This apricot chicken, prepared on a sheet pan, is incredibly simple and SO TASTY! Just a handful of straightforward ingredients, easy cleanup, and a significant flavor enhancement from the roasted, charred scallions on top.
That Caught Me Off Guard.
If you were to tell me about this meal, I would definitely look skeptical. Chicken on a sheet pan, with a few basic sauce ingredients drizzled on top? Seriously?
Yet, every time I’ve prepared this apricot chicken, both Bjork and I, along with our friends, have exclaimed – Wow. How is this so delicious? It’s simple, it’s low-key, but it boasts absolutely remarkable flavor.
Sesame oil, soy sauce, along with a hint of sweetness (thanks to apricot jam! 😍) create a fantastic flavor foundation – but the stars really are those tangle of charred scallions. They provide a delightful onion taste, and their roasted richness makes it feel like you invested hours into this dish instead of just 15 minutes.
The chicken remains tender and juicy because of a quick bake, the scallions are visually stunning and delightful, and if you can scrape up any browned bits or drippings from the pan to drizzle over your rice dish, you’ll be in for a treat. It’s truly amazing.
Among all our SOS recipes this season, I reckon this one might be the simplest.
I hope you enjoy it! And for more of our most sought-after easy dinner recipes, click here!
See How To Make This Apricot Chicken
Sesame Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions
Yield:
4 servings 1x
Description
This apricot chicken, prepared on a sheet pan, is incredibly simple and SO TASTY! Just a handful of straightforward ingredients, easy cleanup, and a significant flavor enhancement from the roasted, charred scallions on top.
Ingredients
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Sesame Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions
For serving:
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Position an oven rack near the top.
- Prep Scallions: Slice the scallions in half lengthwise.
- Prep Chicken: Slice the chicken into thinner pieces horizontally. Arrange 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 some of the oil.
- Bake: Layer the scallions on top of the chicken. Bake for 6 minutes close to the top of the oven.
- Broil: Activate the broiler; broil for 1-2 minutes – the aim is to ensure the chicken is fully cooked (165 degrees) with a little charring on the scallions. There’s a wealth of delicious flavor in those charred bits! Quickly spoon apricot jam and chili crisp over each piece so it slightly melts in.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and a tangle of the charred scallions with rice, spooning extra pan juices over the top (or simply drizzling with additional sesame oil and soy sauce). Simple method, maximum flavor!
- 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 believe it would work – I would just keep them whole, and you’d need to bake longer since they’re thicker.
Could you grill this recipe?
Absolutely, and you might just use sesame oil and soy sauce to marinate the chicken or brush it while grilling.
Are there any other jams/preserves that could work in a pinch?
Orange would be excellent, or you could use a drizzle of honey in a pinch too!
What veggies can I add to this?
I enjoy this with fresh cucumber as pictured, but you could also include some air-fried broccoli or green beans.
What could you substitute for the scallions?
Thinly sliced shallots would taste fantastic here!
Could you make this vegetarian with tofu?
Yes! Utilize this sesame apricot tofu recipe. It has the same flavors and is also very, very tasty!
**Savory Apricot-Glazed Chicken with Charred Scallions: A Flavorful Fusion of Sweet and Umami**
If you’re seeking to enhance your weeknight dinner or dazzle guests with a dish that harmonizes sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, your search ends here with Savory Apricot-Glazed Chicken with Charred Scallions. This colorful entrée combines tender chicken glazed with a tangy apricot sauce and the rich, caramelized taste of charred scallions for a meal that’s both visually stunning and delicious.
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### The Flavor Profile
At the center of this dish is the apricot glaze—a delightful mix of apricot preserves, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a dash of vinegar or citrus juice. The glaze creates a perfect balance of sweetness from the fruit, saltiness from the soy sauce, and a subtle acidity from the aromatics. When brushed over beautifully browned chicken, it caramelizes wonderfully, resulting in a sticky, flavorful coating.
Charred scallions act as a robust counterpart to the sweet glaze. When cooked at high heat, scallions acquire a smoky, slightly bitter edge that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apricot and adds complexity to the dish. Their vibrant green color and crispy tips also provide an enticing contrast on the plate.
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### Ingredients
**For the Chicken and Glaze:**
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 cup apricot preserves
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
**For the Charred Scallions:**
– 1 bunch scallions (green onions), trimmed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
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### Preparation Steps
**1. Prepare the Glaze:**
In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix the apricot preserves, soy sauce, vinegar or lemon juice, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until well blended and simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken a bit. Set aside.
**2. Cook the Chicken:**
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). In the final minutes of cooking, generously brush the apricot glaze over the chicken, letting it caramelize slightly.
**3. Char the Scallions:**
As the chicken cooks, toss the scallions with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Heat a separate skillet or grill pan over high heat. Arrange the scallions in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they are tender and have noticeable char marks.
**4. Serve:**
Serve the glazed chicken with the charred scallions. Drizzle any remaining glaze on top for added flavor. Pair with steamed rice, couscous, or a light salad to complete the meal.
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### Tips for Success
– **Use high-quality apricot preserves** for optimal flavor. Look for varieties with minimal added sugar and real fruit content.
– **Avoid overcrowding the pan** when charring scallions. This helps them sear properly and achieve that signature smoky taste.
– **Marinate the chicken** in some of the glaze for 30 minutes before cooking to infuse it with extra flavor (just remember to discard the marinade and use fresh glaze for brushing during cooking).
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### Variations
– **Spicy Kick:** Incorporate a teaspoon of sriracha or chili paste into the glaze for a spicier twist.
– **Herbaceous Touch:** Garnish with fresh cilantro, mint, or basil for an added freshness.
– **Vegetarian Version:** Swap chicken for grilled tofu or tempeh and follow the same glazing and charring method.
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### Final Thoughts
Savory Apricot-Glazed Chicken with Charred Scallions is a preparation that shows gourmet doesn’t necessarily mean complicated. With a few pantry staples and fresh components, you can craft a meal that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether served at a dinner gathering or enjoyed as a special family meal, this recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary collection.