Chinese Scallion Chicken is a quick and comforting dish made with tender chicken cooked in a fragrant scallion and garlic sauce. This dish is not only easy to whip up but also delivers authentic takeout-style flavor in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or something special for your loved ones, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious meal!
Why You’ll Love This Chinese Scallion Chicken
This dish is a culinary delight that offers numerous benefits. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. With just 25 minutes of total time, you can enjoy a hearty meal that’s both savory and aromatic. The use of scallions adds a fresh flavor that’s hard to resist. Additionally, it’s a healthy scallion chicken recipe that fits into low-fat diets, allowing you to indulge without the guilt. This stir-fried scallion chicken is an easy way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, making it a nutritious choice for families. Plus, the ingredients are simple and likely already in your pantry, making it an accessible option for anyone. Lastly, it’s a Chinese chicken with green onions dish that is beloved for its comforting flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients for Chinese Scallion Chicken
Gather these items:
- 500 g boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast, sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 3 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
- 5 scallions, finely chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water or light chicken stock
- Extra sliced scallions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How to Make Chinese Scallion Chicken Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Combine chicken with cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add white parts of scallions and cook until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in garlic and cook briefly without browning.
- Step 4: Add chicken and stir-fry for 4–6 minutes until fully cooked.
- Step 5: Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water. Simmer 2–3 minutes until glossy.
- Step 6: Add green scallions, toss gently, and remove from heat.

Pro Tips for the Best Chinese Scallion Chicken
Keep these in mind:
- Make sure to slice the chicken evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Use fresh scallions for the best flavor.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking for optimal flavor and texture.
Best Ways to Serve Chinese Scallion Chicken
This Chinese chicken and scallion dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad to balance out the meal. For a heartier option, consider adding stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli. It’s a versatile dish that can adapt to your preferences!

How to Store and Reheat Chinese Scallion Chicken
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can last up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This dish is perfect for meal prep, making it an ideal choice for quick dinners throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Scallion Chicken
What’s the secret to perfect Chinese Scallion Chicken?
The key to perfect scallion chicken stir fry is high heat and quick cooking. This ensures the chicken remains tender while the scallions and garlic infuse their flavors without becoming burnt.
Can I make Chinese Scallion Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a few hours in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and cook it right before serving for best results.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chinese Scallion Chicken?
Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken; this will steam it instead of searing it. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to get that perfect stir-fry texture.
Variations of Chinese Scallion Chicken You Can Try
There are many delicious variations to explore! For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies. You can also try using different proteins like shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Consider incorporating other vegetables such as snap peas or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Each variation allows you to customize the dish to your liking while keeping it healthy and satisfying!
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection or try making Salted Caramel Cookies for dessert!
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Learn more about the health benefits of scallions here.
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Chinese Scallion Chicken: 5 Easy Steps to Flavorful Dinner
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Chinese Scallion Chicken is a quick and comforting dish made with tender chicken cooked in a fragrant scallion and garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast, sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 3 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
- 5 scallions, finely chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water or light chicken stock
- Extra sliced scallions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Combine chicken with cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add white parts of scallions and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in garlic and cook briefly without browning.
- Add chicken and stir-fry for 4–6 minutes until fully cooked.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water. Simmer 2–3 minutes until glossy.
- Add green scallions, toss gently, and remove from heat.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
