This Scallion Chicken is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that brings together succulent chicken thighs and the aromatic goodness of scallions. Cooked to perfection in a savory sauce with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of black pepper, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Paired with steamed rice or noodles, it’s an easy and satisfying dinner that’s full of bold flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful – The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and scallions creates a savory, umami-rich sauce that enhances the chicken.
- Tender chicken – Using chicken thighs ensures the meat stays juicy and tender.
- Customizable – Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, and serve with your favorite side.
- One-pan cooking – Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one pan.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 400 g chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces – Juicy, tender chicken that cooks up perfectly in this dish.
- 2 cups scallions, chopped – Aromatic and adds a touch of freshness.
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil – For cooking the chicken and sautéing the scallions.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Adds a savory umami base.
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce – For depth and color.
- ½ tablespoon oyster sauce – Adds sweetness and richness.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste) – For seasoning and a little kick.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch – Helps to thicken the sauce and coat the chicken.
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch.
- Let it marinate for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, chop the scallions, separating the white and green parts.
2. Pan Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Add the Scallions:
- Add the white parts of the scallions to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
- If you’re using larger pieces of chicken, cover the pan for a few minutes to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, toss in the green parts of the scallions and stir for another 10–20 seconds.
4. Serve:
- Once everything is cooked, season with a bit more black pepper or garnish with additional scallions if desired.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 310 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add vegetables – Include bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for added color and nutrition.
- Spicy option – Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Chicken breast option – If you prefer, use boneless skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Serve over rice noodles – For a noodle dish, use rice noodles for a different texture.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. However, chicken breasts can be drier, so be careful not to overcook them.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, broccoli, or any other vegetables you like to make this dish more filling.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time for up to 24 hours to enhance the flavor. The cooking process will remain the same.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Can I use a non-stick pan for this recipe?
Yes, a non-stick pan is ideal for this recipe, as it prevents the chicken from sticking and ensures a nice sear.
Conclusion
This Scallion Chicken is a flavor-packed, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner. With juicy, tender chicken, a savory sauce, and fresh scallions, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor. Serve it with your favorite side, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
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Scallion Chicken
This Scallion Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs and aromatic scallions, all cooked in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and black pepper. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles. Simple, delicious, and packed with umami-rich flavors, it’s a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and satisfying.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 400 g chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups scallions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, chop the scallions, separating the white and green parts.
- Pan Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the Scallions: Add the white parts of the scallions and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened. For larger pieces of chicken, cover the pan for a few minutes to ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly.
- Finish the Dish: Once the chicken is cooked, toss in the green parts of the scallions and stir for 10-20 seconds.
- Serve: Season with extra black pepper if desired, and serve with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Add Vegetables: Bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli can be added for more color and nutrition.
- Spicy Option: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Chicken Breast Option: Use boneless skinless chicken breasts for a leaner alternative.
- Rice Noodles: For a different texture, serve over rice noodles instead of steamed rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Chicken
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free