Juicy Scallion Chicken Thighs Recipe – Ready in 20 Minutes!
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This Scallion Chicken is one of those quick and easy dinners you’ll want to make again and again. Juicy chicken thighs are pan-fried until golden, then tossed with plenty of fresh scallions and savory Asian-inspired sauces for a simple meal packed with flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love Scallion Chicken
- This recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make. You only need a handful of simple ingredients and one pan. The chicken cooks fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Dinner can be on the table in just 20 minutes.
- Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender while cooking. They absorb all the delicious savory flavors from the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Every bite is packed with rich flavor and fresh scallion goodness. This recipe turns simple ingredients into an amazing meal.
- Fresh scallions add so much flavor to this dish. The white parts become soft and fragrant while the green parts stay fresh and vibrant. They give the chicken a delicious onion flavor without being overpowering. If you love green onions, you’ll love this recipe.
- This is a budget-friendly meal that tastes like takeout. Chicken thighs are affordable and easy to find at any grocery store. The rest of the ingredients are pantry staples you may already have on hand. It’s a great recipe when you want something tasty without spending a lot.
- The recipe is very versatile and easy to customize. You can serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal. It also works great for meal prep because the leftovers reheat well. Once you try it, you’ll want to add it to your regular dinner rotation.
Ingredients For Scallion Chicken
- Chicken Thighs – Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender while cooking, making them perfect for this quick pan-fried recipe.
- Scallions – Fresh scallions add delicious onion flavor and become sweet and fragrant when cooked. Separating the white and green parts helps them cook evenly.
- Oil – Oil helps the chicken cook evenly and gives it a nice golden brown color in the pan.
- Soy Sauce – Soy sauce adds savory flavor and saltiness to the chicken marinade.
- Dark Soy Sauce – Dark soy sauce gives the chicken a deeper color and slightly richer flavor.
- Oyster Sauce – Oyster sauce adds extra savory umami flavor and makes the dish taste even more delicious.
- Black Pepper – Black pepper adds a mild kick and enhances all the flavors in the recipe.
- Cornstarch – Cornstarch lightly coats the chicken and helps create a tender texture while cooking.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
How To Make Scallion Chicken
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch to the chicken. Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Let the chicken marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the scallions.
- Chop the scallions and separate the white pieces from the green pieces so they can be added at different times during cooking.
- Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook until browned and fully cooked, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the white scallion pieces and cook until softened and fragrant.
- Add the green scallions and cook briefly until just wilted.
- Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful chicken dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this scallion chicken over a bowl of fluffy white rice for an easy and satisfying meal.
- Pair it with fried brown rice or hibachi noodles for a flavorful Asian-inspired dinner.
- Add a side of steamed broccoli, or roasted snap peas to make it a complete meal with vegetables.
- Spoon the chicken into roasted romaine lettuce wraps for a lighter, low-carb option.
- Serve it alongside sesame cucumber salad or a simple broccoli slaw for a fresh and crunchy side dish.
- Top with extra sliced scallions and a sprinkle of black pepper before serving for even more flavor.
Tips For Success
- Making this scallion chicken recipe is very simple, but a few helpful tips can make it even better. One of the most important things is using chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender while cooking, even if they spend a little extra time in the pan. Chicken breast can dry out quickly, so thighs are definitely the best choice for this recipe.
- Cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces also helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly. Smaller bite-sized pieces are perfect because they absorb the marinade well and cook fast in the pan. If your chicken pieces are too large, they may take longer to cook and brown unevenly.
- Letting the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes helps build flavor. Even though it’s a short marinating time, the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and pepper quickly season the chicken and make it extra tasty. If you have a little extra time, you can marinate it a bit longer in the refrigerator for even more flavor.
- Using a non-stick pan is highly recommended for this recipe. Since the chicken is coated in cornstarch, it can stick more easily to regular pans. A non-stick skillet helps the chicken brown nicely while preventing sticking and making cleanup much easier.
- Be sure not to overcrowd the pan. If too much chicken is added at once, the chicken may steam instead of pan-fry. Cooking in a single layer allows the chicken to develop better color and texture. If needed, cook the chicken in batches for the best results.
- Separating the white and green parts of the scallions is another important step. The white parts need a little more cooking time to soften and release their flavor. The green parts cook very quickly and should only be added at the end to keep their fresh color and taste.
- Cook the green scallions just briefly before serving. Overcooking them can make them lose their bright color and fresh flavor. A quick stir for 10 to 20 seconds is all they need.
- Finally, always make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving. The chicken should no longer be pink in the center and should be cooked through completely. Once done, serve hot and enjoy this quick and flavorful homemade chicken dinner.
Variations And Substitutions
- This scallion chicken recipe is very easy to customize based on your taste preferences and what ingredients you already have at home. One of the easiest substitutions is using different cuts of chicken. Chicken thighs are recommended because they stay juicy and tender, but you can also use boneless chicken breast if preferred. Just be careful not to overcook it since chicken breast dries out more quickly. Bone-in chicken thighs can also work, but they may need extra cooking time.
- If you want to make the dish a little healthier or lighter, you can reduce the amount of oil used for cooking. The chicken still turns out flavorful and delicious with less oil. You can also serve the chicken with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb meal option.
- For extra flavor, you can add fresh garlic or ginger to the pan while cooking the chicken. Both ingredients pair wonderfully with scallions and soy sauce. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil can also add some heat if you enjoy spicy food.
- The sauces in this recipe can be adjusted too. If you do not have dark soy sauce, regular soy sauce works fine. Dark soy sauce mainly adds color and a slightly richer flavor. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to reduce the saltiness.
- Oyster sauce adds savory umami flavor, but if you don’t have it, the recipe still tastes great without it. Some people like adding a small amount of hoisin sauce for a slightly sweeter flavor. A little honey or brown sugar can also be mixed into the sauce if you prefer a sweeter chicken dish.
- Scallions are the star ingredient, but you can add other vegetables as well. Bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, broccoli, or onions all work nicely in this recipe. Adding vegetables is a great way to make the meal more filling and colorful.
- If you need a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so it works perfectly in the recipe.
- You can also change the serving style depending on your preferences. Serve the scallion chicken over rice, noodles, or even inside lettuce wraps. It also tastes great on its own as a high-protein meal.
- This recipe is flexible and forgiving, making it perfect for busy home cooks. Small changes and substitutions can help you create a version that works best for your family while still keeping all the delicious savory scallion flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover scallion chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the chicken cool completely before storing to help keep the best texture and flavor.
- To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat and cook for a few minutes until heated through. You can add a small splash of water or soy sauce if the chicken seems dry.
- You can also reheat the chicken in the microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- If you plan to meal prep, store the chicken separately from rice or noodles for the best texture when reheating.
- Freezing is also an option. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer. However, chicken thighs are recommended because they stay juicy and tender during cooking. Chicken breast tends to cook faster and can dry out more easily, especially in a quick pan-fried recipe like this one. If using chicken breast, try cutting it into evenly sized pieces and avoid overcooking it. Keeping a close eye on the cooking time will help the chicken stay tender.
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What are scallions?
Scallions are also called green onions or spring onions. They have a mild onion flavor and are commonly used in many Asian recipes. Both the white and green parts are edible, but they cook differently. The white parts are slightly stronger in flavor and take longer to soften, while the green parts are more delicate and cook very quickly. In this recipe, separating the two parts helps create the best flavor and texture.
Do I need dark soy sauce?
No, dark soy sauce is optional. It mainly adds a darker color and slightly richer flavor to the chicken. If you do not have it, you can simply use regular soy sauce instead. The dish will still taste delicious and flavorful. Many home cooks make this recipe using only regular soy sauce with great results.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, scallion chicken works very well for meal prep. You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should no longer be pink in the center and should be cooked all the way through. If you are unsure, you can cut into one of the larger pieces to check. The juices should run clear and the meat should look opaque throughout. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of your chicken pieces.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe is very flexible and works well with many vegetables. Bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, snap peas, and onions are all great additions. Vegetables can be cooked in the same pan alongside the chicken for an easy one-pan meal. Adding vegetables is also a great way to make the dish more colorful and filling.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy. It has a savory and slightly sweet flavor from the scallions and sauces. If you enjoy spicy food, you can easily add heat by mixing in chili flakes, chili oil, or sliced fresh chili peppers. The spice level can be adjusted to your personal taste.
What should I serve with scallion chicken?
Scallion chicken pairs well with many side dishes. Steamed rice is a popular choice because it soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly. Noodles also work great for a quick and satisfying meal. For a lighter option, you can serve the chicken with steamed vegetables or inside lettuce wraps.
Can I freeze scallion chicken?
Yes, this recipe freezes well. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot.
Why is cornstarch added to the chicken?
Cornstarch helps create a light coating on the chicken and gives it a tender texture while cooking. It also helps the sauce cling to the chicken better. This simple ingredient makes the chicken feel extra soft and flavorful without making it heavy or breaded.
Other Easy Scallion Recipes
Other Easy Chicken Recipes
Scallion Chicken
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Ingredients
- 400 grams chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups scallions chopped and separated into white and green parts
- 4 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/2 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well and let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes.
- While the chicken marinates, chop the scallions and separate the white parts from the green parts.
- Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer. Cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through.
- Add the white parts of the scallions and cook until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the green scallions and cook for another 10 to 20 seconds until just wilted.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- A non-stick pan works best for this recipe because the cornstarch helps create a light coating on the chicken.
- If using larger chicken pieces or bone-in chicken, cover the pan with a lid and cook a little longer until fully cooked.
