Crisp-Sear Chicken with Sage Butter

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

Juicy chicken thighs seared to golden perfection and finished with a rich sage butter sauce that elevates simple ingredients. This french-inspired chicken (high-protein, keto-friendly) ready in about 17 minutes pairs chicken thighs, unsalted butter, fresh sage leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

★ 4.7 (13 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 12 min Serves 1 French cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Place chicken skin-side down in skillet; cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until skin is deeply golden and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip chicken, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 4 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from skillet, then add butter and sage to the same pan. Swirl until butter foams, then spoon mixture over chicken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crisp-Sear Chicken with Sage Butter take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 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 Crisp-Sear Chicken with Sage Butter?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp-Sear Chicken with Sage Butter?

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 Crisp-Sear Chicken with Sage Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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.

Is Crisp-Sear Chicken with Sage Butter high-protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein, keto-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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