Pan-Seared Chicken with Bourbon-Maple Glaze and Roasted Root Vegetables

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

Pan-seared and finished with a rich bourbon-maple glaze, paired with sweet roasted carrots and parsnips. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss 3 peeled carrots and 3 peeled parsnips cut into 1-inch sticks with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, season 4 chicken breasts evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Carefully add 1/4 cup bourbon and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly, then stir in 3 tbsp pure maple syrup. Cook the glaze for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the bourbon-maple glaze over them. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through and glaze.
  6. Step 6: Serve the glazed chicken breasts alongside the roasted root vegetables, spooning extra sauce over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Bourbon-Maple Glaze and Roasted Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 with Bourbon-Maple Glaze and Roasted Root Vegetables?

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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Bourbon-Maple Glaze and Roasted Root Vegetables?

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 with Bourbon-Maple Glaze and Roasted Root Vegetables 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Bourbon-Maple Glaze and Roasted Root Vegetables?

American 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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