Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced San Antonio BBQ Glaze
Tender pan-seared chicken breasts coated with a smoky, sweet, and mildly spicy barbecue glaze inspired by San Antonio flavors. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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 evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp onion powder.
- 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 per side until deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 3: While chicken cooks, combine 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp hot sauce in a small bowl, whisking until smooth.
- Step 4: During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush each chicken breast generously with the barbecue glaze, allowing it to caramelize and thicken on the surface.
- Step 5: Remove chicken from skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve drizzled with any remaining glaze.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced San Antonio 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 with Spiced San Antonio 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 with Spiced San Antonio 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 with Spiced San Antonio BBQ 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 Spiced San Antonio BBQ 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.
