🍑 Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Apricot Glaze:
- ½ cup apricot preserves or jam (low sugar preferred)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional but recommended)
For the Charred Scallions:
- 1 bunch scallions (trimmed)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil or olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Set aside on a plate.
2. Make the Apricot Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine apricot preserves, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and ginger.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until smooth and glossy (about 3–5 minutes).
- Taste and adjust seasoning: more vinegar for tang, more preserves for sweetness.
3. Glaze the Chicken
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet.
- Pour the apricot glaze over the chicken and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the sticky sauce.
- Flip the chicken a couple of times to ensure an even glaze.
4. Char the Scallions
- While the chicken simmers, heat a separate dry skillet (preferably cast iron) or grill pan over high heat.
- Toss the scallions with a little sesame oil and salt.
- Grill or sear for 2–3 minutes per side until they are lightly charred and wilted.
5. Plate and Serve
- Serve chicken topped with charred scallions and a drizzle of extra apricot glaze.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped herbs (like cilantro or parsley), or a wedge of lime.
🍚 Serving Suggestions
- Over steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- With roasted sweet potatoes or couscous
- Paired with a crisp cucumber salad or sautéed greens
🔁 Variations
- Swap chicken with salmon or pork chops.
- Make it vegetarian with grilled tofu or cauliflower steaks.
- Add chili garlic sauce to the glaze for more heat.