Easy Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe : A Delicious Italian Classic in 2024

Introduction

Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe is a classic Italian dish that combines tender chicken breasts with savory prosciutto and fresh sage leaves. This recipe is a perfect choice for a quick and impressive dinner that will leave your taste buds craving more. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.

How to Make a Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe

Ingredients and Directions

Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe

Course: MainCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

400

kcal

To make Chicken Saltimbocca for four people, you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 8 thin slices of prosciutto

• 8 fresh sage leaves

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• Lemon wedges for serving

Directions

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the wrapped chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the prosciutto is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half, about 3-4 minutes.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the butter until melted. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serving

1. Place the cooked chicken saltimbocca on a serving platter and drizzle the sauce over the top.
2. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken.

Tips and Variations

• If you can’t find prosciutto, you can substitute with thin slices of ham or bacon.
• For a creamy twist, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce before serving.
• Serve the chicken saltimbocca with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

The History of Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe

Chicken Saltimbocca is a dish that originated in Italy, specifically in the region of Lazio, which includes the capital city of Rome. The name “saltimbocca” literally translates to “jump in the mouth,” which is a playful reference to the dish’s bold flavors that seem to leap onto your taste buds. Traditionally, saltimbocca was made with veal, but over time, chicken has become a popular alternative, making the dish more accessible and affordable for home cooks.

Pairing Chicken Saltimbocca with Wine

When it comes to pairing wine with Chicken Saltimbocca, you’ll want to choose a wine that can stand up to the dish’s rich flavors without overpowering them. A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice, as the acidity in these wines will help cut through the richness of the prosciutto and butter sauce. If you prefer red wine, opt for a light-bodied variety like Pinot Noir or Chianti, which will complement the dish without overwhelming it.

Mastering the Art of Pounding Chicken

One of the key steps in making Chicken Saltimbocca is pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This technique ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender. To pound chicken like a pro, place the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper, and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the thickest part of the breast until it reaches a uniform thickness of about 1/4 inch. Be careful not to pound too hard, as this can tear the meat.

Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe: A Versatile Dish

While Chicken Saltimbocca is delicious on its own, it’s also a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply skip the flour and use gluten-free chicken broth. If you’re looking to add some extra vegetables to the dish, try serving it over a bed of sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, in place of the sage for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Conclusion

Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe is a dish that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine: simple, fresh ingredients combined to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can bring a taste of Italy to your dinner table in no time. Impress your family and friends with this classic dish, and enjoy the compliments that are sure to follow. Buon appetito!