Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe

The Irresistible Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe Everyone Loves

Mastering chicken saltimbocca brings an Italian classic right to your kitchen with surprising ease.

Tender chicken breasts get draped in prosciutto and sage, creating a dish that whispers elegance.

Classic Roman flavors dance across the plate, revealing layers of delicate texture and rich complexity.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into something magical and memorable.

Restaurants charge premium prices for such sophisticated meals, but you can craft this masterpiece at home.

Fragrant herbs and crisp prosciutto elevate every single bite beyond ordinary weeknight cooking.

Let’s uncover how to make this stunning dish that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Why Chicken Saltimbocca Feels Fancy But Easy

  • Whip Up Gourmet Simplicity: This chicken saltimbocca transforms everyday ingredients into an elegant restaurant-style dish with minimal cooking skills required, making sophisticated cuisine accessible for home cooks.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepared in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers a speedy yet impressive meal solution perfect for busy families wanting delicious dinners without complicated techniques or lengthy preparation.
  • Layer Flavor Brilliance: Combining prosciutto, sage, and cheese creates a rich, harmonious taste profile that elevates simple chicken breasts into a mouthwatering culinary experience, delivering maximum flavor with minimal ingredients.
  • Versatile Dining Delight: Works wonderfully for casual family dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests, pairing beautifully with multiple side dishes like mashed potatoes or sauteed spinach, ensuring crowd-pleasing satisfaction.

What You’ll Need For Chicken Saltimbocca

Meat Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main part of the dish, best when evenly thick and fresh.
  • Prosciutto: Delicate Italian ham that adds rich, salty flavor and creates a crispy layer.
Cheese and Herbs:
  • Provolone Cheese, Mozzarella: Mild cheese that melts beautifully and creates a creamy texture.
  • Fresh Sage Leaves: Classic Italian herb with earthy, aromatic qualities that complement chicken.
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • White Wine: Adds depth and helps deglaze the pan, preferably a dry variety like Pinot Grigio.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides rich, savory base for the sauce, low-sodium recommended.
  • Butter: Creates silky sauce texture and adds luxurious flavor, unsalted preferred.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds bright, fresh acidity to balance the rich dish.
  • Flour: Light coating for chicken that helps create golden crust.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall flavor profile.
  • Olive Oil: Helps with initial searing and prevents sticking, extra virgin recommended.

Steps To Cook Chicken Saltimbocca Right

Step 1: Customize Chicken Prep

Gather your chicken breasts and gently pat them dry. Season each piece with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Layer a delicate slice of prosciutto on top of each chicken breast. Carefully press two fresh sage leaves onto the prosciutto. Crown each piece with a slice of your favorite cheese. Lightly dust the bottom side of the chicken with flour, keeping the prosciutto side untouched.

Step 2: Sizzle and Golden Perfection

Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle in olive oil and add a knob of butter, creating a delicious cooking base. Gently place the chicken into the pan, positioning the prosciutto side facing upward. Let the chicken dance in the pan, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it turns a beautiful golden brown and cooks completely through. Transfer the chicken to a warm plate, keeping it cozy.

Step 3: Craft a Luscious Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits clinging to the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce. Add:
  • Chicken broth
  • Fresh lemon juice

Let the liquid bubble and reduce by half. Whisk in a pat of butter to create a silky, glossy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Elegant Plating

Generously spoon the luxurious sauce over the chicken. Serve immediately alongside:
  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Sauteed spinach
  • Crisp garden salad

Pro Tips For Making Chicken Saltimbocca At Home

  • Master Prosciutto Placement: Layer prosciutto carefully to ensure even coverage and maximum flavor infusion on each chicken breast.
  • Flour with Finesse: Dust only the chicken side with flour to create a delicate golden crust without weighing down the delicate prosciutto layer.
  • Sear for Perfection: Cook chicken at medium-high heat to achieve a beautiful golden color and seal in the juicy tenderness of the meat.
  • Sauce Reduction Magic: Allow the wine and broth to reduce slowly, concentrating flavors and creating a luxurious, silky sauce that perfectly complements the chicken.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners while maintaining the same crispy texture.

Best Way To Store Chicken Saltimbocca

  • Refrigerate leftover chicken saltimbocca in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
  • Store the chicken and sauce separately to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy prosciutto.
  • Properly sealed, your dish will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Avoid microwaving, which can toughen the delicate chicken and make the prosciutto rubbery.
  • Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 weeks.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the chicken's tender texture and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming stored leftovers, such as unusual odors or discoloration.

Delicious Sides To Serve With Chicken Saltimbocca

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A dry, zesty white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc cuts through the richness of the prosciutto and complements the sage's herbal notes perfectly. The wine's acidity balances the buttery sauce beautifully.
  • Match with Creamy Potato Side: Garlic mashed potatoes create a smooth, comforting base that soaks up the delicate white wine sauce. The potatoes' mild flavor lets the chicken saltimbocca shine while providing a satisfying texture contrast.
  • Create Fresh Veggie Balance: Lightly sautéed spinach or a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and cuts through the dish's richness. The greens provide a fresh, peppery counterpoint to the salty prosciutto and rich sauce.
  • Suggest Sparkling Aperitif: Start the meal with a light prosecco or sparkling water with lemon. The bubbles cleanse the palate and prepare guests for the savory, complex flavors of the chicken saltimbocca.

Fun Ways To Adapt Chicken Saltimbocca

  • Herb-Infused Chicken Saltimbocca: Replace sage with a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley for a more complex herb profile that adds depth to the classic recipe.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Saltimbocca: Swap prosciutto with Greek-style feta cheese and add sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives for a vibrant Mediterranean twist.
  • Spicy Southwestern Chicken Saltimbocca: Incorporate pepper jack cheese, sprinkle chili powder on the chicken, and use jalapeño-infused olive oil for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Mushroom Marsala Chicken Saltimbocca: Replace white wine with Marsala wine and add sautéed wild mushrooms to create a rich, earthy version of the traditional dish.

FAQs On Chicken Saltimbocca

  • What does saltimbocca mean in Italian?

Saltimbocca translates to “jump in the mouth” in Italian, which refers to how deliciously flavorful and quick this dish is to eat.

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

While traditional saltimbocca uses veal, chicken is a popular and delicious alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. You can also use turkey as a substitute.

  • Do I need fresh sage leaves or can I use dried?

Fresh sage leaves are recommended for the best flavor and authentic texture. Dried sage won’t provide the same vibrant taste and aromatic quality that fresh leaves do.

  • What kind of white wine works best for this recipe?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is ideal. The wine should be something you’d enjoy drinking, as it adds depth to the sauce’s flavor profile.

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Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe

Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent chicken saltimbocca brings Italian culinary magic straight from Roman kitchens onto your dinner plate. Prosciutto and sage dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that elevates simple ingredients into an elegant masterpiece you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Saltimbocca

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ½-inch thickness)
  • 4 slices prosciutto

Cheese and Herbs:

  • 4 slices fontina cheese (or mozzarella or provolone)
  • 8 fresh sage leaves

Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons (¼ cup) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken cutlets by gently seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage across the surface.
  2. Layer a delicate slice of prosciutto over each seasoned cutlet, carefully pressing two fresh sage leaves onto the cured meat.
  3. Crown the prosciutto with a thin slice of your preferred cheese, creating a flavorful topping.
  4. Lightly dust the bare side of the chicken with a fine coating of flour, avoiding the prosciutto-covered surface.
  5. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat, combining olive oil and butter to create a rich cooking medium.
  6. Carefully place the prepared chicken into the skillet, positioning the prosciutto side facing upward.
  7. Cook each side for approximately 3-4 minutes, allowing the chicken to develop a golden-brown crust and cook thoroughly.
  8. Transfer the cooked chicken to a warm plate, preserving its temperature and texture.
  9. Deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine, using a wooden spoon to lift the caramelized bits from the pan’s bottom.
  10. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce, concentrating its flavors.
  11. Pour in chicken broth and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, creating a vibrant pan sauce.
  12. Reduce the liquid by half, concentrating the flavors and achieving a slightly thickened consistency.
  13. Finish the sauce by whisking in a pat of butter, creating a silky, luxurious texture.
  14. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  15. Generously drizzle the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated.
  16. Serve immediately alongside your favorite accompaniments like creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, or a crisp green salad.

Notes

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help flour adhere better and create a crispy exterior when searing.
  • Swap prosciutto with turkey bacon for a lower-fat alternative or use vegetarian cheese for a meat-free version.
  • Use fresh sage leaves for maximum flavor, pressing them gently into the prosciutto to help them stick during cooking.
  • Avoid overcrowding the skillet to maintain high heat and achieve proper golden-brown caramelization on the chicken.
  • Monitor cooking time carefully, as chicken breasts can quickly become tough and dry when overcooked.
  • Select a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for deglazing to add subtle complexity to the sauce.
  • Quickly whisk cold butter into the sauce off the heat to create a smooth, glossy finish without breaking the emulsion.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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