Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and comes together with surprising ease, then Chinese Scallion Chicken is your new best friend in the kitchen. This classic recipe brings tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, then paired perfectly with fresh scallions, aromatic garlic, and zingy ginger. Every bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that feels both comforting and fresh. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, Chinese Scallion Chicken is a flavorful, straightforward marvel that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s amazing about Chinese Scallion Chicken is how few ingredients it requires, yet how much each one brings to the plate. From the deep umami of soy sauce to the bright punch of fresh scallions, every component plays a vital role in creating that signature balance of savory and fresh flavors.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, these cook quickly and soak up the marinade beautifully.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami backbone to the marinade and sauce.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a mild tanginess that brightens up the richness of the soy sauce.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Offers a nutty warmth that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the marinade into a luscious sauce once cooked.
• 4-5 scallions, chopped: Fresh and vibrant, they lend crunch and a mild onion flavor essential to the dish.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the oil with aromatic depth and subtle heat.
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Adds a zesty, slightly spicy brightness that lifts the whole dish.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: The cooking medium that ensures a nice sear on the chicken.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To season and enhance all the ingredients.

How to Make Chinese Scallion Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by creating a simple but flavorful marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Letting the chicken soak in these flavors for at least 15 minutes allows it to absorb a wonderful depth that makes every bite deliciously tender and seasoned through.

Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics

While the chicken marinates, chop your scallions and mince the garlic and ginger. This prep step is key for maximizing speed and flavor, as these fresh aromatics bring brightness and an irresistible fragrance that will shine in the final dish.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Heating the oil to the right temperature is crucial for searing the chicken properly, locking in juices, and creating a delightful golden crust.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Carefully add the marinated chicken breasts to the hot oil. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures juicy, fully cooked chicken that’s bursting with flavor and perfectly textured.

Step 5: Add the Aromatics

Once the chicken is cooked through, throw in the garlic, ginger, and chopped scallions. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until these aromatics release their wonderful fragrance and soften slightly, mingling beautifully with the savory chicken.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

If you have any leftover marinade, pour it into the pan now. Let it simmer and gently thicken, creating a glossy, flavorful sauce that clings to the chicken and scallions, tying all the flavors together elegantly.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest for a minute. Then, slice it up and serve it alongside steamed rice or noodles, spooning the scallion-infused sauce over the top for an irresistibly tasty finish.

How to Serve Chinese Scallion Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes make a beautiful difference here. Sprinkle extra chopped scallions or toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and visual appeal. A drizzle of chili oil or a squeeze of fresh lime can also elevate the dish with an exciting kick or zesty brightness.

Side Dishes

Chinese Scallion Chicken pairs perfectly with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Stir-fried vegetables, like bok choy or snap peas, add a delightful crunch and color contrast, making every bite balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of garlic noodles or toss the chicken pieces into a fresh Asian-inspired salad with crunchy noodles and sesame dressing. You can also serve it as a filling in steamed buns paired with crisp cucumber slices for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover Chinese Scallion Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making for a perfect next-day meal or snack.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to make it in advance. Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers to preserve texture and flavor, and it can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps maintain moistness and revives the vibrant flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more fat and flavor to the dish, making it even juicier. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Is Chinese Scallion Chicken spicy?

This recipe is mild by default, focusing on savory and aromatic flavors. However, you can easily add spice by including chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil when serving.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the marinade ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just combine everything right before marinating the chicken for best results.

What can I substitute for scallions if I don’t have any?

If scallions are unavailable, mild yellow onions or chives can be good substitutes, though the distinctive fresh oniony-sweetness of scallions is hard to replicate perfectly.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, but you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

Chinese Scallion Chicken is one of those magical dishes that feels handcrafted yet comes together fast, making it a true weeknight hero. Its balance of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors guarantees a crowd-pleasing meal that anyone can master. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll soon find yourself reaching for it time and time again whenever you want a quick, delicious, and comforting dish that never disappoints.

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