Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Pumpkin and Sage

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

Tender chicken breasts cooked with aromatic sage and earthy spiced pumpkin, creating a comforting and flavorful dish. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, pumpkin puree, leaves fresh sage leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then remove and keep warm.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 3 minced garlic cloves and 10 fresh sage leaves over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the sage crisps slightly.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Cook together for 2 more minutes to meld flavors before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Pumpkin and Sage 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 Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Pumpkin and Sage?

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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Pumpkin and Sage?

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 Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Pumpkin and Sage 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 Sautéed Chicken with Spiced Pumpkin and Sage?

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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