Chinese Scallion Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken breasts with aromatic scallions and a flavorful sauce. This recipe, which is simple yet satisfying, can be prepared in just seven easy steps. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced chef, this dish will impress your family and friends. With its savory taste and beautiful presentation, it’s a perfect addition to your weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why We Love This Chinese Scallion Chicken
What makes Chinese Scallion Chicken so appealing? It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The chicken becomes juicy and tender as it marinates in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. When sautéed with fresh scallions, garlic, and ginger, it creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen. The short preparation time is another great reason; you can have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, this dish pairs well with rice or noodles, making it a versatile option for any dinner setting.
Ingredients about Chinese Scallion Chicken
To create this wonderful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients. Make sure to gather everything before you start cooking.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4-5 scallions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Chinese Scallion Chicken: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe Directions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, follow these straightforward steps for a delicious Chinese Scallion Chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Begin by taking a bowl and mixing together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Carefully add the chicken breasts to the bowl and ensure they are fully coated. Allow this to marinate for at least 15 minutes, although longer is better for flavor absorption.
- Prepare the Aromatics: While your chicken marinates, chop the scallions and mince the garlic and ginger, setting them aside in separate bowls for later use.
- Heat the Skillet: Grab a large skillet or wok and place it over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and wait for it to get hot. A good way to test this is by flicking a drop of water into the oil; if it sizzles, you’re ready to cook.
- Cook the Chicken: Carefully add the marinated chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and are thoroughly cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F (75°C).
- Add the Aromatics: Once the chicken is fully cooked, add the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped scallions to the skillet. Sauté these ingredients for 2-3 minutes, allowing the fragrant aromas to blend together.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you have leftover marinade from the chicken, pour it into the skillet after adding the aromatics. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a sticky and flavorful sauce that clings to the chicken.
- Serve: Once everything is cooked and combined, remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest for about a minute. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve alongside your choice of rice or noodles. Drizzle the rich scallion sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
How to Serve Chinese Scallion Chicken
You can serve Chinese Scallion Chicken in a variety of ways. For an authentic experience, pair it with steamed jasmine rice or plain white rice, which will soak up the yummy sauce. If you’re looking for a more filling meal, consider serving it over a bed of noodles, such as chow mein or rice noodles.
To enhance the presentation, you can garnish the dish with additional chopped scallions or sesame seeds. This not only makes the dish visually appealing but also adds extra texture and flavor. Don’t forget to provide soy sauce on the side for those who wish to enhance the dish even further.
Expert Tips: Chinese Scallion Chicken
- Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can even leave it overnight in the refrigerator. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld.
- Cut Evenly: When slicing the chicken for cooking, try to cut the breasts into even sizes. This ensures that they cook evenly, avoiding any undercooked pieces.
- Hot Skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a nice sear, which locks in the juices and creates a mouthwatering flavor.
- Use Fresh Aromatics: Always opt for fresh garlic and ginger instead of powdered versions. The flavor of fresh ingredients is significantly more intense and aromatic.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This allows you to tailor the dish to your liking.
How to Store Chinese Scallion Chicken
If you have leftovers (which is rare for this tasty dish!), store them properly to enjoy later. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to reheat, you can do so in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short increments, ensuring it heats evenly.
Variation of Chinese Scallion Chicken
Feel free to take creative liberties with this recipe! Here are some variations you might enjoy:
- Veggie Addition: Add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas, for extra color and nutrition. Simply stir-fry them with the chicken during the cooking process.
- Spicy Twist: If you enjoy heat, consider adding crushed red pepper or chili paste to the marinade or during the sautéing step. This adds an exciting kick to the flavors.
- Alternative Proteins: While chicken is the star in this recipe, you can substitute it with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as shrimp cooks quicker than chicken.
- Gluten-Free Option: For those avoiding gluten, substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free variety, such as tamari. This allows you to enjoy the dish without compromising on flavor.
FAQ Section
What is Chinese Scallion Chicken?
Chinese Scallion Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that features marinated chicken breasts cooked with scallions, garlic, and ginger. The result is a succulent meal enhanced by a savory sauce.
How long does it take to make Chinese Scallion Chicken?
The entire process, including marinating, can take around 30-40 minutes. This makes it a quick meal for busy weeknights.
Can I use other meats?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option or shrimp for a seafood version. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.
How can I enhance the flavors?
Experiment with adding spices like black pepper or crushed red pepper for heat. You can also try different types of soy sauce to find your preferred taste.
What can I serve with Chinese Scallion Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad for added crunch.
Chinese Scallion Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Aromatics
- 4-5 pieces scallions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and ensure they are fully coated.
- Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes for flavor absorption.
Prepare the Aromatics
- Chop the scallions and mince the garlic and ginger, setting them aside in separate bowls.
Heat the Skillet
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the vegetable oil and wait for it to heat up.
Cook the Chicken
- Add the marinated chicken breasts to the hot skillet.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (75°C).
Add the Aromatics
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped scallions to the skillet.
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Thicken the Sauce
- If using leftover marinade, pour it into the skillet after adding the aromatics.
- Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest for about a minute.
- Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve with rice or noodles.
- Drizzle the scallion sauce over the chicken.
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