Let me tell you, Scallion Chicken is one of those dishes that just makes my heart sing! It’s packed with flavor and comes together in a flash, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or when you want to impress without the fuss. The tender chicken, marinated in savory soy sauce, pairs beautifully with the vibrant crunch of fresh scallions. Oh, and that hint of ginger and garlic? Pure magic! You’ll love how quickly it cooks up—just a little stir-frying and you’re ready to serve a dish that tastes like it’s from a fancy restaurant, but is actually super easy to whip up at home. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients for my Scallion Chicken, and you’ll be on your way to a mouthwatering meal in no time!
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (feel free to adjust based on your taste!)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for that perfect sauté)
- 1 cup scallions, chopped (the star of the show!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced (for that lovely warmth)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (adds a nutty richness)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this part!)
With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to create a dish that bursts with flavor and is sure to satisfy!
How to Prepare Scallion Chicken
Getting your Scallion Chicken ready is super simple, and I promise it’ll be worth every second! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal that’ll impress anyone at your table.
Marinating the Chicken
First things first, you’ll want to marinate your chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the soy sauce and let it soak up all that goodness for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it infuses the chicken with flavor. If you’ve got time, I like to let it marinate a bit longer—up to an hour—just to deepen that taste!
Cooking Process
Once your chicken is nicely marinated, heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot (but not smoking!), add the minced garlic and ginger. Oh wow, you’ll instantly smell the aroma filling your kitchen—it’s heavenly! Sauté them for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to burn them. Next, toss in the marinated chicken, spreading it out in the pan. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Then, add the chopped scallions and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. The scallions will soften a bit while still keeping that fresh crunch! Finally, drizzle with sesame oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last stir, and voila! You’ve got yourself a beautiful dish ready to serve hot with rice. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-packed with fresh scallions, garlic, and ginger.
- One-pan dish means minimal cleanup—yes, please!
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or spice levels.
- Healthy and satisfying, with protein-rich chicken.
- Pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Scallion Chicken turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I swear by! First, always use fresh scallions—trust me, the flavor is a game-changer. When marinating, don’t rush the process; letting the chicken soak up that soy sauce for a full 30 minutes (or longer!) will make it incredibly tender and flavorful. Also, make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the garlic and ginger; this ensures those aromatic flavors really get released. Stir-frying is key, but don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, cook the chicken in batches to get that lovely golden color. Lastly, taste and adjust the seasoning at the end—sometimes a pinch more salt or a drizzle of extra sesame oil can elevate it to the next level. Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Variations
One of the best things about Scallion Chicken is how versatile it is—feel free to get creative! You can easily swap in different vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added color and crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some sliced mushrooms or baby corn for a fun twist. Want to spice things up? Add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha for a kick of heat! You could also experiment with different marinades—try adding a splash of rice vinegar or even a hint of honey for a sweet-savory balance. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No worries! Simply let your Scallion Chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This keeps the chicken nice and juicy! If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it, but be careful not to overheat, or it might dry out. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of my Scallion Chicken is not only delicious but also packed with good nutrition! Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 1.5g)
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
This dish is a great option if you’re looking for a healthy, protein-rich meal that won’t weigh you down. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
FAQ Section
You might have a few questions about making the perfect Scallion Chicken, and I’m here to help! Here are some common ones I get:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and tenderness to your dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I serve with Scallion Chicken?
I love serving it over fluffy rice, but steamed vegetables or noodles work great too! You can even toss in some stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just cook it when you’re ready for a fresh meal!
How can I make it spicier?
If you like a little heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to the pan while cooking. It’ll give your Scallion Chicken a nice kick!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce. It’s a delicious option for those who need to avoid gluten!
For more tips on cooking chicken, check out this chicken cooking guide.
Print
Scallion Chicken: 5 Steps to a Flavorful Delight
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Scallion Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken cooked with fresh scallions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup scallions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in soy sauce for 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant.
- Add marinated chicken, cook until browned.
- Stir in scallions, cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Drizzle with sesame oil, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with rice.
Notes
- Adjust soy sauce for taste.
- Use fresh scallions for best flavor.
- Serve with steamed vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Scallion Chicken, Chicken Recipe, Asian Cuisine