Introduction
This delicious recipe features tender chicken breasts paired with charred scallions, all drizzled with a sumptuous blend of sesame oil and soy sauce. The sweet and spicy kick from the apricot preserves and chili crisp elevates this dish, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Served over a bed of rice with fresh vegetables, this meal is not only flavorful but also quick and easy to prepare.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
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
10 scallions, sliced in half lengthwise
1/4 cup apricot preserves
A few tablespoons of chili crisp
For serving:
Rice
Additional vegetables (e.g., cucumbers)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Enjoy this satisfying and flavorsome chicken dish that can easily become a family favorite!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 450°F (232°C) and position an oven rack in the top third.
Prepare the Scallions
Slice the scallions in half lengthwise.
Prepare the Chicken
Horizontally slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces. Arrange them on a sheet pan and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle the toasted sesame oil and reduced-sodium soy sauce over the chicken.
Add the Scallions
Toss the scallions in some of the oil from the pan, then place them on top of the chicken.
Bake
Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 6 minutes.
Broil
Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, aiming for the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and for the scallions to achieve slight charring.
Add Toppings
Immediately after removing from the oven, spoon the apricot preserves and chili crisp over each piece of chicken, allowing them to melt in.
Serve
Serve the chicken and charred scallions over rice, adding extra pan juices on top. Include additional vegetables like cucumbers if desired.
Notes
Cooking Time
Monitor the chicken closely during the broiling step to prevent overcooking.
Sesame Oil Alternative
If you do not have toasted sesame oil, regular sesame oil can also be used, but the flavor may differ slightly.
Vegetable Options
Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas for more variety in your meal.
Storage
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Heating Leftovers
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a pan on the stove until heated through.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven to 450°F (232°C) ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and reaches the right temperature quickly. Positioning the rack in the top third allows for effective broiling later.
Slicing Chicken Breasts
Horizontally slicing the chicken breasts into thinner pieces allows for quicker cooking and helps to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Seasoning
Season the chicken with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor. Proper seasoning is crucial to delivering a tasty dish.
Using Sesame Oil and Soy Sauce
Drizzling toasted sesame oil and reduced-sodium soy sauce provides a rich, savory base for the chicken, infusing it with an umami flavor.
Preparing Scallions
Slicing scallions in half lengthwise helps them cook evenly and allows for better absorption of flavors when tossed with the oil and placed atop the chicken.
Baking and Broiling
Baking the chicken first ensures it cooks through, while switching to broil at the end adds a delicious caramelization to the chicken and scallions. It’s essential to monitor the time closely to avoid burning.
Adding Toppings
Spoon the apricot preserves and chili crisp over the chicken right after removing it from the oven. This allows the heat from the chicken to melt the toppings, creating a flavorful glaze.
Serving
Serve the chicken over rice, allowing the pan juices to drizzle on top. Including additional vegetables like cucumbers adds freshness and balance to the meal.
FAQ
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but you will need to adjust the cooking time since it takes longer to cook through.
Is there a substitute for sesame oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use other oils like vegetable oil or olive oil, though the flavor will differ.
How can I make this dish spicier?
You can increase the amount of chili crisp used or add extra red pepper flakes to the chicken before baking.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can slice the chicken and prepare the marinade in advance. However, it’s best to bake it fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
What other vegetables can I use?
Feel free to use other vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or steamed broccoli as alternatives to cucumbers.
Conclusion
This recipe combines the richness of chicken with the distinctive flavor of sesame oil, the umami of soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness from apricot preserves. The charred scallions add a delightful texture and taste, making it an appealing dish that can be enjoyed as a comforting meal alongside rice and fresh vegetables.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Honey Garlic Chicken
Substitute apricot preserves with honey and add minced garlic for a sweet and savory twist.
Spicy Asian Chicken Tacos
Shred the baked chicken and serve in tortillas with a spicy slaw made from cucumbers, carrots, and a drizzle of chili crisp.
Sesame Chicken Salad
Use the baked chicken over a bed of mixed greens, topped with sliced cucumbers, additional scallions, and a sesame dressing.
Sticky Soy Chicken Stir-Fry
Cube the chicken and stir-fry with colorful vegetables in a mixture of soy sauce and apricot preserves for a sticky glaze.
Grilled Chicken Skewers
Skewer marinated chicken pieces with scallions and grill for a smoky flavor, serving with a side of rice and dipping sauce.
