Introduction

This Sesame Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions is a flavorful and quick dish that combines savory, sweet, and spicy notes. The combination of apricot preserves and chili crisp adds a delightful twist to tender chicken and smoky scallions, perfect served over rice for a satisfying meal.

Sesame Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

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
10 scallions, sliced in half lengthwise
1/4 cup apricot preserves
A few tablespoons of chili crisp
Rice, for serving
Optional: other vegetables like cucumbers

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and place an oven rack in the top third of the oven.
Step 2: Prepare the scallions by slicing them in half lengthwise.
Step 3: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into thinner pieces. Arrange the chicken on a sheet pan and season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
Step 4: Drizzle the toasted sesame oil and reduced-sodium soy sauce evenly over the chicken pieces.
Step 5: Toss the halved scallions in some of the sesame oil to coat them lightly.
Step 6: Place the scallions on top of the chicken on the sheet pan.
Step 7: Bake the chicken and scallions in the oven for 6 minutes on the top rack.
Step 8: Turn on the broiler and broil the chicken and scallions for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely—they should develop some charred spots while the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 9: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately spoon apricot preserves and chili crisp over each piece of chicken, allowing the toppings to melt slightly into the hot chicken.
Step 10: Serve the chicken and charred scallions over rice. Drizzle any extra pan juices, or add additional sesame oil and soy sauce, to taste. Enjoy with optional vegetables like fresh cucumbers for a crunchy contrast.

Tips & Variations

For a milder spice level, reduce the amount of chili crisp or substitute with chili flakes.
Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
Swap apricot preserves for peach or mango preserves for a slightly different fruity flavor.
Serve with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for added greens.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. To keep scallions from becoming soggy, add fresh ones as a garnish after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and tend to stay juicier and more flavorful. Adjust cooking time if needed to ensure they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit internally.

Is there a substitute for chili crisp?

If you don’t have chili crisp, you can use chili oil, chili flakes, or a spicy hot sauce to add heat. Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.

Sesame Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions Recipe

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This Sesame Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions is a flavorful and easy-to-make baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts marinated with toasted sesame oil and soy sauce, topped with sweet apricot preserves and a spicy chili crisp. Charred scallions add a smoky depth, while the dish is perfectly served over fluffy rice and fresh cucumbers for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

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

Vegetables and Toppings

10 scallions, sliced in half lengthwise
1/4 cup apricot preserves
A few tablespoons of chili crisp
Rice, for serving
Optional: Cucumbers or other fresh vegetables, for serving

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and place an oven rack in the top third of the oven to prepare for baking and broiling.
Prep scallions: Slice the scallions in half lengthwise to expose the inner layers, allowing them to char beautifully in the oven.
Prep chicken: Cut the chicken breasts horizontally into thinner pieces to ensure even cooking. Place the chicken pieces on a sheet pan and season them evenly with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Drizzle the toasted sesame oil and reduced-sodium soy sauce directly over the chicken to marinate and flavor the meat.
Add scallions: Toss the halved scallions in some of the toasted sesame oil to lightly coat them with flavor before adding them to the sheet pan.
Bake: Arrange the scallions on top of the chicken pieces on the sheet pan. Bake this assembly on the placed oven rack for 6 minutes. This roasting step cooks the chicken most of the way and softens the scallions.
Broil: Switch your oven to the broiler setting and broil the chicken and scallions for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch carefully to achieve a small amount of charring on the scallions, which adds smoky flavor, while finishing cooking the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add apricot preserves and chili crisp: Immediately after broiling, spoon the apricot preserves and chili crisp over each piece of chicken. The residual heat will gently melt the preserves, combining sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
Serve: Plate the chicken and charred scallions with a serving of rice and optionally fresh cucumbers or your chosen vegetables. Spoon extra pan juices or drizzle additional sesame oil and soy sauce over the top for added moisture and flavor. Enjoy this humble yet flavor-packed dish!

Notes

Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Use reduced-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels but adjust seasoning to taste.
Adjust the quantity of chili crisp according to your preferred spice level.
If you don’t have apricot preserves, other stone fruit jams can be substituted.
Serve with rice or any preferred grain to soak up the flavorful juices.

Keywords: Sesame Apricot Chicken, Charred Scallions, Baked Chicken, Asian Chicken Recipe, Apricot Preserves Chicken, Chili Crisp Chicken