Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Spicy Texas-Style BBQ Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared chicken breasts glazed with a bold, spicy Texas-style BBQ sauce featuring smoky chipotle and sweet molasses. This bbq & smoked-inspired chicken ready in about 25 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 350 calories and feeds 2, 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp chipotle chili powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving them, until golden brown and edges are crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken and reduce heat to medium. Cook another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp molasses, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp dijon mustard. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Brush the BBQ glaze generously over the cooked chicken breasts and allow to rest for 3 minutes before serving with extra sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Spicy Texas-Style BBQ Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Spicy Texas-Style BBQ 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Spicy Texas-Style BBQ 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Spicy Texas-Style BBQ Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Spicy Texas-Style BBQ 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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