Autumn Chicken Breast in 25 Minutes

Instructions:

1. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Note: Wet meat steams instead of searing.
2. Use a meat mallet to pound the thickest part of the breast until the entire piece is an even thickness.
3. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in a 12 inch cast iron skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers and just begins to smoke.
5. Place chicken in the pan and sear undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until a deep golden brown crust forms.
6. Flip the chicken and sear for another 5 minutes.
7. Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter, smashed garlic, and fresh sage leaves to the pan.
8. Drizzle maple syrup over the chicken once the butter foams and sage becomes crispy.
9. Use a large spoon to continuously baste the chicken with the bubbling butter for 2-3 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).