If you’re craving an easy, flavor-packed dish that really highlights the vibrant taste of fresh scallions paired with tender chicken, you’re in for a treat with this Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe. This recipe perfectly balances savory, sweet, and aromatic notes, combining simple ingredients in a way that makes every bite burst with warmth and comfort. It’s quick to prepare, richly satisfying, and a definite crowd-pleaser whenever you want a delicious, home-cooked meal that feels special but is incredibly doable on any weekday.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you; every item here plays a crucial role in creating an authentic Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe. From the umami punch of soy and oyster sauces to the subtle aroma of Shaoxing wine and the fresh zing of scallions, this lineup ensures a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs provide juicier meat, but breasts offer a leaner option; both work well.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds essential salty, savory depth that anchors the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Contributes a rich, slightly sweet umami flavor that elevates the dish.
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): Brings mild acidity and complexity, perfect for marinating the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a toasty, nutty fragrance that enhances the overall aroma.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, giving it a silky and smooth finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: Balances the savory elements with just a touch of sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper: Offers a gentle heat that melds seamlessly into the flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for stir-frying, providing a neutral base for cooking the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger: Adds a fresh and spicy zest that awakens the palate.
- 4–5 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces: The star ingredient, lending vibrant color and a crisp, mild onion flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a pungent richness that rounds out the aromatics.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water: Creates the sauce base and helps meld all the flavors together.
How to Make Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
First, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, cornstarch, sugar, and white pepper in a medium bowl. This marinade is where the magic begins, infusing the chicken with a delicious blend of umami and aromatic notes. Toss the chicken in this mixture until it’s well coated, then let it rest for at least 15 minutes so all those flavors have time to soak in deeply. This step is quick, but you’ll notice a huge difference in how tender and tasty your chicken turns out.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces and sear them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You want a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in juices while cooking them through. After the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the pan and set aside, saving all those flavorful drippings for the next steps.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Aromatics and Scallions
In the same hot pan, toss in the minced ginger and garlic. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds—just enough time to release their fragrant oils but not burn them. Then add the scallions and give everything a quick toss. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the scallions soften slightly but still retain their lovely snap and fresh green color, which adds both flavor and visual appeal to the dish.
Step 4: Simmer and Combine
Pour in the chicken broth or water and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This liquid will absorb the pan’s savory essence and create a simple yet luscious sauce. Return the chicken to the pan, giving everything a good toss so that the chicken picks up the scallion-ginger sauce. Let it simmer for another couple of minutes until it’s all heated through and beautifully coated. Now your Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe is ready to serve hot and fresh, with that irresistible glossy finish.
How to Serve Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped scallions or a few toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and brightness. A little drizzle of chili oil or a squeeze of lime can also add an exciting kick if you’re feeling adventurous. Garnishes not only make the dish look inviting but also enhance the flavor layers, making each bite even tastier.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or even garlic fried rice to soak up that scrumptious sauce. For a complete meal, add a simple side of stir-fried greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli to balance the richness of the chicken. Light, crisp cucumber salad with a vinegar dressing can provide a refreshing counterpoint too.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe plated over a bed of noodles tossed lightly in sesame oil for a noodle twist. Alternatively, pile the chicken on crispy lettuce leaves for a fun lettuce wrap presentation. These ideas make the meal interactive and offer a new take each time you prepare it, keeping it exciting for family and guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, store any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week. Make sure to let it cool before refrigerating to preserve texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save this deliciousness for longer, Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if necessary. This method keeps the chicken juicy and the scallions vibrant, avoiding the dryness that sometimes happens with microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat, though thighs tend to retain more moisture and flavor, contributing to a juicier result. Either way, the marinade ensures delicious taste.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is a great substitute that offers a similar depth and complexity. You could also omit it and add a little extra chicken broth or water for moisture.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free. This will maintain the authentic flavors while keeping the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How spicy is the dish?
The recipe itself isn’t spicy, with just a subtle warmth from white pepper. You can easily adjust by adding chili oil or fresh chilis if you like a bit of heat.
Can I prepare this dish vegetarian?
While the chicken is central to the dish, you can try substituting firm tofu or seitan during cooking. Make sure to adjust cooking times, and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe is one of those golden favorites that never disappoints. It’s a beautiful combination of simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create something irresistibly tasty and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this dish will quickly become a staple you turn to again and again. Go ahead and try it — I promise you’ll want to make it last week!
Print
Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Chinese Scallion Chicken is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken pieces marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Shaoxing wine, then cooked with fragrant ginger, garlic, and fresh scallions. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 4–5 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, cornstarch, sugar, and white pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss thoroughly to coat. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Aromatics and Scallions: Using the same pan, add the minced ginger and garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the scallions and continue stir-frying for 1 to 2 minutes until the scallions are slightly softened but still vibrant.
- Simmer in Broth: Pour in the chicken broth or water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate flavor.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss well to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through thoroughly. Serve hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of dark soy sauce or chili oil to the sauce before serving.
- This dish works great with chicken thighs for juicier meat, but chicken breasts can be used as a leaner option.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Shaoxing wine can be substituted with dry sherry if unavailable.
