Ingredients for Easy Budget Chinese Scallion Chicken

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (1.5 lbs): The foundation of this Easy Budget Chinese Scallion Chicken, providing tender, juicy bites. Marinate for 15 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.
• Scallions, divided (2 large bunches): The star ingredient, offering a fresh, pungent aroma. Divide for sautéing and vibrant garnish, crucial for the dish’s signature flavor.
• Fresh Ginger (1-inch piece): Adds a warm, zesty kick, essential for authentic Chinese flavor. Finely mince or grate for better diffusion throughout the dish.
• Garlic Cloves (4-5 cloves): Aromatic base that complements the ginger and scallions beautifully. Always use fresh garlic for the best, most potent flavor.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Used for tenderizing the chicken and thickening the sauce. Creates a silky texture, ensuring the sauce clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): For searing the chicken and sautéing aromatics. A neutral oil like canola or peanut oil is best for high-heat cooking.
• Light Soy Sauce (3 tablespoons): The essential savory base for the sauce. Use a good quality brand for depth of umami without excessive saltiness.
• Shaoxing Wine (1 tablespoon): Adds complex, authentic Chinese flavor. If unavailable, dry sherry is a suitable substitute for a similar aromatic profile.
• Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon): A finishing oil that provides a distinctive nutty aroma. Add it at the very end to preserve its delicate flavor.
• Oyster Sauce (1 tablespoon): Deepens the umami and adds a touch of sweetness. Look for a reputable brand for the best flavor and consistency.
• Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Forms the liquid base of the sauce, ensuring it’s rich and flavorful. Low-sodium broth gives you better control over the final seasoning.
• Granulated Sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances the savory flavors and enhances the scallion’s natural sweetness. A small pinch can make a big difference.
• White Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a subtle, earthy heat distinct from black pepper. It’s a classic seasoning in Chinese cuisine for a reason.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds (1 teaspoon): Provides a delightful crunch and nutty finish. Sprinkle over the Easy Budget Chinese Scallion Chicken just before serving for visual appeal.

How to Make Easy Budget Chinese Scallion Chicken

Prep Ingredients:

Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and toss with cornstarch. Mince ginger and garlic. Separate scallions, chopping white parts for cooking and green for garnish for this flavorful Easy Budget Chinese Scallion Chicken.

Whisk Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, oyster sauce, chicken broth, sugar, and white pepper. Mix until well combined and the sugar dissolves, creating your flavorful sauce base.

Sauté Aromatics:

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the white parts of the scallions, minced ginger, and garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and softened, but not browned.

Cook Chicken:

Add the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and mostly cooked through. Ensure no pink remains.

Combine & Thicken:

Pour the whisked sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Bring to a simmer, stirring gently. The sauce will thicken and emulsify, coating the chicken beautifully. Stir in the green scallion parts to finish your Easy Budget Chinese Scallion Chicken.

Serve Dish:

Transfer your delicious Easy Budget Chinese Scallion Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice for a comforting, quick weeknight meal. Enjoy this budget-friendly dish!

How to Store Easy Budget Chinese Scallion Chicken

To store leftover Easy Budget Chinese Scallion Chicken, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Leaving it out too long can lead to spoilage; don’t do what I did and forget it on the counter! Discard if you notice any off smells or sliminess.

You can prep the chicken (cut and cornstarch-coated), mince ginger/garlic, and whisk the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Keep everything covered and refrigerated until ready to cook for faster dinner assembly.

When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

What to Serve with Easy Budget Chinese Scallion Chicken

For a simple yet satisfying meal, serve this Easy Budget Chinese Scallion Chicken piping hot over fluffy steamed white rice. For a touch of elegance, garnish with extra fresh scallions. This dish is perfect paired with a side of quick stir-fried bok choy or a light cucumber salad. Enjoy it immediately for best flavor.

My absolute favorite way to serve this chicken is with a generous scoop of hot steamed jasmine rice. The rich, savory sauce perfectly coats every grain, making each bite incredibly comforting. It’s a truly satisfying and complete meal to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute Shaoxing wine in Easy Chinese Scallion Chicken?

While Shaoxing wine offers authentic flavor, dry sherry is a good substitute. If avoiding alcohol, use chicken broth with a tiny splash of rice vinegar. The flavor won’t be identical, but it will work in a pinch.

→ How do I prevent tough chicken in this Easy Chinese Scallion Chicken?

Always toss your chicken with cornstarch as instructed; this is key for tenderness. Also, avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can steam the chicken instead of searing it, resulting in a rubbery texture.

→ How long can I store leftover Easy Budget Chinese Scallion Chicken?

You can store leftover Easy Budget Chinese Scallion Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just ensure it cools down quickly before refrigerating to maintain freshness and safety.

→ Can I make ahead or freeze components for this dish?

Yes, you can prep the chicken (cut and cornstarch-coated), mince ginger/garlic, and whisk the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Keep everything covered and refrigerated. Freezing cooked chicken isn’t recommended for best texture.

→ How do I make this Chinese Scallion Chicken gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and ensure your oyster sauce is a gluten-free variety. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so no changes there for your Easy Chinese Scallion Chicken.