Description
Scallion Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together tender, juicy chicken with the fresh, mild heat of scallions. The chicken is typically marinated or sautéed with garlic, soy sauce, and seasonings, then topped with generous amounts of chopped scallions for a burst of freshness and color. The combination of savory, umami flavors with the slight bite of the scallions creates a well-balanced, aromatic dish. Simple yet satisfying, Scallion Chicken is perfect served over rice or with a side of vegetables for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
To make Scallion Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (Halal certified)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (ensure it’s Halal or use a vegetarian alternative)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 6–8 scallions (green onions), chopped (both white and green parts)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional for a slight sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken: Chicken breasts or thighs are the best cuts for this dish due to their tender texture, and they absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Ensure the chicken is Halal certified.
- Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the sauce, providing the savory base for the dish.
- Sesame Oil: A key ingredient that imparts a subtle nutty aroma and flavor to the sauce.
- Scallions: Fresh scallions not only add a bright, crisp flavor but also enhance the dish visually with their vibrant green color.
- Oyster Sauce: This sauce is often used in Asian cuisine to add complexity to savory dishes. Ensure you use a Halal-certified version, or substitute it with mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce for a similar effect.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make the perfect Scallion Chicken:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice the Chicken: Begin by slicing the chicken breasts or thighs into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. This allows the chicken to cook more quickly and absorb the flavor of the sauce better. If you prefer, you can leave the chicken breasts whole and cook them as cutlets.
- Season the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Make the Sauce:
- Prepare the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, honey (if using), rice vinegar, and chili flakes. This mixture will serve as the base for the sauce. Set it aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Cook the Chicken:
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the pan, spreading it out in an even layer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and browned on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Add the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked through, pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and thicken slightly.
Add the Scallions:
- Stir in Scallions: Add the chopped scallions to the pan, reserving a few for garnish. Stir them into the chicken and sauce, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the scallions soften and become aromatic but still retain some of their crunch.
Serve:
- Plate and Garnish: Transfer the Scallion Chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with the remaining fresh scallions and a sprinkle of cilantro, if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Scallion Chicken with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or your favorite noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 30g