20-Minute Scallion Chicken for Busy Nights
We present Scallion Chicken, a quick and satisfying Asian-inspired dish that delivers bold flavor in just 20 minutes. Tender chicken thighs are coated in a savory soy-based sauce, pan-fried until juicy, and finished with generous amounts of fragrant scallions. This recipe is ideal for weeknight cooking when time is limited but flavor is non-negotiable.
With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, this dish fits seamlessly into everyday meal planning while offering restaurant-quality taste.
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Scallion Chicken: A Fast, Flavorful Asian-Inspired Dinner
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Scallion Chicken is a fast and flavorful Asian-inspired dish made with tender chicken thighs cooked in a savory soy-based sauce and finished with fragrant scallions. Ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
400 g chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
2 cups scallions, chopped
4 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
1. Mix chicken thighs with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch. Marinate for 10 minutes.
2. Separate scallions into white and green parts.
3. Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
4. Add chicken and pan fry until fully cooked.
5. Add white parts of scallions and cook until softened.
6. Cover briefly if needed to ensure chicken is cooked through.
7. Add green scallions and stir for 10 to 20 seconds.
8. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Notes
Ensure chicken is fully cooked before serving.
Use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking due to cornstarch.
Sugar or honey can be added for sweetness if desired.
Green scallions should be added last to retain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Fry
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 738
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1550mg
- Fat: 61g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 47g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 196mg
Keywords: scallion chicken, asian chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner
Why This Scallion Chicken Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it focuses on balance and technique. Cornstarch locks in moisture and creates a light coating on the chicken, while soy sauce, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce deliver depth and umami. Scallions play a dual role, with the white parts adding sweetness and aroma during cooking and the green parts providing freshness at the end.
Cooking everything quickly over medium heat preserves tenderness and prevents the sauce from becoming heavy.
Ingredient Highlights
Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe due to their juiciness and ability to absorb flavor. Scallions are the star ingredient, contributing sweetness, freshness, and aroma.
The sauce is built with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and oyster sauce, creating a savory backbone with subtle sweetness and color. Black pepper adds warmth, while cornstarch ensures a silky texture and proper coating.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
We begin by marinating the chicken thighs with soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch for 10 minutes. This step seasons the meat thoroughly and prepares it for quick pan-frying.
While the chicken marinates, the scallions are chopped and separated into white and green portions to control their cooking time.
Oil is heated in a non-stick pan over medium heat, and the chicken is added in a single layer. The chicken is pan-fried until fully cooked and lightly golden, ensuring it remains tender inside.
The white parts of the scallions are added next and cooked until softened and aromatic. If larger chicken pieces are used, covering the pan briefly ensures even cooking. Finally, the green scallions are added and stirred briefly to preserve their fresh flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions
Scallion Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles, allowing the savory sauce to shine. A light vegetable side such as stir-fried greens or steamed broccoli complements the dish without overpowering it.
A final sprinkle of black pepper or extra scallions enhances both presentation and flavor.
Tips for Best Results
Using a non-stick pan is essential due to the cornstarch coating, which helps prevent sticking and ensures even browning. For those who prefer a sweeter profile, a small amount of sugar or honey can be added, though scallions naturally develop sweetness when cooked.
Food safety is paramount. Chicken should always be cooked through, especially if larger pieces are used.
Nutrition and Balance
Despite its rich flavor, this Scallion Chicken remains relatively low in carbohydrates and is high in protein, making it suitable for diabetic, low-calorie, and low-fat diets when portioned appropriately.
A Quick Asian Classic Worth Repeating
We consider Scallion Chicken a reliable, go-to recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Its speed, simplicity, and versatility make it a dish that fits effortlessly into weekly meal rotations while satisfying cravings for savory Asian cuisine.