This Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions is an easy, flavorful sheet pan dinner that delivers major flavor with minimal effort. Sweet apricot preserves and savory soy sauce make the glaze irresistible, while the charred scallions add a smoky, roasty finish. Everything comes together on one pan for a no-fuss dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• ½ cup apricot preserves

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 bunch scallions, trimmed

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

2. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mustard, and olive oil. Set aside.

3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place it on the baking sheet and spoon half of the glaze over the top.

4. Add scallions to the sheet pan. Drizzle with a little oil and season lightly.

5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F) and scallions are slightly charred.

6. Brush on remaining glaze and broil for an additional 2–3 minutes to caramelize, watching carefully to prevent burning.

7. Serve hot with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

Nutrients: (Estimated per serving, serves 4)

• Calories: ~350 kcal

• Protein: ~30g

• Fat: ~15g

• Carbohydrates: ~20g

• Sugar: ~10g (from apricot preserves)

• Sodium: Moderate–High (adjust soy sauce to taste)

The Beauty of Sheet Pan Dinners

One of the greatest appeals of this recipe lies in its sheet pan simplicity. With just a few ingredients and a single baking tray, you can create a dinner that feels composed and thoughtful. No need for juggling multiple pots and pans or standing over a hot stove—everything comes together in the oven, freeing up your time and energy.

Sheet pan meals are ideal for anyone trying to streamline their weeknight routine without sacrificing quality. The even cooking of the oven allows the chicken to become tender and juicy while the scallions blister and char to perfection, all at the same time. The result is a cohesive dish where each element enhances the others.

Apricot Glaze: A Game-Changing Sauce

At the heart of this dish is a sticky-sweet glaze made from apricot preserves, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. This glaze is what elevates the chicken from ordinary to irresistible. The apricot preserves provide a natural fruity sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Paired with soy sauce, you get a punch of umami that cuts through the sweetness and grounds the dish in savory depth.

The Dijon mustard contributes a gentle tang and slight heat, giving the glaze complexity, while rice vinegar brightens the flavor with a subtle acidity. Olive oil smooths it all out, helping the glaze cling to the chicken and roast into a golden, flavorful coating.

This glaze isn’t just limited to this recipe either—keep it in your back pocket for brushing onto grilled pork, tofu, or even vegetables like eggplant and carrots.

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: A Versatile Protein Choice

This recipe works equally well with boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, depending on your preference. Thighs offer a richer, juicier result due to their higher fat content, and they’re more forgiving in the oven—they stay moist even if slightly overcooked. Chicken breasts, on the other hand, offer a leaner option and cook slightly faster, so they’re great if you’re watching fat content or looking for a lighter meal.

Either way, seasoning the chicken well with salt and pepper before roasting is key to ensuring flavorful results. The glaze adds the main flavor profile, but seasoning at the base ensures that each bite is balanced and delicious.

Charred Scallions: The Unsung Hero

While the chicken and glaze take center stage, the charred scallions are what make this dish stand out. When roasted at high heat, scallions transform from pungent to sweet and smoky, developing crispy edges and a soft interior. The contrast of their mild onion flavor with the richness of the glazed chicken is a perfect match.

Scallions also add a pop of green color and texture, breaking up the richness of the dish and giving it a fresh, vibrant look. They can be enjoyed as-is alongside the chicken or even chopped and tossed into a grain bowl or salad for extra depth.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Pair it with steamed rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the extra glaze. For a healthier spin, serve it over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or a bed of mixed greens. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots also work beautifully and round out the meal with added color and nutrition.

For added crunch and complexity, sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or cashews over the top just before serving. You could also drizzle a little extra rice vinegar or add a wedge of lime on the side to enhance the dish’s brightness.

Easy Customization and Variations

This apricot chicken recipe is easy to customize depending on what you have in your pantry or what your taste preferences are. Try substituting peach preserves or orange marmalade if apricot isn’t available. If you like a spicier kick, stir some red pepper flakes or sriracha into the glaze. You can also switch up the protein altogether—tofu, salmon, or pork tenderloin are all excellent alternatives.

If you’re planning a larger meal, consider serving this chicken as part of a family-style spread with a grain salad, grilled vegetables, and a crisp cucumber yogurt dressing to cool things down.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

This meal is not only delicious but also well-balanced. With a good source of lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the olive oil, and vitamins and antioxidants from scallions and optional vegetables, it hits several key nutritional marks. Apricot preserves bring a dose of natural fruit sugars and antioxidants like vitamin A, while the soy sauce adds trace minerals such as iron and manganese.

For those watching their sodium intake, consider using a low-sodium soy sauce and controlling how much glaze is added post-bake. You can also reduce the amount of added sugar by using an unsweetened fruit spread and sweetening it lightly with honey or maple syrup instead.

Make-Ahead and Leftovers

This recipe is also excellent for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken in the glaze ahead of time for an even deeper flavor, or bake the entire dish and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Leftovers reheat well and make a great addition to salads, wraps, or rice bowls throughout the week.

You can even slice the cooked chicken and scallions to make a quick sandwich on a toasted bun with a smear of aioli or mustard and some crisp lettuce—a perfect lunch or picnic option.

Conclusion

Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions is a stellar example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something that feels both elevated and comforting. Its sweet, savory glaze, juicy chicken, and smoky scallions deliver a perfectly balanced meal that works for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing lunches ahead of time, or impressing friends at a casual dinner gathering, this dish offers bold flavor with minimal effort.

With its make-ahead potential, easy cleanup, and crowd-pleasing taste, this sheet pan dinner is destined to become a regular in your rotation. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients to serve a truly satisfying and beautiful meal. Let this recipe be your go-to for those times when you need something quick, flavorful, and just a little bit special.