhancing the texture and flavor.
- Serve Hot: Remove the pan from heat and transfer the Chinese Scallion Chicken to plates. Garnish with additional fresh scallions if desired, and serve immediately while hot for the best taste.
Notes
- For spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes during the cooking of aromatics.
- Using chicken thighs will result in juicier and more flavorful meat, but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Make sure the cornstarch is well mixed with the chicken to achieve a velvety texture and help thicken the sauce.
- Serve this dish with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity if you prefer a less salty taste.
