Description
How to make Chinese Scallion Chicken with tender chicken and fresh scallions that’s a budget-friendly dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- Base/Main Components:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 large bunches scallions, divided (about 1.5 cups chopped)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Flavor Builders (Sauce):
- 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- Finishing/Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- 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!
Notes
Always toss chicken with cornstarch; this is key for tenderness and prevents a rubbery texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; cool quickly before refrigerating.
Dry sherry is a good substitute for Shaoxing wine; for alcohol-free, use chicken broth with a splash of rice vinegar.
Serve this Easy Budget Chinese Scallion Chicken piping hot over fluffy steamed white rice.
You can prep chicken, mince aromatics, and whisk sauce up to 24 hours in advance; keep covered and refrigerated.
Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken; this ensures a proper sear and prevents steaming for tenderness.
**Allergy Information:** Soy, Gluten, Shellfish, Sesame