This scallion chicken is a quick, flavorful weeknight meal with bright green scallions, warm sesame, and a punch of ginger and garlic. The outside browns to a golden crust while the inside stays juicy. It smells savory and fresh. If you like lemony roasted chicken, compare techniques in this easy baked version: baked lemon butter chicken.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (10 minutes active + 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 360 kcal
- Protein: 53 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
Why Make This Scallion Chicken
This scallion chicken is simple and fast. The soy-sesame marinade gives rich umami and a toasty aroma. Scallions add a fresh, slightly sharp bite and bright color. The texture pairs a crisp, golden outside with tender, juicy chicken inside. It is an easy way to lift plain chicken into something special for a family dinner or casual guests.
How to Make Scallion Chicken
You’ll marinate the chicken quickly, cook it in a hot skillet for a caramelized crust, then finish with scallions for flavor and color. The method keeps hands-on time short and the results impressive. Use a heavy skillet for the best sear and keep the scallions crisp by adding them at the end.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 4 scallions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Mixing
Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Cooking
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Finishing
Add the chopped scallions to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. Serve the chicken garnished with sesame seeds and additional scallions if desired.
How to Serve Scallion Chicken
Serve hot over steamed rice or with a simple noodle bowl for a complete meal. It also pairs well with sautéed bok choy, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For a casual meal, slice the chicken and place on crusty bread or tortillas with a drizzle of extra sesame oil and a squeeze of lime.
How to Store Scallion Chicken
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep scallions separate if you want them very crisp; add fresh chopped scallions when reheating.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (without scallion garnish) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low-medium heat or in a 325°F (160°C) oven until hot. Add a splash of water or stock to keep the chicken moist.
Expert Tips for Perfect Scallion Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry before marinating for a better sear.
- Use a hot, heavy skillet (cast iron is ideal) so the chicken browns quickly without stewing.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.
- Add scallions at the end to keep their color and crisp texture.
- Try skin-on thighs for richer flavor; adjust cook time until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- If soy sauce is too salty, use low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the amount and add a splash of water.
Delicious Variations
- Honey-Scallion: Stir 1 tablespoon honey into the marinade for a sweet glaze.
- Spicy Sesame: Add 1 teaspoon chili paste or red pepper flakes to the marinade for heat.
- Citrus Bright: Add 1 tablespoon rice vinegar and a teaspoon of orange zest for a tangy lift.
- Crispy Oven-Baked: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes for a hands-off crisp result.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Thighs are darker and more forgiving; they stay juicy. Reduce cook time slightly if using small thighs, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: At least 30 minutes yields good flavor. For deeper flavor, marinate up to 4 hours in the fridge. Avoid marinating overnight in a high-salt mixture or the texture can change.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce to keep it gluten-free while preserving the savory taste.
Q: How do I prevent the scallions from getting soggy?
A: Add chopped scallions in the last 1–2 minutes of cooking and remove from heat quickly. For extra crunch, sprinkle raw scallions on top just before serving.
Q: Is this safe to meal-prep?
A: Yes. Cooked scallion chicken stores well. Keep the scallions separate if you want them fresh. Refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
A: Yes. Cook in batches to avoid crowding the pan. A wider pan or two skillets speeds the process and preserves the sear.
Conclusion
This scallion chicken is an easy, flavorful crowd-pleaser with savory sesame and bright scallions. It’s fast enough for weeknights and flexible enough for menu variations. For another tasty chicken idea and to compare techniques, check this well-loved version: Scallion Chicken (crispy, easy) on I Heart Umami. Give this recipe a try—the aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like a cozy bistro.
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Scallion Chicken
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (option)
Description
A quick and flavorful scallion chicken dish with a savory soy-sesame marinade that offers a delicious and juicy inside with a crispy golden crust outside.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 4 scallions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the chopped scallions to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. Serve the chicken garnished with sesame seeds and additional scallions if desired.
Notes
For best results, pat the chicken dry before marinating for a better sear. Use a hot, heavy skillet to brown quickly without stewing. Try different variations by adding honey, chili paste, or baking the chicken.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 53g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
