This apricot chicken, cooked on a sheet pan, is incredibly simple and absolutely delicious! With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, minimal cleanup is required, and the flavorful punch comes from the roasted charred scallions on top.
Well, That Was Surprising.
If you were to describe this dish to me, I’d probably raise my eyebrows. Chicken on a sheet pan, with some basic sauce components poured directly over? Seriously?
However, every time I’ve prepared this apricot chicken, Bjork, our friends, and I have exclaimed – Wow. Why does this taste so amazing? It’s unpretentious, it feels laid-back, yet it boasts phenomenal flavor.
Sesame oil, soy sauce, with a hint of sweetness (thanks to our friend apricot jam! 😍) create a fantastic flavor base – but the real flavor star has to be the cluster of charred scallions. They impart a lovely oniony taste, along with a roasted depth that makes it seem like you spent hours on this dish when it actually only took about 15 minutes.
The chicken remains moist and juicy due to its brief baking duration, the scallions add a fun visual appeal, and if you can collect any caramelized bits or juices from the pan to drizzle over your rice, you’re in for a delight. It’s just so delicious.
Among all our quick recipes this season, I believe this might be the simplest.
I hope you enjoy it! For more of our most beloved quick dinner recipes, click here!
Watch How to Prepare This Apricot Chicken
Sesame Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions
Total Time:
20 minutesYield:
4 servings 1x
Description
This apricot chicken, cooked on a sheet pan, is incredibly simple and absolutely delicious! With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, minimal cleanup is required, and the flavorful punch comes from the roasted charred scallions on top.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Sesame Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions
For serving:
Instructions
- Preheat: Begin by setting the oven to 450 degrees. Position an oven rack in the top third of the oven.
- Prep Scallions: Cut the scallions in half lengthwise.
- Prep Chicken: Slice the chicken into thinner pieces horizontally. Arrange the chicken on a sheet pan; season with salt and pepper. Drizzle sesame oil and soy sauce directly over the chicken.
- Add Scallions: Toss the scallions in a bit of the oil.
- Bake: Layer the scallions on top of the chicken. Bake for 6 minutes on the rack that’s in the upper third of the oven.
- Broil: Activate the broiler; broil for 1-2 minutes – the aim is to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked (165 degrees) with a little charring on the scallions. There’s plenty of delicious flavor in those charred bits! Immediately spoon apricot jam and chili crisp over each piece so it slightly melts in.
- Serve: Present the chicken and a heap of the charred scallions with rice, draping any additional pan juices over the top (or simply drizzling with more sesame oil and soy sauce). Simple method, maximum flavor!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apricot chicken, sheet pan chicken, chicken dinner recipe
Frequently Asked Questions For This Recipe
Can you use a different cut of chicken, like chicken thighs?
I haven’t tested it with thighs, but I reckon it would be fine – I would just keep them whole, and you’d need to bake it a bit longer since they are thicker.
Could you grill this recipe?
Absolutely, and perhaps just utilize sesame oil and soy sauce to marinate the chicken or brush it as it’s grilling.
Are there other jams or preserves that would work in a pinch?
Orange would work wonderfully, or a drizzle of honey could suffice in a pinch as well!
What vegetables can I incorporate into this?
I particularly enjoy this with fresh cucumber as shown, but you could also toss in some air-fried broccoli or green beans.
What could you use in place of the scallions?
Finely sliced shallots would be delightful here!
Is it possible to make this vegetarian using tofu?
Indeed! Utilize this sesame apricot tofu recipe. It offers the same flavors and is also incredibly delicious!
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