Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Citrus and Sage Pan Sauce

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

Tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, served with a bright citrus and sage pan sauce that adds a fresh, earthy contrast. This american southern-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends salt, black pepper, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly.
  2. 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 minutes on the first side without moving until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken breasts and add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 6 fresh sage leaves to the pan. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, spooning the melted butter and sage over the chicken until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil. Lower heat to medium and add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, scraping browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce reduces by half and thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to skillet and coat with the citrus sage sauce for 1 minute. Serve immediately with spoonfuls of sauce over the chicken.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Citrus and Sage Pan Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Citrus and Sage Pan Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Citrus and Sage Pan Sauce?

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 Pan Sauce 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 Pan Sauce?

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.

Related recipes