Pan-Seared Chicken with Texas-Style Barbecue Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and coated in a smoky, sweet Texas-inspired barbecue glaze that balances tang and heat. This american-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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp chili powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F), then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and stir in 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp hot sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the barbecue glaze thickens and becomes glossy.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the glaze over each piece. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, turning to coat both sides evenly and letting the sauce caramelize lightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve the chicken with extra glaze spooned on top, pairing well with grilled vegetables or cornbread.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Texas-Style Barbecue 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 Texas-Style Barbecue 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 Texas-Style Barbecue 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 Texas-Style Barbecue 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 Texas-Style Barbecue 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.

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