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Sesame Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions Recipe

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3.9 from 55 reviews

A flavorful and easy-to-make Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions featuring tender chicken breasts baked with a savory-sweet apricot glaze, toasted sesame oil, and a hint of chili crisp for a delicious Asian-inspired meal. Served best with rice and fresh vegetables, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 10 cracks of freshly ground pepper
  • 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce

Vegetables

  • 10 scallions, sliced in half lengthwise

Sauces and Toppings

  • 1/4 cup apricot preserves
  • A few tablespoons of chili crisp

For Serving

  • Rice
  • Optional vegetables such as cucumbers

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and position an oven rack in the top third of your oven to ensure proper cooking and charring.
  2. Prep Scallions: Cut the scallions lengthwise in half to allow them to char evenly and develop flavor during cooking.
  3. Prep Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into thinner pieces to ensure tender and quick cooking. Place them evenly on a sheet pan and season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Drizzle the chicken with toasted sesame oil and reduced-sodium soy sauce for a savory base.
  4. Add Scallions: Toss the scallions lightly in some toasted sesame oil to coat them, then arrange them directly on top of the chicken on the sheet pan.
  5. Bake: Bake the chicken and scallions in the preheated oven on the top rack for 6 minutes. This will start cooking the chicken through and begin charring the scallions for added flavor.
  6. Broil: Switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to achieve a slight char on the scallions while ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
  7. Finish with Apricot and Chili Crisp: Once out of the oven, immediately spoon apricot preserves and a few tablespoons of chili crisp over each piece of chicken, allowing these flavors to melt and meld into the warm chicken and scallions.
  8. Serve: Plate the chicken and scallions alongside steamed rice and optionally fresh vegetables like cucumbers. Spoon any remaining pan juices over the top or drizzle with extra sesame oil and soy sauce to enhance the dish’s flavor profile.

Notes

  • For best results, slice the chicken into evenly thin pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Watch closely when broiling to avoid burning the scallions; the goal is a slight char.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of chili crisp based on your preferred spice level.
  • Substitute rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
  • Extra pan juices can be heated gently and poured over rice for added flavor.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian