Delicious Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe
Chicken Saltimbocca is a classic Italian dish that’s been delighting taste buds for generations. This irresistible recipe combines tender chicken, savory prosciutto, and a rich, flavorful sauce – all in one delectable package. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a weeknight meal, this Chicken Saltimbocca is sure to impress.
The key to this dish’s incredible flavor lies in the combination of high-quality ingredients and a few simple preparation techniques. By pounding the chicken thin, wrapping it in prosciutto, and simmering it in a sauce made with white wine, garlic, and herbs, you end up with a meal that’s both elegant and comforting.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
Chicken Saltimbocca is a true crowd-pleaser, thanks to its mouthwatering flavors and impressive presentation. The crispy prosciutto provides a delightful texture contrast to the tender, juicy chicken, while the aromatic sauce ties everything together beautifully. Plus, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a great choice for both experienced and novice home cooks.
What really sets this Chicken Saltimbocca apart is its versatility. You can serve it as the centerpiece of a special occasion meal, or enjoy it as a satisfying weeknight dinner. And with a few simple tweaks, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chicken Saltimbocca ❓
• 8 thin slices prosciutto
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
The beauty of this Chicken Saltimbocca recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, savory prosciutto, and aromatic herbs creates the classic Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made this dish a perennial favorite.
📝 How to Make Chicken Saltimbocca Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of prosciutto, securing with toothpicks if needed.
• Step 3: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the wrapped chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the prosciutto is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
• Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
• Step 5: Deglaze the pan with the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
• Step 6: Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Step 7: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the butter and chopped sage until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Step 8: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh sage if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken dishes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this Chicken Saltimbocca recipe saves you valuable time while delivering the same bold, flavorful results.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 44g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 19g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 954mg
These Chicken Saltimbocca provide approximately 88% of your daily protein requirements and 40% of your daily sodium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Serve the Chicken Saltimbocca over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta or rice.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Substitute the butter in the sauce with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut oil or olive oil.
• Added protein: Top the Chicken Saltimbocca with a light dusting of Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Serve the Chicken Saltimbocca over a bed of sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus for added nutrients.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Chicken Saltimbocca.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad and a crisp white wine for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
• Complement the Chicken Saltimbocca with a side of sautéed zucchini or roasted asparagus for a well-rounded dish.
• For a special occasion, serve the Chicken Saltimbocca as the centerpiece of an antipasto platter with cured meats, olives, and marinated vegetables.
• Create a festive holiday platter by arranging the Chicken Saltimbocca with roasted brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and garlic-herb breadsticks.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Undercooking the chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid any food safety concerns.
• Burning the garlic: Keep a close eye on the garlic while sautéing to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.
• Reducing the sauce too much: The sauce should have a slightly thickened consistency, but avoid letting it reduce too much, which can make it overly salty.
• Skipping the pounding step: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook more evenly and prevents the prosciutto from sliding off.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Chicken Saltimbocca retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the chicken breasts up to the point of cooking, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the chicken to an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked Chicken Saltimbocca to cool completely, then wrap individual portions in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through.
• Reheating: To reheat leftover Chicken Saltimbocca, place the desired portion in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the prosciutto is crispy.
❓ FAQs
Can I prepare the Chicken Saltimbocca ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken breasts up to the point of cooking, wrap them in prosciutto, and then freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw the chicken in the refrigerator and then cook as directed in the recipe.
Can I substitute the prosciutto with another type of cured meat?
Yes, you can use thinly sliced turkey breast or lean ham instead of prosciutto. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different, as prosciutto has a more robust, salty flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
Is there a way to make this recipe more diet-friendly?
Absolutely! For a lower-fat version, you can use thinly sliced turkey breast or lean ham instead of prosciutto. To reduce the carbs, serve the Chicken Saltimbocca over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta or rice. And for a dairy-free adaptation, substitute the butter in the sauce with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or olive oil.
What should I do if the prosciutto doesn’t crisp up?
If the prosciutto isn’t getting crispy, it could be due to overcrowding the pan or not cooking the chicken at a high enough temperature. Make sure to cook the chicken in batches, if necessary, and ensure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. You can also try placing the cooked chicken under the broiler for a minute or two to help crisp up the prosciutto.
Can I add any extra ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Chicken Saltimbocca recipe is highly versatile and can be easily customized. You could try adding sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the sauce. You could also serve the Chicken Saltimbocca over a bed of sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus for an extra nutrient boost.
Conclusion
These Chicken Saltimbocca represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as the centerpiece of a special occasion meal or enjoying them as a satisfying weeknight dinner, they’re sure to impress with their crispy prosciutto, tender chicken, and rich, aromatic sauce. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Chicken Saltimbocca demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process.
So why not give this classic Italian dish a try and experience the delicious magic for yourself?
Print
Delicious Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 thin slices prosciutto
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
• Step 1: Pound the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper until they are about 1/4-inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Step 2: Wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of prosciutto, securing with toothpicks if needed.
• Step 3: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the wrapped chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the prosciutto is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
• Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
• Step 5: Deglaze the pan with the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
• Step 6: Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Step 7: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the butter and chopped sage until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Step 8: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh sage if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Calories: 379
- Sodium: 954mg
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 44g
Keywords: Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe
