The Irresistible Italian Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe

Succulent chicken takes center stage in this classic Italian chicken saltimbocca that promises pure culinary magic.

Tender chicken breasts dance with delicate prosciutto and fragrant sage leaves.

Each bite whispers sophisticated flavors from traditional Roman kitchens.

Layers of prosciutto create a crispy, salty embrace around juicy chicken medallions.

Fresh herbs and white wine infuse the dish with remarkable depth and complexity.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this elegant preparation.

Savor every moment as you transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will transport you straight to Italy.

Storage Help For Chicken Saltimbocca

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken saltimbocca in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated portions stay fresh and tasty for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen saltimbocca remains delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and restore the original juicy consistency. Avoid microwave reheating to preserve the crispy prosciutto layer.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare chicken components in advance by seasoning and assembling breasts with prosciutto and sage. Store prepped chicken in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This strategy saves time and ensures a quick, delicious meal during busy weeknights.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In Chicken Saltimbocca

• Chicken Breasts: Tender canvas for this elegant dish, select fresh, evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
• Prosciutto: Adds salty richness, choose thin, high-quality slices for delicate flavor layering.
• Sage Leaves: Provides earthy, aromatic accent, select fresh, vibrant green leaves without blemishes.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for better depth.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground preferred.
• Flour: Creates golden crust and helps sauce thicken, all-purpose works perfectly.
• Cheese Slice: Adds creamy texture, choose mild provolone or Swiss for gentle meltiness.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking base, extra virgin offers richer flavor.
• Butter: Creates silky sauce and adds luxurious richness, unsalted recommended.
• White Wine: Brings bright acidity and depth, dry varieties like Pinot Grigio work best.
• Chicken Broth: Builds sauce foundation, low-sodium allows better flavor control.
• Lemon Juice: Introduces fresh, tangy brightness, freshly squeezed preferred.

Tools For Cooking Chicken Saltimbocca

• Large Skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating flavorful sauce.
• Cooking Tongs: Perfect for safely flipping and handling chicken during cooking.
• Whisk: Needed to blend and smooth out the final pan sauce.
• Cutting Board: Use for preparing and seasoning chicken breasts.
• Sharp Knife: Required for trimming and preparing chicken.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurate seasoning and ingredient portioning.
• Plate: Used for keeping cooked chicken warm and serving.

Steps To Make Chicken Saltimbocca

• Dress the Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Layer a slice of prosciutto on top, gently press sage leaves into the meat, and crown with a slice of cheese. Lightly dust the bottom of each breast with flour.

• Sizzle and Brown

Fire up a skillet with olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken in the pan, prosciutto facing upward. Cook each side until golden and fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a warm plate.

• Create a Magical Sauce

Pour white wine into the hot skillet, scraping up those delicious browned bits. Let it simmer and reduce. Add chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice. Continue cooking until the liquid reduces by half. Swirl in butter to create a silky, rich sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

• Plate and Enjoy

Drizzle the luxurious sauce over the chicken. Serve immediately alongside creamy mashed potatoes, vibrant sauteed spinach, or a crisp green salad. Savor every delectable bite of this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Helpful Ideas For Chicken Saltimbocca

• Perfect Prosciutto Placement: Gently press prosciutto onto chicken to ensure it sticks during cooking, creating a deliciously crispy and flavorful top layer.
• Sage Leaf Secret: Choose fresh sage leaves for the most vibrant flavor, and press them firmly into the prosciutto to prevent them from falling off during cooking.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour for a gluten-free version that maintains the same crispy exterior and delicate texture.
• Wine Substitute Magic: Replace white wine with chicken broth or apple juice if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, still maintaining the rich depth of flavor in the sauce.
• Low-Carb Champion: Skip the flour dusting and use a light coating of grated parmesan cheese instead for a lower-carb alternative that adds extra crispy texture and flavor.

How To Serve Chicken Saltimbocca

• Rustic Italian Plating: Arrange the golden chicken saltimbocca on a large wooden cutting board, letting the crispy prosciutto and melted cheese create an inviting visual centerpiece.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Complement the rich flavors with a crisp Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Vermentino, which will enhance the delicate sage and prosciutto notes.
• Veggie Companions: Serve alongside roasted garlic asparagus or wilted lemon-garlic spinach to balance the chicken's intense flavors and add a fresh, vibrant touch to the plate.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Include crusty Italian bread or focaccia on the side to soak up the luxurious white wine sauce, transforming every bite into a delightful culinary experience.

Elegant Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken saltimbocca from Italy combines tender poultry with prosciutto and sage in a classic Roman dish. Diners will savor harmonious flavors and elegant presentation that highlight Mediterranean culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (pounded to ½ inch thick)
• 4 prosciutto slices
• 4 fontina cheese slices (or mozzarella or provolone)
• 8 sage leaves, fresh
• ¼ cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 4 tbsps (¼ cup or 60 ml) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) dry white wine
• ½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Season and Layer: Delicately season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then drape a slice of prosciutto over each, gently pressing two sage leaves onto the cured meat.
2. Cheese and Flour Preparation: Crown the prosciutto with a thin cheese slice, then lightly dust the bare chicken side with flour, carefully avoiding the prosciutto-covered surface.
3. Searing the Chicken: Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter over medium-high heat, placing the chicken with prosciutto side facing upward. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden-brown and fully cooked.
4. Create Pan Sauce: Remove chicken to a warm plate, then deglaze the skillet with white wine, scraping caramelized bits from the bottom. Introduce chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, simmering to reduce by half.
5. Sauce Finalization: Whisk in a pat of butter to create a silky sauce, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper. Generously drizzle the vibrant sauce over the chicken.
6. Serving: Present the chicken immediately, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, or a crisp green salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Selection: Choose thin, evenly-sized chicken cutlets for consistent cooking and tender results. Pounding chicken to uniform thickness ensures equal heat distribution and prevents dry or undercooked sections.
• Prosciutto Placement Technique: Press prosciutto and sage gently onto chicken surface to create a secure, flavorful layer. Ensure prosciutto adheres smoothly without creating air pockets that might prevent proper searing.
• Precise Flour Dusting: Apply minimal flour only on exposed chicken areas to prevent burning and achieve a delicate golden crust. Too much flour can create a heavy, unappetizing coating that masks the dish’s elegant flavors.
• Sauce Balance Strategy: Reduce wine and broth slowly to concentrate flavors without oversalting. Taste sauce incrementally and adjust seasoning carefully, understanding that butter will naturally enhance richness and complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg