Chinese Scallion Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly balances tender chicken with aromatic scallions and a savory sauce. This recipe brings the essence of Chinese cooking right to your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal that’s both quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Why We Love This Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe
This dish stands out for several reasons. First, it’s straightforward to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store. Second, the combination of scallions, garlic, and ginger adds a burst of flavor that elevates the whole meal. Moreover, the easy marination process enhances the chicken’s natural juiciness, resulting in a tender and delicious outcome. You’ll find that this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners with family.
Ingredients about Chinese Scallion Chicken
To create the delightful flavors of Chinese Scallion Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 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 Directions
Follow these simple steps to bring your Chinese Scallion Chicken to life:
- Marinate the Chicken: Begin by mixing soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a large bowl. Stir until well combined. Then, add the boneless chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover and let this marinate for at least 15 minutes. If time allows, marinating for longer can deepen the flavor.
- Prepare the Aromatics: While your chicken is soaking in its marinade, take this time to chop the scallions into small pieces and mince the garlic and ginger. These aromatics will infuse the dish with delightful flavors.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add in the vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat up until it shimmers, which indicates it’s ready for cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Carefully place the marinated chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F. You want them to be cooked through while still juicy.
- Add the Aromatics: Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped scallions to the skillet. Sauté these ingredients together for about 2-3 minutes, allowing their fragrance to fill the kitchen as they cook down.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour any leftover marinade from the bowl into the skillet with the chicken and aromatics. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a tantalizing sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Serve: After the sauce has thickened, it’s time to serve your dish. Allow the chicken to rest for a minute before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. You can serve it over a bed of rice or noodles, drizzling the scallion sauce over the top for extra flavor.
How to Serve Chinese Scallion Chicken
Serving your Chinese Scallion Chicken is an opportunity to get creative. The dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. You may also opt for a bed of noodles if you prefer a comforting and filling meal.
Additionally, garnishing the dish with extra chopped scallions or sesame seeds can enhance its presentation and add a lovely crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables or a light cucumber salad to provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Expert Tips: Chinese Scallion Chicken
To take your Chinese Scallion Chicken to the next level, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind:
- Marinate Longer: If you have extra time, marinate the chicken for at least an hour or even overnight in the refrigerator. This extra time will deepen the flavors and help tenderize the meat.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh scallions, garlic, and ginger. Fresh ingredients not only enhance the dish’s flavor but also add a vibrant and appealing look.
- Adjust the Heat: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a splash of chili oil or some red pepper flakes to the marinade or sauté when cooking the scallions and garlic.
- Maintain Temperature: Make sure to cook the chicken at an appropriate temperature. If the heat is too high, the outside may burn before the inside is fully cooked.
- Resting Time: Let the chicken rest after cooking for a few minutes before slicing. This will help retain the juices and keep the meat moist.
How to Store Chinese Scallion Chicken
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing your Chinese Scallion Chicken properly is essential to maintain freshness. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken. Make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it should keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variation of Chinese Scallion Chicken
While the classic Chinese Scallion Chicken recipe is delicious on its own, there are several variations you can explore to keep your meals exciting:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in colorful vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli while cooking the chicken. Not only does this enhance the nutrition, but it also adds a pop of color and texture to your dish.
- Spicy Twist: If you like a kick, add sliced jalapeños or toss in some sriracha to the marinade, allowing that fiery flavor to infuse the chicken.
- Different Proteins: While chicken breast is the star here, you could easily swap it for chicken thighs for a juicier option or even use tofu for a plant-based version.
- Grilled Version: For a smoky flavor, grill the marinated chicken instead of pan-frying. This adds another layer of flavor and is perfect for summer cookouts.
- Low-Sodium Options: For a healthier approach, use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content without sacrificing flavor.
FAQ
What is Chinese Scallion Chicken?
Chinese Scallion Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in a soy sauce-based mixture, sautéed with garlic, ginger, and scallions, then served with a delicious sauce.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. However, marinating for an hour or overnight will yield even richer results.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting regular soy sauce with a gluten-free version, you can easily adapt this dish to fit gluten-free dietary needs.
What can I serve with Chinese Scallion Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken for up to 2-3 months.
Chinese Scallion Chicken
Ingredients
For the marination
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Use low-sodium for a healthier option.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch Helps to thicken the sauce.
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For cooking
- 4-5 pieces scallions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil For frying the chicken.
- To taste salt and pepper
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a large bowl until well combined. Add chicken breasts and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Prepare the Aromatics
- Chop scallions and mince garlic and ginger while the chicken is marinating.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Add the Aromatics
- Once the chicken is cooked, add garlic, ginger, and scallions to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
Thicken the Sauce
- Pour leftover marinade into the skillet and simmer until the sauce thickens.
Serve
- Allow chicken to rest, slice into pieces, and serve over rice or noodles, drizzled with scallion sauce.
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