Chicken Saltimbocca | Italian Delight, Quick & Flavorful

Experience the authentic flavors of Italy with this traditional Chicken Saltimbocca recipe – a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

Discover this mouthwatering homemade Chicken Saltimbocca recipe that brings authentic Italian flavors to your table in just 30 minutes. A quick and easy meat recipe from www.dailymeatrecipe.com that will impress your family and friends.

Introduction

There’s something magical about Italian cuisine that transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes. Chicken Saltimbocca is the perfect example of this culinary alchemy. The name “saltimbocca” literally means “jumps in the mouth” in Italian, and one taste of this delicious meat recipe will show you exactly why. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic sage, and savory prosciutto creates a flavor explosion that truly does leap off the plate and into your mouth.

This classic Roman dish has been adapted throughout the years, but our Chicken Saltimbocca recipe stays true to the essential flavors while being incredibly accessible for home cooks. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or a family meal, this quick recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The tender chicken cutlets wrapped with prosciutto and sage, then simmered in a buttery white wine sauce, create a dish that’s both elegant and comforting.

What makes this homemade Chicken Saltimbocca truly special is how it balances sophisticated flavor with straightforward preparation. In less than 30 minutes, you can create a meal that tastes like it came from an upscale Italian restaurant. Let’s dive into this remarkable meat recipe that will soon become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	4 (about 6 oz each)	Pounded to ¼-inch thickness
Prosciutto slices	8 thin slices	High-quality Italian meat
Fresh sage leaves	16 leaves	4 per chicken cutlet
All-purpose flour	½ cup	For dredging
Salt	½ teaspoon	To taste
Black pepper	¼ teaspoon	Freshly ground
Olive oil	2 tablespoons	Extra virgin preferred
Butter	4 tablespoons	Divided
Dry white wine	¾ cup	Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
Chicken broth	½ cup	Low-sodium preferred
Fresh lemon juice	2 tablespoons	About half a lemon
Capers (optional)	2 tablespoons	Drained and rinsed
Fresh parsley	2 tablespoons	Chopped, for garnish

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	385
Protein	42g
Carbohydrates	6g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	145mg
Sodium	890mg
Fiber	0.5g
Sugar	0.5g
Vitamin A	10% DV
Vitamin C	8% DV
Calcium	4% DV
Iron	10% DV

Serving size: 1 chicken breast with sauce

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
2. Using a meat mallet or heavy pan, pound the chicken to an even ¼-inch thickness.
3. Season both sides of each chicken cutlet lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Assemble the Saltimbocca

1. Lay out the pounded chicken breasts on a clean work surface.
2. Place 2 sage leaves on each chicken breast.
3. Cover each chicken breast with 2 slices of prosciutto, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Secure the prosciutto and sage to the chicken with toothpicks if necessary.

Step 3: Dredge and Cook

1. Place the flour in a shallow dish and lightly dredge both sides of each prepared chicken cutlet.
2. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the chicken prosciutto-side down.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the prosciutto is crisp and golden.
5. Carefully flip the chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
6. Transfer the cooked Chicken Saltimbocca to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to medium and add the white wine to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
2. Let the wine reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, allowing the sauce to simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
5. If using, stir in the capers.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Remove the toothpicks from the chicken if used.
2. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
3. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
4. Serve this delicious meat recipe immediately while hot.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Chicken Saltimbocca meal with these perfect accompaniments:

• Serve over buttered linguine or angel hair pasta to soak up the delicious sauce
• Pair with creamy polenta for an authentic Italian experience
• Add a side of steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach for a complete meal
• Include a light arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to balance the rich dish
• Serve with roasted garlic mashed potatoes for a heartier dinner option
• Complete your meat recipe experience with a glass of the same white wine used in cooking
• For a low-carb option, serve alongside roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles

The versatility of this chicken recipe makes it suitable for both casual family dinners and special occasions. The elegant flavors of this Italian meat dish will impress even the most discerning palates.

Pro Tips

Take your Chicken Saltimbocca recipe to the next level with these professional cooking tips:

• Pound chicken evenly: Ensure uniform thickness for even cooking in this meat recipe
• Quality ingredients matter: Use the best prosciutto and freshest sage you can find
• Don’t skip the flour: It helps create a golden crust and thickens the sauce
• Cook prosciutto-side down first: This helps the prosciutto adhere to the chicken
• Don’t overcook: The chicken will continue cooking slightly when resting
• Room temperature meat: Take the chicken out of the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking
• Fresh sage is essential: Dried sage won’t provide the same aromatic quality to this chicken recipe
• Deglaze thoroughly: Scrape all the flavorful bits from the pan when making the sauce
• Butter finishing: Adding cold butter at the end creates a silky, restaurant-quality sauce
• Rest before serving: Let the chicken rest briefly to redistribute juices throughout the meat

Variations

Customize this classic meat recipe with these creative variations:

Chicken Saltimbocca Florentine

Add a layer of sautéed spinach between the chicken and prosciutto for extra nutrients and flavor in this chicken recipe variation.

Saltimbocca alla Romana

For a more traditional Roman approach to this meat recipe, substitute veal for chicken and omit the lemon juice in the sauce.

Pork Saltimbocca

Use thinly pounded pork tenderloin instead of chicken for a different take on this meat dish.

Gluten-Free Saltimbocca

Substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend to make this chicken recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Turkey Saltimbocca

Use turkey cutlets as a leaner alternative in this meat recipe while maintaining the classic flavors.

Cheesy Saltimbocca

Add a thin slice of fontina or mozzarella cheese between the chicken and prosciutto before cooking for a melty, indulgent version of this recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chicken Saltimbocca ahead of time?

While this chicken recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Pound the chicken and assemble with prosciutto and sage, then refrigerate for up to 8 hours before cooking.

What can I substitute for white wine in this recipe?

If you prefer to cook without alcohol, replace the wine with additional chicken broth and add 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the acidity in this meat recipe.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked properly?

The chicken in this meat recipe is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or when the meat is opaque and firm to the touch.

Can I freeze leftover Chicken Saltimbocca?

Yes, you can freeze cooked Chicken Saltimbocca for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to prevent the meat from becoming tough.

What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

For best results, reheat this chicken recipe covered in a 325°F (165°C) oven with a splash of chicken broth to keep the meat moist.

Is Chicken Saltimbocca keto-friendly?

Yes, this meat recipe is relatively low in carbs and can be made keto-friendly by substituting almond flour for the all-purpose flour.

Conclusion

This Chicken Saltimbocca recipe proves that spectacular Italian cuisine doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or a culinary degree. With just a handful of quality ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time, you can create a meal that balances sophisticated flavors with home-cooked comfort. The tender chicken, aromatic sage, and savory prosciutto come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.

Don’t be intimidated by the elegant results – this meat recipe is actually quite forgiving and adaptable to your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply elevating your weeknight dinner routine, this homemade Chicken Saltimbocca delivers restaurant-quality results every time.

We’d love to hear how your Chicken Saltimbocca turned out! Leave a comment on our website, share your photos on social media, and don’t forget to tag www.dailymeatrecipe.com. For more delicious meat recipes that combine classic techniques with accessible preparation, keep visiting our website – your trusted source for culinary inspiration that brings gourmet flavors to your everyday table.

Ready to expand your Italian cooking repertoire? Try our other classic chicken recipes and discover why simple ingredients, prepared with care, create the most memorable meals!