Introduction to Chicken Saltimbocca
If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s both impressive and quick to prepare, look no further than chicken saltimbocca. This Italian classic, with its delightful combination of tender chicken cutlets, savory sage, and crispy prosciutto, is sure to wow your dinner guests and become a favorite in your weekly rotation.
Why is chicken saltimbocca a must-try dish? For starters, it’s all about flavor. The rich, umami notes of the prosciutto beautifully complement the herbs, creating a delicious symphony of tastes with every bite. Not to mention, this dish is incredibly versatile—serve it with garlic sautéed spinach, a fresh salad, or even over a bed of pasta for a complete meal.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward yet elegant, making it perfect for busy professionals seeking a quick, satisfying dinner. Plus, you can impress your friends with your culinary skills without spending hours in the kitchen! For those interested in cooking techniques, check out resources such as Serious Eats for a deeper dive into the art of Italian cuisine. So let’s roll up our sleeves and explore how to whip up this delectable dish!
Ingredients for Chicken Saltimbocca
Creating a delicious chicken saltimbocca requires just a few key ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. When shopping for your ingredients, here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Cutlets: Start with 2 pounds of chicken cutlets, pounded to ¼" thick and cut into 5-inch long pieces. This will help ensure even cooking.
- Sage Leaves: You’ll want around 20 large sage leaves. Their aromatic flavor is essential for that classic taste.
- Prosciutto: Gather 12 pieces (about ¼ pound) of prosciutto to add a savory richness.
- Low Sodium Chicken Stock: Use 1 ¼ cups of stock for a flavorful sauce base. You can easily find a recipe for homemade chicken stock here.
- Olive Oil & Butter: You’ll need ¼ cup of olive oil and 6 tablespoons of butter, divided for cooking and flavoring.
- Flour: About 1 cup for dredging the chicken, giving it a crispy exterior.
- Salt, Pepper, and Parsley: A dash of seasonings to taste, along with 2 tablespoons of minced flat-leaf Italian parsley for garnish.
Gather these ingredients, and you'll be well on your way to crafting a delicious chicken saltimbocca that will impress your friends and family!
Preparing Chicken Saltimbocca
Chicken Saltimbocca is a delightful Italian dish that’s rich in flavor and straightforward to prepare. Let’s explore how to bring this classic recipe to life in just a few simple steps!
Season and Prep the Chicken
Start by prepping your chicken cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This step helps enhance the flavor throughout the dish. Ensure your chicken cutlets are about ¼ inch thick; if they aren't, a quick pounding makes a world of difference—ensuring even cooking. Don't skip this part! It’s crucial for the texture and taste. Cut your seasoned chicken into 5-inch long pieces. This size is perfect for layering with prosciutto and sage.
Layering Prosciutto and Sage
Now comes the fun part! Place a piece of proscuitto—about a slice per piece of chicken—on top of each chicken cutlet. If the prosciutto hangs over the edges a bit, just trim it to fit. Next, lay 1-2 large sage leaves on top of the prosciutto. This herb adds a uniquely aromatic essence. To keep everything in place, secure the sage and prosciutto with toothpicks. It helps hold everything together during cooking, ensuring that each bite bursts with flavor.
Dredge the Chicken Pieces
In this step, you'll create a lovely coating for your chicken. Take a cup of flour and place it in a shallow dish. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, ensuring that it's fully coated, then shake off any excess flour. This helps create a beautiful crust when cooking. It’s a simple yet effective technique that elevates your chicken saltimbocca!
Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. As it melts, you’ll love the aroma! Once hot, carefully place the chicken pieces prosciutto-side down. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then flip to the other side and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. This browning is where a lot of the flavor comes from! Repeat in batches, using more olive oil and butter as necessary, then set the cooked pieces aside on a wire rack.
Make the Sauce and Bring It All Together
With your chicken cooked, it's time to whip up an incredible sauce. Using the same pan, add in the low sodium chicken stock. Scrape up those delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom—these add flavor! Let it reduce and thicken for about 3 minutes. After it thickens, turn the heat down and stir in the remaining butter for richness. Finally, return the chicken to the sauce and simmer gently for a minute or two to reheat.
Once plated, sprinkle with some fresh minced flat-leaf Italian parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your Chicken Saltimbocca warm, alongside a side of garlic sautéed spinach for an authentic Italian experience.
This dish not only tastes fantastic but looks impressive too; perfect for impressing dinner guests or your next date night!
Variations on Chicken Saltimbocca
Chicken Saltimbocca with Turkey Bacon
If you're looking for a unique twist on the classic chicken saltimbocca, try swapping out prosciutto for turkey bacon. This variation not only offers a delightful flavor combination but also caters to those who prefer a lighter alternative. Simply layer the turkey bacon atop the chicken cutlets before adding sage. The result? A savory dish that’s both heart-healthy and delicious!
Vegetarian option for Chicken Saltimbocca
For a vegetarian-friendly take on chicken saltimbocca, consider using eggplant or portobello mushrooms. Slice them into thick cutlets and season them as you would the chicken. Wrap with sage leaves and opt for a flavorful vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. This version will impress vegetarians and meat-eaters alike! For more ideas, check out our Delicious Vegetarian Recipes for inspiration.
Cooking Notes for Chicken Saltimbocca
When preparing chicken saltimbocca, here are some helpful tips to ensure a delightful dish:
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Tenderizing Chicken: Pounding your chicken cutlets to about ¼ inch thick is crucial for tender texture and even cooking. If you're short on time, look for pre-pounded options to save a step.
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Sage & Prosciutto Pairing: Fresh sage leaves add an aromatic touch that complements the salty prosciutto. Don’t skip securing them with toothpicks; they hold the flavors beautifully during cooking.
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Sauce Techniques: After searing the chicken, use a wooden spoon to scrape up those delicious brown bits from the pan for a flavorful sauce base.
By incorporating these tips, you'll enhance your chicken saltimbocca experience. For more cooking inspiration, check out this guide on sautéing vegetables. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Saltimbocca
When it comes to serving chicken saltimbocca, the right accompaniments can elevate your meal to another level. Here are some tasty ideas to delight your guests and family:
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Garlic Sautéed Spinach: This dish pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of chicken saltimbocca, adding a fresh, vibrant contrast. Check out a simple recipe here.
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Creamy Risotto: A luscious risotto, perhaps made with parmesan and herbs, provides a delightful creaminess that harmonizes beautifully.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned with olive oil and your favorite herbs, roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts make for a colorful side.
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Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Toss with a light garlic and olive oil sauce for a satisfying addition that doesn’t compete with the bold flavors of your main dish.
With these suggestions, your chicken saltimbocca dinner will impress everyone at the table!
Tips for Making Perfect Chicken Saltimbocca
Creating a delicious chicken saltimbocca at home is easier than you might think! Here are some handy tips to elevate your dish:
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Pound Your Chicken: Make sure to pound your chicken cutlets to about ¼ inch thick. This ensures even cooking and keeps your chicken tender. A meat mallet works wonders for this!
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Sage Placement: Use fresh sage leaves for the best flavor. Secure them along with chicken ham (or turkey bacon) on the chicken with toothpicks to keep everything in place while cooking.
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Dredging Technique: When dredging in flour, shake off the excess to avoid a clumpy coating. A light layer allows for proper browning without overwhelming the dish.
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Resting the Chicken: After searing, let your chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps lock in moisture and ensures each bite is juicy.
With these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to mastering the art of chicken saltimbocca! Interested in pairing this dish? Consider serving with fresh sautéed vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal experience. Learn more about great side dish ideas here.
Time Breakdown for Chicken Saltimbocca
Preparation Time
Getting ready for your chicken saltimbocca is a breeze! You’ll need about 15 minutes to gather your ingredients and prep the chicken cutlets, sage leaves, and prosciutto.
Cooking Time
The cooking process is smooth and quick, taking approximately 20 minutes to sear the chicken and prepare the delicious sauce.
Total Time
In just 35 minutes, you can have a stunning and mouthwatering chicken saltimbocca on the table that's ready to impress your friends and family!
Nutritional Facts for Chicken Saltimbocca
When you're whipping up a delicious Chicken Saltimbocca, understanding the nutritional content can help you enjoy it mindfully.
Calories
A serving of this delightful dish contains approximately 687 calories, making it a satisfying meal to fuel your day.
Protein
Packed with about 72.9g of protein, chicken saltimbocca is an excellent choice for those looking to increase their protein intake and support muscle growth.
Sodium
With 611mg of sodium, it’s good to pay attention to this factor, especially if you’re watching your salt intake. Opting for low-sodium chicken stock can help keep those levels in check.
For more detailed information on nutrition, check out resources from Healthline or consult your dietician. Remember, cooking should be both enjoyable and nourishing!
FAQs about Chicken Saltimbocca
How can I ensure my chicken is tender?
To achieve tender chicken in your Chicken Saltimbocca, start by pounding the chicken cutlets to about ¼ inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly and reduces the risk of drying out. Cooking them over medium heat, just until they are no longer pink in the center, is key. This generally takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
What can I use instead of white wine?
If you prefer to skip the wine, you can easily substitute it with additional chicken stock, which will still provide a rich flavor. For a splash of acidity, consider adding a bit of lemon juice or vinegar to enhance the dish, ensuring that your Chicken Saltimbocca remains delicious.
How should I store leftovers of Chicken Saltimbocca?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of chicken stock to keep the chicken moist. This way, you can savor the flavors of this delightful dish even after your initial meal!
Conclusion on Chicken Saltimbocca
In summary, chicken saltimbocca is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a quick and elegant dish perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With its rich flavors from sage and prosciutto, it brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
Chicken Saltimbocca
Equipment
- Large Pan
- toothpicks
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds chicken cutlets, pounded to ¼" thick and cut into 5 inch long pieces
- 20 leaves large sage leaves
- 12 pieces prosciutto about a ¼ pound worth
- 1.25 cups low sodium chicken stock see recipe for link
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup flour for dredging only
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 0.25 cups olive oil
- 6 tablespoons butter divided
- 2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf Italian parsley
Instructions
Preparation and Cooking
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the prosciutto on top of the chicken, trimming to fit if required. Press it down to make it stick and then depending on the size place 1-2 sage leaves on top. Secure the sage leaves and prosciutto to the chicken with toothpicks.
- Dredge all of the chicken pieces in flour and shake off excess. Place the chicken pieces onto parchment paper and set aside.
- Heat a large pan to medium heat. Add in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted add in the chicken pieces prosciutto side down and sear until golden (about 2-3 minutes). Flip and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes more or until cooked through and then place the chicken onto a wire rack. Work in batches, using more olive oil and butter as required.
- Once all of the chicken pieces have been cooked, prepare the sauce by adding the white wine to the pan. Turn heat to high and scrape the pan with a wooden spoon to remove all of the brown bits. After 1 minute add in the chicken stock and cook the sauce until it thickens and reduces by half (about 3 minutes). Once reduced turn heat down to medium-low and add in the remaining butter.
- Whisk the sauce together and taste test. Adjust salt and pepper as required. Once satisfied with the taste add the chicken pieces back into the pan and gently mix to warm the chicken through (about 2 minutes).
- Sprinkle the chicken saltimbocca with parsley and serve right away. Enjoy!
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