Stovetop Barbecue Chicken

Sometimes you want some good, barbecue chicken, with some roasted corn on the cob and mashed potatoes. 

But sometimes, you find yourself in Swaziland, without a grill, and without barbecue sauce.

No problem.

This is a very simple recipe, but one that satisfied the craving I was feeling for a good piece of seared chicken slathered with a rich sauce with some depth to it.  This sauce definitely has depth. 

Stovetop Barbecue Chicken

1 batch Sweet and Tangy Barbecue Sauce
2 chicken breasts
1 - 2 tbsp. olive oil
3 - 5 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Dried oregano flakes

In a nonstick pan, heat the oil.  Put the balsamic vinegar into a shallow bowl and dip the chicken breasts in, covering them.  Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano flakes to your own taste onto both sides and place the chicken into the hot pan.  Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts.  Add a little more balsamic vinegar to the pan while they are cooking and flip the chicken breasts to coat.

Meanwhile, make the barbecue sauce; stir the ketchup, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and a little garlic powder together and bring to a simmer.  Add your favorite kind of jam and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens and has the taste you want.  Set aside until the chicken is ready.

After the chicken has been cooked for about 8 - 9 minutes, remove from the pan to a plate or cutting board briefly.  Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken breasts into thin slices, and return the slices to the pan.  Continue to cook over medium-high heat for another few minutes, adding another few teaspoons of balsamic vinegar to the pan, until all pieces are completely cooked and the sides of each slice have been browned and seared. 

If desired, arrange in a baking dish, spread with the barbecue sauce, and bake in a 400 F oven for about 15 more minutes.  Alternatively, place onto a serving dish, drizzle the barbecue sauce over them, and serve immediately with rice, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or any other sides of your choice.