This Scallion Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes! Tender chicken thighs are pan-fried and then coated in a savory Asian-style sauce, enhanced with the sweet oniony flavor of scallions. It’s budget-friendly, satisfying, and pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or even on its own for a high-protein meal.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 400g chicken thighs (cut into small pieces)

• 2 cups scallions (chopped)

• 4 tablespoons oil

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce

• ½ tablespoon oyster sauce

• ½ teaspoon black pepper powder (adjust to taste)

• 2 tablespoons corn starch

Directions

1. Preparing: Mix the chicken thighs with soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and corn starch. Marinate for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, chop the scallions and separate the white and green parts.

2. Pan-frying Chicken: Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and pan fry until fully cooked.

3. Adding Scallions: Add the white parts of the scallions to the pan and cook until softened. If using larger or bone-in pieces, cover the pan to ensure the chicken cooks through. Add the green parts of the scallions and stir for 10–20 seconds.

4. Serving: Sprinkle more black pepper or extra scallions if desired. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or enjoy as a protein-packed meal!

Nutrients

• Calories: 738 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 11g

• Protein: 37g

• Fat: 61g

• Saturated Fat: 11g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 32g

• Trans Fat: 0.3g

• Cholesterol: 196mg

• Sodium: 1550mg

• Potassium: 743mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 3g

• Vitamin A: 1156 IU

• Vitamin C: 19mg

• Calcium: 96mg

• Iron: 3mg

Why Scallion Chicken Is So Popular

Scallion Chicken resonates with home cooks and food enthusiasts alike because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken and the bright, aromatic scallions offers a balance of savory richness and freshness that’s deeply satisfying. The sauce, made from simple pantry staples like soy sauce and oyster sauce, brings depth without overwhelming the natural flavors of the chicken and scallions. Its quick preparation time and affordable ingredients make it an accessible recipe for cooks of all levels, while its robust flavors and appealing presentation make it worthy of serving to guests. Scallion Chicken captures the spirit of Asian comfort food with simplicity and heartiness.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

One of the standout features of Scallion Chicken is how effortlessly it fits into a busy lifestyle. With only a few minutes of marinating time and a single pan needed for cooking, it’s the epitome of a fast yet wholesome dinner option. The quick sear of the chicken pieces ensures they stay juicy inside while developing a beautifully caramelized exterior. The addition of scallions transforms the dish from simple to special, adding a crisp texture and a vibrant green pop that makes the meal feel fresh and thoughtfully prepared. When paired with rice or noodles, it becomes a complete meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Flavor and Texture Harmony

The genius of Scallion Chicken lies in its balance of textures and flavors. The chicken thighs remain tender and moist thanks to the quick marinating process and careful pan-frying. The white parts of the scallions soften and almost melt into the sauce, creating a silky backdrop for the meat, while the green parts add a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast right at the end. The sauce itself, with layers of savory soy, slightly sweet oyster sauce, and the peppery kick of black pepper, clings to every piece of chicken, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. This layering of soft, tender, crispy, and saucy elements is what elevates Scallion Chicken from a simple skillet dish to a truly memorable meal.

Adaptations and Variations

Scallion Chicken is highly adaptable, inviting a range of creative twists depending on personal preference or what you have on hand. Some like to add a touch of ginger or garlic to the marinade for an extra burst of aromatics. For those who enjoy a spicier dish, a sprinkle of red chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil can provide a satisfying heat. While chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, chicken breast can be used for a leaner option. Vegetarians can adapt the concept by swapping the chicken for firm tofu, using the same marinade and cooking technique for a delicious plant-based version. You can even add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to the pan to create a more colorful and nutrient-dense meal.

Nutritional Benefits

Despite its rich flavor, Scallion Chicken offers a balanced nutritional profile, making it a smarter choice compared to heavier, fried alternatives. Chicken thighs are a fantastic source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle maintenance and overall health. Scallions are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants that support immune function and reduce inflammation. The use of modest amounts of oil and minimal added sugar ensures that the dish remains hearty without becoming overly calorie-dense. Those following a low-carb or high-protein eating plan will find this dish particularly attractive, especially when paired with simple vegetable sides instead of rice or noodles. With some minor adjustments, such as using low-sodium soy sauce, the nutritional value can be further enhanced without losing any of the flavor.

Tips for the Best Scallion Chicken

To ensure that your Scallion Chicken turns out perfectly every time, a few key tips are helpful. Marinating the chicken for at least 10 minutes, even if briefly, helps it soak up the savory notes of the sauces and seasoning. Cutting the chicken into uniformly sized pieces promotes even cooking and prevents dryness. When pan-frying, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this causes steaming instead of searing; cooking in batches if necessary ensures a golden, flavorful crust. Adding the green parts of the scallions at the very end keeps their color and texture vibrant, offering a fresh contrast to the savory sauce. Keeping an eye on the heat level prevents burning while allowing the flavors to develop beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Scallion Chicken is delicious served over a steaming bed of jasmine rice, where the flavorful sauce can seep into the grains. It also pairs exceptionally well with stir-fried noodles, quinoa, or a simple side of sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach. For a lighter meal, consider serving it alongside a cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar for a refreshing contrast. If you are meal prepping, Scallion Chicken holds up well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for quick lunches throughout the week. It can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave without losing its tenderness or vibrant flavor.

The Rise of Simple Asian-Style Dishes

In recent years, there has been a growing appreciation for Asian-inspired recipes that are simple, quick, and full of flavor. Dishes like Scallion Chicken perfectly meet this demand, offering home cooks a way to bring restaurant-worthy flavors to their kitchens without complicated ingredients or lengthy processes. The fusion of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy elements appeals to a wide audience, while the emphasis on fresh aromatics like scallions aligns with modern desires for fresher, healthier meals. As more people seek global flavors and easy weeknight solutions, dishes like Scallion Chicken continue to gain well-deserved recognition.

Reasons to Love Scallion Chicken

There are many reasons Scallion Chicken deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation. It is incredibly fast and easy to prepare, making it ideal for even the busiest nights. It is budget-friendly, relying on inexpensive, accessible ingredients. It offers a delightful mix of textures and bold flavors that feel indulgent yet are relatively healthy. It is highly customizable, allowing for personalization based on taste preferences or dietary needs. Most importantly, it delivers big flavor with minimal effort, a combination that never goes out of style in the home kitchen.

Conclusion

Scallion Chicken proves that quick dinners do not have to compromise on flavor, texture, or satisfaction. With tender pieces of chicken, a rich yet balanced sauce, and the sweet-savory freshness of scallions, it creates a restaurant-quality meal in under 20 minutes. Its versatility, nutritional benefits, and adaptability to different eating styles make it a standout choice for families, singles, and anyone looking for a delicious, effortless meal. Whether you are looking for an easy dinner after a long day, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests with minimal effort, Scallion Chicken is a winning recipe you’ll come back to again and again.