Scallion Chicken

Scallion Chicken is a savory, aromatic dish that features tender pieces of chicken infused with the fresh, mildly sweet flavor of scallions, also known as green onions. This dish is a staple in many home kitchens for good reason—it’s quick to prepare, flavorful without being heavy, and versatile enough to serve with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. Whether stir-fried, pan-seared, or glazed in a fragrant sauce, Scallion Chicken is a fantastic way to add depth and brightness to your weeknight dinner rotation.

This dish strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and taste. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that’s satisfying, high in protein, and layered with complex flavors. The star of the show, scallions, offer a mild onion flavor that enhances the chicken without overpowering it. From casual lunches to family dinners, Scallion Chicken is a delicious way to elevate everyday meals with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and flavorful

• Cooks in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights
• Delicious depth of flavor from marinated chicken and aromatic scallions

Simple ingredients, bold taste

• Uses pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil
• Scallions add a fresh, herbal quality that brings everything together

Perfectly versatile

• Serve over rice, noodles, or tucked into lettuce wraps
• Easily adjusted for spiciness, sweetness, or extra herbs

Healthy and satisfying

• High in lean protein with minimal added sugar or carbs
• Light and fresh without sacrificing comfort or taste

Great for meal prep

• Stores well for leftovers and reheats beautifully
• Add to meal bowls, lunchboxes, or wraps throughout the week

Preparation Time and Servings:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Serving Size: 1 chicken portion with scallion sauce

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 290
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Scallion Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
• 6–8 scallions (green onions), finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional for balance)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For Garnish:

• Extra chopped scallions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Lemon or lime wedges (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken

• In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper
• Mix well to coat evenly and set aside for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the sauce

2. Make the scallion sauce

• In a small bowl, mix chopped scallions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and honey
• Add red pepper flakes if desired
• Stir well and let sit for flavors to blend

3. Cook the chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat
• Add marinated chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through
• Avoid overcrowding the pan—cook in batches if needed for even browning

4. Add the scallion sauce

• Reduce heat to medium and pour the scallion sauce into the skillet
• Stir well to coat the chicken and cook for another 2–3 minutes
• The sauce will reduce slightly and become glossy

5. Serve and garnish

• Remove from heat and transfer chicken to a serving dish
• Sprinkle with extra scallions and toasted sesame seeds
• Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or fresh greens

Ingredient Background

Chicken

• A lean and versatile protein that absorbs flavor well
• Thighs offer more juiciness, while breasts are leaner and slightly firmer

Scallions (Green Onions)

• Add mild onion flavor with a hint of sweetness
• Both white and green parts are used for texture and freshness

Soy Sauce

• Adds umami and savory depth
• Use low-sodium for a lighter flavor that doesn’t overpower

Ginger and Garlic

• Aromatics that build flavor and warmth in the dish
• Fresh ingredients offer the best results

Vinegar and Honey

• Provide acidity and balance
• A small amount of sweetness rounds out the umami profile

Technique Tips

• Slice chicken uniformly for even cooking
• Let chicken rest in marinade for at least 10 minutes to tenderize and absorb flavor
• Don’t skip the cornstarch—it creates a light coating and helps the sauce cling to the chicken
• Stir sauce continuously once added to ensure even distribution and gloss
• Use high heat for a quick sear and juicy interior
• Garnish just before serving to maintain freshness and texture

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Serve in lettuce cups with rice noodles and sliced cucumbers
• Spoon over jasmine or brown rice for a classic rice bowl
• Toss with soba or udon noodles for an Asian-inspired pasta dish
• Pair with steamed broccoli or bok choy for a complete dinner plate
• Add to wraps or flatbreads with fresh greens for a fusion twist

Additional Tips for Success

• Prep all ingredients before cooking—the process moves quickly
• Adjust sauce ratios to taste: more vinegar for tang, more honey for sweetness
• Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to stretch the dish and add color
• Cook chicken in a cast-iron skillet for better browning
• Toast sesame seeds for enhanced flavor before garnishing

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Scallion Chicken: Add sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for extra heat
• Lemon Scallion Chicken: Add lemon zest and juice for a citrusy twist
• Honey Garlic Scallion Chicken: Increase garlic and honey for a sweet-savory balance
• Scallion Chicken Stir-Fry: Add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for a veggie-packed version
• Scallion Chicken Noodle Bowl: Serve over noodles with sliced cucumbers and a drizzle of soy-lime dressing
• Low-carb version: Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps instead of rice or noodles

Freezing and Storage

Storing

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist

Freezing

• Freeze cooked chicken in sealed containers for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet with a little sauce or broth
• Sauce can be made fresh when reheating for better texture

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use olive oil instead of sesame oil for a lighter fat profile
• Skip the honey or use a natural sweetener like date syrup
• Choose skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini, kale, or cabbage for more nutrients
• Serve with whole grain rice or quinoa instead of white rice
• Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos for reduced sodium

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Perfect as a main dish for casual dinner parties or weeknight meals
• Add to an Asian-inspired dinner buffet with spring rolls and dumplings
• Serve in mini lettuce wraps as appetizers for gatherings
• Pair with citrus salad or sesame slaw for light summer meals
• Include in meal prep containers with grains and steamed vegetables
• Offer in small bowls at potlucks or family-style dinners

Special Equipment

• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls for marinating and sauce prep
• Large skillet or wok
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Serving dish or platter

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

• Yes, chicken breast works well and offers a leaner option, though thighs are juicier.

2. Can I make Scallion Chicken ahead of time?

• Yes. You can cook it in advance and reheat gently before serving. It also works great for meal prep.

3. Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh?

• Fresh is best, but ½ teaspoon ground ginger can be used in a pinch.

4. What if I don’t have sesame oil?

• You can substitute with olive oil, though sesame oil adds a distinctive aroma and depth.

5. Is this dish spicy?

• Not unless you add chili flakes or hot sauce. You can easily adjust the heat to your liking.

6. What’s the best side dish for Scallion Chicken?

• Rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or a crisp cucumber salad work beautifully.

7. Can I freeze the sauce separately?

• Yes. Make a batch of scallion sauce and freeze it in ice cube trays to use anytime.

8. How do I keep the chicken tender?

• Don’t overcook it, and marinate for at least 10–15 minutes to tenderize and lock in moisture.

Conclusion

Scallion Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s bursting with aromatic herbs and savory goodness. With tender chicken pieces coated in a vibrant scallion-infused sauce, this meal is both comforting and exciting—perfect for weeknight dinners or special meals with loved ones. It’s a simple recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, making it a reliable favorite you’ll return to again and again.

Whether served over rice, noodles, or fresh greens, this dish brings together the perfect balance of freshness, richness, and ease. Once you try it, Scallion Chicken will quickly become a staple in your kitchen—delicious, dependable, and delightfully satisfying.

Print