Sheet Pan Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions: Your New Go-To Easy Dinner
This apricot chicken, made on a sheet pan, is so easy and SO GOOD! Just a few simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and a major flavor boost from the roasty charred scallions on top.
You might read the description and think, “Really? Chicken on a sheet pan with a few sauce elements poured over?” I get it. It sounds almost too simple to be truly delicious. But trust me on this one. Every single time I’ve made this apricot chicken, everyone who tries it has that moment of surprise. That “Wow, why is this so good?” feeling. It’s humble, it’s low-key, but it delivers an absolutely incredible flavor punch.
The magic starts with a base of toasted sesame oil and soy sauce, bringing that irresistible sweet and savory balance. Then, we add a touch of sweetness with apricot preserves – our little flavor buddy! But the real star, the ingredient that deserves most of the credit for that deep, complex flavor, is the tangle of charred scallions. They bring a wonderful oniony flavor, sure, but they also impart a roasty depth that makes it taste like you spent hours in the kitchen when, in reality, it only took about 15 minutes of active prep.
The chicken itself stays wonderfully tender and juicy, thanks to a quick bake time. The scallions turn out beautifully charred and are just fun to eat. And if you can scrape up any of those delicious browned bits and juices from the pan to spoon over your rice bowl? Pure bliss. It’s seriously that good.
Out of all the simple, “save our sanity” recipes we’ve shared, this sheet pan chicken might just be the easiest. I really hope you love it!
Why This Sheet Pan Apricot Chicken Works So Well
It’s all about the combination of simple ingredients working together to create something special. The base of sesame oil and soy sauce provides a savory foundation. Apricot preserves add a touch of sweetness and a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully. But the real game-changer here is the scallions.
When roasted at a high temperature, especially with a quick blast under the broiler, scallions transform. They lose their sharp bite and develop a mellow, sweet onion flavor with a delightful char. This charring process adds a smoky, roasty flavor that elevates the entire dish. It’s this contrast – the tender, juicy chicken and the deeply flavored, slightly sweet charred scallions – that makes this dish so addictive.
Plus, the sheet pan method means minimal cleanup. Everything cooks on one pan, reducing the number of dishes you have to wash. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you just don’t feel like spending a lot of time cleaning up after dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be surprised how few ingredients are needed for such big flavor. We’re talking simple, pantry-staple items here.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thinner pieces horizontally
- 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 (optional, for a little heat)
- For serving: Rice, any other vegetables – I like cucumbers
How to Make This Easy Dinner
This recipe is designed for speed and simplicity. Get your oven preheating, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal in no time.
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Preheat: Crank your oven up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place an oven rack in the top third of your oven. This high heat is key for getting that nice sear and char.
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Prep Scallions: Take your scallions and slice them lengthwise, so they’re split in half. This helps them cook evenly and get nicely charred.
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Prep Chicken: If your chicken breasts are very thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This ensures they cook through quickly and evenly. Place the chicken pieces on a large sheet pan. Season them generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Drizzle the toasted sesame oil and soy sauce directly over the chicken. Make sure to coat all the pieces.
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Add Scallions: Toss the prepared scallions in any remaining oil and soy sauce mixture on the pan. You want them to get coated in that flavorful marinade.
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Bake: Arrange the scallions on top of the chicken on the sheet pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven on the top rack. Bake for 6 minutes. This initial bake starts the cooking process.
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Broil: Now, turn on your broiler. Keep a close eye on the chicken and scallions. Broil for just 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit) and the scallions are nicely charred and slightly crispy. The broiler adds that final touch of caramelization and roasty flavor.
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Serve: Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Spoon the apricot chicken and charred scallions over cooked rice. If you have any of the delicious browned bits or juices from the pan, be sure to scrape those up and spoon them over your rice bowl for an extra flavor boost. Fresh cucumber slices are a fantastic, refreshing addition to serve alongside.
A Note on Broiling
Broilers can be intense! Keep a very close watch during those final 1-2 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful char on the scallions and cooked-through chicken, not burnt bits. If things are browning too quickly, you can always pull the pan out a little sooner.
Tips for Success and Variations
This recipe is pretty forgiving, but a few tweaks can make it even better and adapt it to your preferences.
Can you use a different cut of chicken, like chicken thighs?
I didn’t try it with thighs, but I think it would work – I would just leave them whole, and you’d just need to bake it a bit longer since they are thicker. This would also result in wonderfully juicy chicken.
Could you grill this recipe?
Yes, and maybe just use sesame oil and soy sauce to marinate the chicken or brush it as it’s grilling. You could grill the scallions separately until charred, or toss them on the grill alongside the chicken.
Are there any other jams/preserves that could work in a pinch?
Orange would work great, or a drizzle of honey could be used in a pinch too! Both would offer a lovely sweet counterpoint to the savory soy sauce and sesame oil.
What veggies can I add to this?
I love this with the fresh cucumber pictured, but you could also add some air-fried broccoli or green beans. Roasting some bell peppers or onions alongside the chicken would also be delicious and add another layer of flavor.
What could you substitute for the scallions?
Thinly sliced shallots would be delicious here! They offer a similar mild onion flavor that sweetens beautifully when roasted.
Could you make this vegetarian with tofu?
Yes! Use this sesame apricot tofu recipe. Same flavors and also very very delicious! Press extra-firm tofu well, cut it into cubes, and follow a similar marinating and baking process.
Making This Recipe Part of Your Meal Prep
This sheet pan apricot chicken is a fantastic candidate for meal prep. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
- Cook Ahead: Prepare the entire recipe as directed. Once cooled, portion the chicken and scallions into airtight containers.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a microwave or a skillet over medium heat. For a little extra freshness, you can add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving.
- Serving Ideas: This is perfect for building quick rice bowls. Add some steamed or raw veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or shredded carrots. A drizzle of chili crisp or a dollop of sriracha can add an extra kick if you like it spicy.
Frequently Asked Questions For This Recipe
Can you use a different cut of chicken, like chicken thighs?
I didn’t try it with thighs, but I think it would work – I would just leave them whole, and you’d just need to bake it a bit longer since they are thicker.
Can you grill this recipe?
Yes, and maybe just use sesame oil and soy sauce to marinate the chicken or brush it as it’s grilling.
Are there any other jams/preserves that could work in a pinch?
Orange would work great, or a drizzle of honey could be used in a pinch too!
What veggies can I add to this?
I love this with the fresh cucumber pictured, but you could also add some air-fried broccoli or green beans.
What could you substitute for the scallions?
Thinly sliced shallots would be delicious here!
Could you make this vegetarian with tofu?
Yes! Use this sesame apricot tofu recipe. Same flavors and also very very delicious!
