Apricot Glazed Chicken with Charred Scallions | Easy Dinner Recipe
Sun-Kissed Apricot Chicken with Smoky Scallions
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly oil a sheet pan and pat the chicken dry. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, quickly sear the chicken on both sides until lightly golden for about 2 minutes per side. This lock in juices before finishing in the oven.
- In a small bowl, whisk together apricot jam, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Drizzle the mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Arrange the seared chicken on the sheet pan. Scatter the scallions around and over the chicken. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is just cooked through and juicy.
- For an extra layer of flavor, switch your oven to broil for the last 2 minutes. Keep a close eye until the scallions get a beautiful charred finish.
- Spoon any pan juices over your plated chicken. This dish pairs beautifully with a warm bowl of rice or steamed veggies.
Unexpectedly Delicious!
At first glance, a sheet-pan chicken with a drizzle of tangy apricot glaze might seem too simple. Yet every time I try this recipe, the burst of flavors leaves everyone asking, “How is it so irresistibly good?” The secret lies in the delightful balance between the sweet apricot jam, savory soy and sesame oil, and the unmistakable charred goodness of scallions.
We start with a quick sear for extra flavor and finish off in the oven, ensuring the chicken remains tender and succulent. The scallions, given a fast char under the broiler, add a deep, smoky twist that elevates the whole dish.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bunch scallions, roughly trimmed
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Warm your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a sheet pan and pat the chicken dry, seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear for Flavor: On medium-high heat, briefly sear the chicken in a hot skillet for about 2 minutes per side, creating a golden crust that insulates moisture.
- Create the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine apricot jam, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Drizzle this vibrant mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Bake & Scatter: Place the seared chicken on the sheet pan and surround it with scallions. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is perfectly cooked.
- Finish with a Char: Switch your oven to broil for the final 2 minutes to give the scallions a beautifully charred, smoky finish.
- Plate & Serve: Spoon any concentrated pan juices over the chicken, and enjoy with rice or your favorite steamed vegetables.
Special Tips
For an added layer of complexity, try marinating the chicken in a bit of extra soy sauce and sesame oil for 15 minutes before searing. Also, if you love a hint of heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes mixed into the apricot glaze can really brighten up the dish.
For more irresistible and easy dinner recipes, be sure to explore other favorites on our site.
