Scallion Chicken: Your New Favorite Easy Recipe! (Print Version)

Discover my Easy & Flavorful Scallion Chicken Recipe! Quick, comforting, and packed with flavor, it's perfect for busy weeknights. Get my tips & tricks!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 18 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Dietary: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Option

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 large bunch (about 8-10) fresh scallions, white and light green parts separated from dark green, all thinly sliced

→ Flavor Boosters & Marinade

03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you're like me!)
04 - 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
05 - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
06 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
07 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar

→ Thickeners & Cooking Oil

08 - 1 tbsp cornstarch (plus 1 tsp for sauce if needed)
09 - 2 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, pat those chicken thighs super dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear later, trust me! Then, chop 'em into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, whisk together your soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and a tablespoon of cornstarch. Add the chicken to this glorious mixture, toss it around until every piece is coated, and let it hang out for at least 15-20 minutes. Honestly, if you have time, let it marinate for 30 minutes to an hour for even more flavor – I sometimes forget and it still tastes great, but a little soak really helps!
02 - While your chicken is getting cozy in its marinade, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of neutral oil. Once it's shimmering, toss in the white and light green parts of your chopped scallions. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they're fragrant and slightly softened. Oh, the smell that fills your kitchen at this point! It’s just heavenly. This step builds a beautiful aromatic base for our Easy & Flavorful Scallion Chicken. Don't let them burn though, a gentle sauté is what we're after!
03 - Now for the main event! Push the scallions to one side of the pan (or remove them if your pan isn't huge, I've made that mistake before!). Add another tablespoon of oil to the hot pan. Once it's hot, add your marinated chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to do this in batches. Let it sear for 3-4 minutes per side until it's beautifully golden brown and cooked through. This is where you get those lovely caramelized bits that add so much depth to our Easy & Flavorful Scallion Chicken Recipe.
04 - Once all the chicken is seared, return any removed scallions and all the chicken back to the pan. If there's any leftover marinade in the bowl, pour that in too! Stir everything together, letting the sauce come to a gentle simmer. The cornstarch in the marinade will work its magic, thickening the sauce to a glossy, irresistible consistency. This is where the magic really happens, watching it transform! Keep stirring gently for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce coats everything perfectly. I once had the heat too high and it thickened too quickly, almost burning – oops! Low and slow is the way to go here.
05 - Turn off the heat. Now, toss in the remaining green parts of your fresh scallions. Give it a good stir, allowing the residual heat to just slightly wilt them. This adds a burst of fresh flavor and a vibrant pop of color. To be real, I sometimes add *extra* green scallions here because I just love that fresh crunch! It really brightens up the whole dish and makes every bite of this Easy & Flavorful Scallion Chicken absolutely delightful.
06 - And there you have it! Your incredible Easy & Flavorful Scallion Chicken is ready to be devoured. Serve it immediately over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even some noodles. I love to sprinkle a few extra fresh scallion greens on top, maybe a dash of sesame seeds if I'm feeling fancy. The chicken should be incredibly tender, coated in that savory, gingery, garlicky sauce, with a wonderful freshness from the scallions. It’s a dish that looks impressive but is honestly so simple to pull off!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken *really* dry before marinating and searing; it's the secret to that golden crust!
02 - Leftovers store well for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge; reheat gently on the stovetop for best texture.
03 - A tiny pinch of ground ginger can replace fresh in a pinch, though the flavor is less vibrant.
04 - Serve over jasmine rice with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and extra fresh scallions.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet or wok
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - mixing bowls
05 - whisk
06 - spatula/tongs.

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 Calories
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 35g

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