Have you ever craved a dish so intensely, its aroma could transport you to a bustling Chinese street market? That’s exactly the feeling this Chinese Scallion Chicken: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe evokes. Imagine succulent chicken, infused with the fragrant magic of scallions, a symphony of flavors dancing on your tongue.
This recipe isn’t just about food; it’s about the memories of a family gathering, laughter echoing around the table, the comforting warmth of shared moments. Its simplicity belies its incredible taste, a dish that elevates the everyday to something truly special.
This Chinese Scallion Chicken recipe boasts several undeniable advantages:
It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The flavor profile is unbelievably rich and complex, a perfect blend of savory and subtly sweet.
The vibrant green of the scallions against the golden-brown chicken is visually stunning.
Its versatility allows you to serve it with rice, noodles, or even as a standalone dish.
Ingredients for Chinese Scallion Chicken: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chinese Scallion Chicken: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced ginger and garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 3: Browning the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and cook until nicely browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Making the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce until thickened.
Step 5: Simmering the Chicken
Return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Adding the Scallions
Stir in the majority of the chopped scallions, reserving some for garnish. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the scallions to wilt slightly.
Step 7: Serving Your Masterpiece
Transfer the chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with the reserved scallions. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles. A simple side salad would also complement this dish beautifully.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken until golden brown, then simmer it gently in the sauce. Meanwhile, prepare the scallion mixture. Finally, toss everything together and serve hot.
Add Your Touch
Experiment with different types of chicken. Try adding other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. A dash of sesame oil adds extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until warmed through.
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor absorption. Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken—it will steam instead of browning. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, your palate is the best judge.
My first attempt at this Chinese Scallion Chicken was a disaster—too much soy sauce! My family’s reaction taught me the importance of seasoning gradually.
Chinese Scallion Chicken
: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe
Ingredients
This recipe makes enough for 4 hearty servings. Adjust as needed for your appetite (or the number of hungry mouths you’re feeding).
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred, unless you like things a little salty)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon chicken broth
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cups scallions, thinly sliced (about 4-5 large scallions, you’ll want a generous amount!)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Vegetable oil for searing
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Toss everything until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial—it allows the chicken to absorb the flavors and ensures a more tender, flavorful dish. Don’t skip it!
Step 2
: Prepare the Scallion Mixture
While the chicken marinates, prepare your scallion mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the scallions, garlic, ginger, and sugar. Set this aside until needed. The aroma alone will make you want to dive straight in!
Step 3
: Sear the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and sear until it’s nicely browned on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan—work in batches if necessary. This step is key to developing a delicious crust.
Step 4
: Simmer the Chicken
After searing, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the chicken is cooked through and tender (about 10-15 minutes).
Step 5
: Add the Scallion Mixture
Once the chicken is cooked, add the scallion mixture to the skillet. Stir gently to combine, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. The scallions will wilt slightly, releasing their wonderful aroma.
Step 6
: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You might want to add a little more soy sauce, vinegar, or sugar. This is your chance to personalize the dish to your liking.
Step 7
: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Chinese Scallion Chicken immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with extra scallions, if desired. Enjoy the explosion of savory flavors!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful dish with steamed rice, egg fried rice, or even some fluffy noodles. The sauce is amazing on its own, so you might want to keep some extra on the side for dipping! A side of steamed bok choy would add a nice contrast in texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Chicken breasts will cook faster and may become drier, but you can certainly use them. Just be sure to keep a closer eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken marinade and the scallion mixture in advance. However, it’s best to sear and simmer the chicken just before serving to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for sesame oil?
While sesame oil adds a distinct flavor, you could substitute it with another neutral oil like vegetable oil or canola oil. However, the flavor will be noticeably different.
This Chinese Scallion Chicken recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that will impress your friends and family. The combination of savory chicken, fragrant scallions, and a slightly tangy sauce is truly irresistible. So go on, give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight meal!
Conclusion for Chinese Scallion Chicken: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe
This Chinese Scallion Chicken recipe is a game-changer, a culinary adventure that’s surprisingly easy to execute. The simple yet flavorful sauce, bursting with scallion goodness, elevates the chicken to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises a delicious and satisfying meal. So ditch the takeout menu and embrace the joy of creating this simple masterpiece in your own kitchen! Remember to adjust cooking times based on your chicken cut and enjoy the incredible results.
Print
Chinese Scallion Chicken: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe
Delicious chinese scallion chicken: an incredible 7-step recipe recipe with detailed instructions and nutritional information.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 1/4 cup rock sugar
- 1/4 cup ginger, thinly sliced
- 4–5 scallions, white and light green parts thinly sliced, dark green parts reserved for garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, rice wine, rock sugar, and sliced ginger. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are coated evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces, skin-side down first. Sear until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
- Step 3: Pour off excess oil from the wok, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind. Add the sliced white and light green parts of the scallions to the wok and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Return the chicken pieces to the wok. Add the remaining marinade from the bowl. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Step 5: Increase heat to medium-high and simmer uncovered for another 5-7 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly and thicken it. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Step 6: Remove the chicken from the wok and arrange on a serving platter. Drizzle with sesame oil. Garnish with the reserved dark green parts of the scallions. Serve hot with rice.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For reheating, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying.
- Serve this incredibly flavorful chicken with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried bok choy for a complete and balanced meal.
- To enhance the ginger flavor, lightly bruise the ginger slices before adding them to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
FAQs
Can I use different types of chicken for this Chinese Scallion Chicken recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is adaptable. While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness, you can easily substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that breasts tend to dry out more quickly, so reduce the cooking time slightly and keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. You could even experiment with chicken drumsticks, though you might need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. The key is to ensure the chicken is cooked through before serving. Remember, the delicious scallion sauce complements any cut of chicken beautifully.
How can I make this Chinese Scallion Chicken recipe even more flavorful?
To elevate the flavor profile of your Chinese Scallion Chicken, consider adding a touch of ginger or garlic to the sauce. Finely minced ginger adds a subtle warmth and zing, while garlic contributes a bolder, more pungent aroma. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also inject a pleasant kick. Experiment with different types of soy sauce – light, dark, or even a combination – to find your perfect balance of salty and umami flavors. You can also marinate the chicken for a few hours beforehand in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a deeper flavor infusion.
Is it possible to make this Chinese Scallion Chicken recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare this Chinese Scallion Chicken in advance. The chicken can be cooked and the sauce prepared a day or two before serving. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken gently – microwaving is fine – and pour the scallion sauce over it just before plating. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeknights. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, resulting in an even more delicious dish!
What can I serve with my Chinese Scallion Chicken: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe?
This dish is incredibly versatile! Serve it over fluffy white rice for a classic pairing, or alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or asparagus for a balanced meal. Noodles, either egg noodles or rice noodles, are another great option. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a simple side salad. The possibilities are endless; just choose what best suits your taste preferences. This simple yet flavorful chicken recipe is certain to become a family favorite, no matter what you decide to pair it with.