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Sesame Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 99 reviews
  • Author: Mariam
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This Sesame Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are marinated with toasted sesame oil and soy sauce, baked with scallions, then broiled to achieve a delicious char and cooked through. The finishing touch of apricot preserves and chili crisp adds a sweet and spicy glaze, served best over rice with optional fresh vegetables like cucumbers for a balanced meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

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

Vegetables

  • 10 scallions, sliced in half lengthwise
  • Optional: cucumbers or any other fresh vegetables

Finishing Touches

  • 1/4 cup apricot preserves
  • A few tablespoons of chili crisp
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and position an oven rack in the top third of the oven to prepare for baking.
  2. Prep Scallions: Wash and cut the scallions in half lengthwise to prepare them for roasting and caramelization.
  3. Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into thinner pieces for even cooking. Place these pieces on a sheet pan and season evenly with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Drizzle the toasted sesame oil and reduced-sodium soy sauce over to marinate the chicken slightly before baking.
  4. Toss Scallions: Lightly coat the halved scallions in some of the toasted sesame oil to help them char nicely in the oven.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Arrange the oiled scallions on top of the chicken pieces on the sheet pan. Bake in the preheated oven on the top rack for 6 minutes, allowing the chicken to start cooking while the scallions soften.
  6. Broil for Finish: Switch the oven to broil and broil the chicken and scallions for 1 to 2 minutes. This step ensures the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and creates a desirable char on the scallions for an added smoky flavor.
  7. Glaze and Serve: Immediately after broiling, spoon apricot preserves and chili crisp over each piece of chicken so the glaze melts slightly. Serve the chicken topped with charred scallions alongside cooked rice. Drizzle extra pan juices or additional sesame oil and soy sauce if desired, and garnish with fresh vegetables like cucumbers for a refreshing contrast.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
  • Adjust the amount of chili crisp according to your preferred spice level.
  • The apricot preserves balance the spice with a sweet note but can be swapped for another fruit preserve if preferred.
  • Use reduced-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness, especially if adding extra soy sauce when serving.
  • Charred scallions add great flavor; watch closely when broiling to avoid burning.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Keywords: sesame chicken, apricot chicken, baked chicken recipe, charred scallions, easy Asian chicken, weeknight dinner

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Find it online: https://aromaofgrandma.com/sesame-apricot-chicken-with-charred-scallions-recipe/