Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Citrus and Sage Butter

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

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and finished with a bright citrus and sage butter sauce for a fresh and comforting meal. This american southern-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs kosher 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 2, 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: 15 min Serves 2 American Southern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden brown and easy to flip.
  4. Step 4: Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through; remove from skillet and keep warm.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 6 fresh sage leaves, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet; cook, stirring gently, for 1-2 minutes until butter melts and garlic is fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp orange zest, letting the sauce bubble and thicken slightly for 30 seconds.
  7. Step 7: Spoon the citrus sage butter sauce over the chicken breasts and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Citrus and Sage Butter 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 Breast with Citrus and 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 kosher salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Citrus and 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Citrus and Sage Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Breast with Citrus and Sage Butter?

American Southern 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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