Chicken Saltimbocca is a flavorful Italian dish that beautifully combines tender chicken, crispy prosciutto, and the earthy aroma of fresh sage. The dish is then elevated with a buttery white wine sauce and a touch of zesty lemon to balance the rich flavors. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it an irresistible meal for any occasion. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this Chicken Saltimbocca recipe is both simple to prepare and impressive to serve. The prosciutto crisps up beautifully while the chicken remains juicy and tender, making it a showstopper that’s bound to become a family favorite. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 fresh sage leaves
- 4 slices prosciutto
- 1/2 cup flour, for dredging
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
Directions:
- Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Place two sage leaves on top of each chicken breast, then wrap each breast with a slice of prosciutto. Secure with toothpicks.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until the prosciutto is crispy and the chicken is golden.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the white wine to the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any brown bits.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the butter until the sauce is smooth and silky.
- Serve with lemon wedges and drizzle the pan sauce over the chicken.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Chicken Saltimbocca
Chicken Saltimbocca is a traditional Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries, particularly in the Lazio region of Italy, where it is believed to have originated. The name “saltimbocca” roughly translates to “jumps in the mouth,” a nod to the dish’s vibrant flavors that make it an irresistible choice for both casual meals and special occasions.
This recipe is a classic for several reasons. First, it combines the savory, salty prosciutto with the aromatic freshness of sage, two key ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The chicken breast, wrapped in the crispy prosciutto, remains tender and juicy, while the sage infuses the dish with an earthy, herbaceous quality. What truly makes this recipe stand out is the addition of a white wine and butter sauce, which adds richness and a touch of acidity from the lemon to balance the overall flavor.
Why Chicken Saltimbocca Stands Out
- Unique Flavor Combination: One of the main reasons Chicken Saltimbocca is such a beloved dish is its complex yet balanced flavor profile. The salty prosciutto, paired with the subtle pepperiness of sage, creates a flavor combination that is both comforting and refined. The addition of a bright, lemon-infused butter sauce further elevates the dish, adding depth and a bit of acidity to cut through the richness.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Despite its gourmet appeal, Chicken Saltimbocca is surprisingly easy to prepare. With minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, it can be made in under 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time but still want to serve something special. The simplicity of the dish is part of its charm – you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a meal that feels restaurant-quality.
- Versatility: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve it with a variety of side dishes to suit any occasion. For a light meal, pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. If you’re looking for something heartier, serve it alongside pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta. It’s also a dish that pairs wonderfully with wine, particularly a crisp white such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which enhances the light, buttery sauce and complements the salty prosciutto.
Health Benefits of Chicken Saltimbocca
While Chicken Saltimbocca is a dish known for its indulgent flavors, it also has some surprising health benefits. The lean chicken breast provides a great source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. Additionally, sage, often used in traditional medicine, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help support the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body.
Prosciutto, though salty, is a naturally preserved meat with fewer additives compared to other processed meats, making it a better choice for those looking to minimize their intake of preservatives. And the lemon juice adds a vitamin C boost, which not only enhances the flavor but also aids in digestion and supports immune health.
Historical Significance
Chicken Saltimbocca’s roots can be traced back to Italy, where it was traditionally made with veal instead of chicken. The veal version, known as “Saltimbocca alla Romana,” remains a popular dish in Italy to this day. However, the chicken variation has become increasingly popular worldwide, offering a more accessible and often more affordable alternative. This version brings the flavors of Italy into the home kitchen while making the dish suitable for those who may prefer poultry over veal.
Why This Recipe is the Best
One of the reasons this Chicken Saltimbocca recipe stands out is its attention to texture. Wrapping the chicken breast in prosciutto not only adds flavor but also creates a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken inside. The flour dredging step ensures that the chicken develops a light, golden crust when seared, adding another layer of texture to the dish.
The use of a white wine reduction enhances the flavor profile, as the wine helps deglaze the pan, picking up all the flavorful bits left behind from searing the chicken and prosciutto. This step is crucial to creating a rich, silky sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. Adding butter to the sauce gives it a velvety finish, while the fresh lemon wedges provide a burst of acidity to cut through the richness.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Saltimbocca
- Use High-Quality Prosciutto: Since prosciutto is one of the star ingredients in this dish, it’s important to use high-quality prosciutto. Opt for authentic Italian prosciutto di Parma if possible, as it has a rich flavor without being overly salty.
- Fresh Sage: While dried sage can be used in a pinch, fresh sage leaves really make a difference in this recipe. Their bright, aromatic flavor infuses the chicken and sauce, elevating the entire dish.
- Don’t Skip the Deglazing Step: After sautéing the chicken, make sure to deglaze the pan with white wine. This step not only helps lift all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan (where a lot of flavor resides) but also adds complexity to the sauce.
- Customize the Dish: Although this recipe is delicious as is, it’s also incredibly flexible. You can add a handful of spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra veggies, or swap out the chicken for turkey or even pork cutlets for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Saltimbocca is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. For a light and refreshing meal, serve it alongside a crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. For something more filling, consider pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or a simple pasta like linguine tossed in olive oil and garlic.
A crisp glass of white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the dish perfectly, as the acidity in the wine helps balance the richness of the butter sauce and the saltiness of the prosciutto. For those who prefer red wine, a light, fruity red like a Chianti or Pinot Noir also pairs well, providing a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the dish.
Conclusion
Chicken Saltimbocca is a wonderful recipe that brings together the best of Italian flavors in a dish that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The combination of prosciutto, sage, and a lemon butter sauce creates a symphony of flavors that’s impossible to resist. Plus, it’s a dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to any cook’s repertoire.
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Chicken Saltimbocca with Sage and Prosciutto
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
Chicken Saltimbocca is a flavorful Italian dish that beautifully combines tender chicken, crispy prosciutto, and the earthy aroma of fresh sage. The dish is then elevated with a buttery white wine sauce and a touch of zesty lemon to balance the rich flavors. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it an irresistible meal for any occasion. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this Chicken Saltimbocca recipe is both simple to prepare and impressive to serve. The prosciutto crisps up beautifully while the chicken remains juicy and tender, making it a showstopper that’s bound to become a family favorite. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 fresh sage leaves
- 4 slices prosciutto
- 1/2 cup flour, for dredging
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Place two sage leaves on top of each chicken breast, then wrap each breast with a slice of prosciutto. Secure with toothpicks.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until the prosciutto is crispy and the chicken is golden.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the white wine to the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any brown bits.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the butter until the sauce is smooth and silky.
- Serve with lemon wedges and drizzle the pan sauce over the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
