Grilled Texas-Style BBQ Chicken with Smoky Molasses Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken breasts brushed with a smoky molasses glaze infused with Texas-style spices, perfect for an outdoor gathering. This bbq & smoked-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Rub this spice mixture evenly over 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each).
  2. Step 2: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, whisk together 1/4 cup molasses, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder. Simmer for 5 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, basting generously with the molasses glaze during the last 4 minutes. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the glaze caramelizes slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and flavors to set.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Texas-Style BBQ Chicken with Smoky Molasses Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Texas-Style BBQ Chicken with Smoky Molasses Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Texas-Style BBQ Chicken with Smoky Molasses Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Texas-Style BBQ Chicken with Smoky Molasses Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Texas-Style BBQ Chicken with Smoky Molasses Glaze?

BBQ & Smoked chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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