If you’re ready to rock your weeknight dinners with irresistible flavor, let me introduce you to my favorite “Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions.” This delightful dish brings together tender, golden-seared chicken thighs coated in a luscious apricot glaze, complemented by sweet and smoky scallions for a meal that’s both vibrant and comforting. It’s the kind of recipe that feels chef-y but is completely approachable, impressing everyone at the table with zero stress in the kitchen. Serve it up for family, friends, or just yourself—you’ll savor every single bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to nailing Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions is all in the thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one has a purpose, whether for building bold flavor, adding freshness, or creating that beautiful color and sheen on your plate.

Chicken thighs: Choose boneless, skinless thighs for juiciness and speedy cooking—they soak up the glaze like a dream.
Apricot preserves: This is the heart of the glaze, delivering sweetness and a gorgeous glossy finish.
Soy sauce: A pop of umami that balances the fruitiness and gives depth to the dish.
Dijon mustard: Adds tang and just a little kick, brightening up every bite.
Apple cider vinegar: The acidity keeps things lively and prevents the glaze from becoming too sweet.
Olive oil: Used both for searing the chicken and charring the scallions—good oil builds flavor right from the start.
Scallions: Their delicate, slightly sweet flavor turns magical when charred, making them a natural companion for the chicken.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to make everything pop.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and scattered, it adds freshness and color at the end.
Sesame seeds (optional): For a final bit of crunch and visual flair, though you can happily skip them if needed.

How to Make Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions

Step 1: Make the Apricot Glaze

Start by whisking together your apricot preserves, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. This glossy glaze brings the sweet, tangy, and savory notes that set Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions apart. Give it a taste and marvel at how such simple ingredients transform into something spectacular!

Step 2: Prep and Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels—this simple step ensures a beautiful golden crust. Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper. Don’t skimp on the seasoning; it makes those chicken flavors sing beneath all that sticky glaze.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Thighs

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned thighs in the pan and let them sear undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes per side. The goal? Deep, golden browning that locks in juices and creates irresistible texture for your Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions.

Step 4: Glaze and Cook Through

Lower the heat to medium, then generously brush the chicken with your apricot glaze. Cover the skillet and cook, flipping and basting occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully caramelized, about 6 to 8 more minutes. The glaze should bubble and cling to the thighs, creating the signature sticky finish!

Step 5: Char the Scallions

While the chicken finishes, heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a separate grill pan or skillet over high heat. Add the scallions and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once until charred but still tender. The smoky, sweet notes from these scallions elevate Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions to the next level.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

To serve, pile the chicken on a platter, top with those lovely charred scallions, and shower everything with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy. It’s a feast for both the eyes and taste buds!

How to Serve Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley brings brightness and a pop of color to your plate, while sesame seeds add just a hint of crunch and toasty flavor. For an extra layer of zest, try a squeeze of fresh lemon—the citrusy notes really punch up the overall flavor, making each bite even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

This dish loves company! Serve Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions over a heap of steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that glossy glaze. If you’re craving greens, a crisp salad with a simple vinaigrette keeps things fresh and balanced. For something a bit more substantial, try fluffy quinoa or buttery mashed potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

Take the presentation up a notch by slicing the chicken thighs and fanning them on a platter, then draping the charred scallions for a rustic-chic effect. You can also serve the glazed chicken in lettuce wraps for a light, hands-on party bite. Or pile everything into a toasted baguette for a sweet-and-savory sandwich that’s as fun to eat as it is to serve.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making for a delicious encore lunch or dinner. Remember to keep any garnishes separate until you’re ready to serve again.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze cooked chicken, let it cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. Wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn. It keeps well for up to a month—just store scallions separately for best texture after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and scallions in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist and prevent the glaze from burning. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but keep the heat on medium and pause occasionally to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind chicken breasts cook a bit faster and may not be quite as juicy as thighs. If you use breasts, pound them to an even thickness and watch the cook time—you want them moist and tender, still soaking up that incredible glaze.

Is Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions gluten free?

Yes, as long as you use a certified gluten-free soy sauce, you’re good to go. Double-check your apricot preserves and mustard to ensure they’re gluten free as well if you have dietary concerns.

Can I prep the glaze ahead of time?

Definitely! The apricot glaze can be made up to three days in advance and kept in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before using. This little trick saves time and amps up the “wow” factor on busy nights.

What other herbs work if I don’t have parsley?

Try fresh cilantro for a bright, citrusy note, or sprinkle thinly sliced green onions if you enjoy an extra oniony kick. Even a little fresh mint can add a refreshing twist to Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions.

Can I make this dish on the grill?

You bet! Grill the chicken thighs over medium heat and char the scallions right on the grates alongside. Brush the glaze on during the last few minutes so it caramelizes but doesn’t scorch—grilling brings out an extra smoky flavor that’s absolutely fantastic.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re seeking an easy weeknight staple or a crowd-pleasing main for your next dinner party, Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions is one of those recipes that always delivers. It’s sweet, savory, beautifully balanced—and honestly, just really fun to make and serve. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with this irresistible combo!

Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors with this Apricot Chicken recipe. Tender chicken thighs glazed with a tangy apricot sauce, served with charred scallions for a delicious contrast. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs

Apricot Glaze:

1/2 cup apricot preserves
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Other:

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 bunch scallions, trimmed
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Glaze: Whisk apricot preserves, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
Cook Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil, then brush with apricot glaze and cook covered until caramelized.
Char Scallions: Char scallions in olive oil until tender.
Serve: Top chicken with scallions, parsley, and sesame seeds.