Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe

Name: Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 8 fresh sage leaves; 8 slices prosciutto; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; ½ cup dry white wine; Salt and pepper, to taste

chicken saltimbocca recipe

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Chicken Saltimbocca is a classic Italian dish made with thin chicken breasts wrapped in savory prosciutto and flavored with fresh sage. The name “saltimbocca” means “jumps in the mouth,” which perfectly describes how flavorful this dish is! This chicken saltimbocca recipe is quick, easy, and elegant, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The chicken is lightly sautéed in a rich white wine sauce, which enhances the flavors of the prosciutto and sage. Serve it with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll find this saltimbocca chicken recipe simple to make and incredibly delicious!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

1-Chicken Breasts: Use thin chicken breasts or cut regular chicken breasts in half horizontally. If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs, but they will need to cook slightly longer.
2-Prosciutto: This thin, cured ham adds a salty, savory flavor. If you don’t have prosciutto, you can substitute with thinly sliced ham or pancetta, though prosciutto gives the most authentic taste.
3-Fresh Sage: Fresh sage leaves give the dish a distinctive, earthy aroma. Dried sage can be used in a pinch, but fresh is best for flavor and presentation.
4-White Wine: A dry white wine adds depth to the sauce. If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth for a similar taste.
5-Butter and Olive Oil: The combination of butter and olive oil ensures the chicken gets a nice golden brown color without burning.

Step-by-Step Directions

1-Prepare the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to about ¼ inch thickness. This ensures even cooking. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper, then place 1-2 fresh sage leaves on top of each piece. Wrap each chicken breast with 1-2 slices of prosciutto.
2-Heat the Pan: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. This combination of butter and oil prevents the butter from burning while giving a rich flavor to the dish. Once the butter melts, you’re ready to cook the chicken.
3-Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken in the pan, prosciutto-side down. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the prosciutto is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. Use tongs to flip the chicken gently so the prosciutto stays intact. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4-Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add ½ cup of dry white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer and reduce for about 2 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for your sauce.
5-Finish the Sauce: Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter to make the sauce rich and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. Once done, return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top.
6-Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and ensures juicy, tender chicken. Serve with a side of vegetables, potatoes, or a light salad, drizzled with the white wine sauce.

Pro Tips

Make sure to pound the chicken thinly to ensure even cooking and a tender texture.
Don’t overcook the chicken. Thin chicken breasts cook quickly, so keep an eye on them!
For a gluten-free version, serve the chicken over mashed potatoes or gluten-free pasta.

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