Chicken Saltimbocca is a classic Italian dish that brings together tender chicken, aromatic sage, and savory prosciutto in a delightful combination. Topped with a rich, flavorful sauce, this dish is perfect for an elegant dinner that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Impress your guests or treat yourself to this sophisticated yet simple meal.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 5 chicken breasts (7-9 ounces each), sliced in half width-wise
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh sage
- 10 slices prosciutto ham
- 10 fresh sage leaves
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup olive oil
For the Sauce:
- ½ small shallot, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (like Chardonnay)
- 1 ½ cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh parsley
- Coarse salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of minced fresh sage.
- Place a slice of prosciutto on each piece of chicken, pressing it down to adhere.
- Place a fresh sage leaf on top of each prosciutto-covered chicken breast.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Lightly dredge each piece of chicken in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts, prosciutto side down, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the prosciutto is crisp.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the diced shallot and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, taking about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce reaches a slightly thicker consistency.
- Stir in the unsalted butter and minced parsley. Season with coarse salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece to warm through.
- Serve the Chicken Saltimbocca hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Conclusion
Chicken Saltimbocca is a delightful and elegant dish that brings together the best of Italian flavors in a simple, straightforward recipe. The combination of tender chicken, crispy prosciutto, and aromatic sage, all bathed in a rich, savory sauce, makes for a meal that’s perfect for any special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner. Enjoy this classic Italian favorite with your loved ones!