Pan-Seared Chicken with Bourbon-Peach Glaze
Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared and finished with a sweet and tangy bourbon-peach glaze inspired by Kentucky flavors. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup peach preserves
- 2 tbsp bourbon whiskey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder for an even coating.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden brown and edges crisp.
- Step 3: Flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 5 minutes, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to rest. In the same skillet, add 1/3 cup peach preserves, 2 tbsp bourbon whiskey, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Stir and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the glaze thickens and slightly reduces.
- Step 5: Turn off heat, stir in 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and spoon the bourbon-peach glaze generously over the rested chicken breasts before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Bourbon-Peach Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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-Peach 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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Bourbon-Peach 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 with Bourbon-Peach 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Bourbon-Peach Glaze?
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.
