Sage-Infused Chicken Saltimbocca

Mastering the Art of Chicken Saltimbocca: A Delightful Italian Classic

Whisk yourself away to the heart of Italy with our Sage-Infused Chicken Saltimbocca, an elegant dish that brings the flavors of authentic Italian cuisine right into your kitchen. This recipe, blending succulent chicken with aromatic sage and crisp prosciutto, promises a dinner experience that’s both indulgent and comforting.

Hearty Italian Inspiration!

The journey to perfecting this Chicken Saltimbocca began with a desire to replicate a cherished meal experienced in a quaint Italian trattoria. Traditionally made with veal, our twist uses chicken for a lighter touch, complemented by the savory richness of prosciutto and the distinctive notes of fresh sage. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony.

Why You’ll Love It

• Elegantly Simple: Despite its sophisticated flair, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
• Flavorful and Fragrant: The combination of sage and prosciutto infuses the chicken with deep, herbaceous flavors and a delightful saltiness.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pairs beautifully with anything from creamy polenta to a crisp salad, allowing you to tailor your meal to your tastes.
• Visually Stunning: With its golden brown prosciutto and vibrant sage, this dish is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.

Quick Grocery List

For the Chicken:

• Chicken breasts
• Fresh sage leaves
• Prosciutto slices

For the White Wine Pan Sauce:

• Garlic
• Dry white wine
• Chicken broth

Things to Consider Before Preparing Your Meal

• Prep & Cook Time: 45 minutes total
• Equipment Checklist: Meat mallet, large skillet, cutting board, tongs, aluminum foil
• Dietary Adjustments: Easily adaptable for lactose intolerance with the substitution of ghee for butter
• Serving Size: Serves 4 perfectly
• General Notes: Fresh sage significantly enhances the dish’s flavor, so it’s best to avoid substituting with dried.

Sage-Infused Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe – Easy Italian Chicken Dinner with Prosciutto & Fresh Herbs

DifficultyMedium

Servings4

Prep time20 minutes

Cook time25 minutes

Total time45 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 8 fresh sage leaves
• 4 slices prosciutto
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, (for dusting)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the White Wine Pan Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine, (e.g., Pinot Grigio)
• ½ cup chicken broth, (low sodium)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage, (optional for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• 1

  Prepare the Chicken:

  • Pound the chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet between plastic wrap or parchment paper.

  • Season lightly with salt and pepper.

  • Place 2 sage leaves on each chicken breast and gently press them in.

  • Lay a slice of prosciutto over the top of each piece, covering the sage leaves. Press it down firmly so it sticks.

  • Lightly dust the chicken (prosciutto-side up only) with a bit of flour.

• 2

  Sear the Chicken:

  • Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Place chicken breasts prosciutto-side down in the skillet. Sear for 3–4 minutes until crispy.

  • Flip carefully and cook another 4–5 minutes until cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F / 74°C).

  • Remove chicken and set aside, loosely tented with foil.

• 3

  Make the Pan Sauce:

  • In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter.

  • Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  • Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits.

  • Add chicken broth and lemon juice. Let simmer for 5–6 minutes to reduce by half.

  • Stir in chopped fresh sage (optional) and season with salt and pepper to taste.

• 4

  Finish and Serve:

  • Return chicken to the pan for 1–2 minutes to absorb flavor or spoon sauce over plated chicken.

  • Serve with a drizzle of pan sauce on top.

Equipment Used:

• Meat mallet
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil (for tenting)

Nutrition

Calories	360
Carbohydrates	6g
Cholesterol	95mg
Fat	20g
Fiber	0.5g
Protein	35g
Saturated Fat	6g
Sodium	780mg
Sugar	1g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	12g

Substitutions

• Chicken: For a richer flavor, use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Prosciutto: Speck or thinly sliced pancetta can be a delightful alternative.
• White Wine: Opt for extra chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar if avoiding alcohol.
• Butter: Ghee can be used for those avoiding lactose.

Variations

• Cheesy Delight: Slip a slice of mozzarella between the sage and prosciutto for a gooey twist.
• Creamy Finish: Add a touch of cream to the pan sauce for a richer, more decadent sauce.

Let’s Get Cooking

Pro Tips for Success:

• Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
• Prosciutto Crispiness: Make sure to get a nice sear on the prosciutto side first; it enhances flavor and texture.
• Sauce Reduction: Allow the pan sauce to reduce until it’s flavorful and slightly thickened, perfect for drizzling over the prepared chicken.

Art Of

The art of this dish lies in the balance of its flavors—the herbal freshness of sage, the umami of prosciutto, and the acidity of the white wine sauce. It teaches the importance of simplicity in Italian cooking, where quality ingredients speak for themselves.

Tips and Variations

• Herb Choices: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme if sage isn’t your favorite.
• Sauce Variations: For an alcohol-free version, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds the necessary brightness to the sauce.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 360 – Ideal for a fulfilling main dish.
• Carbohydrates: 6g – Keeping it low-carb.
• Cholesterol: 95mg – Manageable within a balanced diet.
• Fat: 20g – Provides richness and helps carry flavors.
• Fiber: 0.5g – Though minimal, comes mainly from garlic.
• Protein: 35g – High protein content makes it very satisfying.
• Saturated Fat: 6g – Mostly from the butter, can be adjusted by substituting ghee.
• Sodium: 780mg – Mostly from the prosciutto; select lower-sodium options if needed.
• Sugar: 1g – Low sugar content ensures the focus is on the savory elements.
• Trans Fat: 0g – Keeping it healthy.
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g – Comes from olive oil, adding to the nutritional value.

Storing and Reheating

• Storage: Best stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze individual portions without sauce for best results. Thaw and reheat gently.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the chicken moist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the chicken with sage and prosciutto, refrigerate, and simply cook when ready to serve.

Q: What are some side dishes that go well with Chicken Saltimbocca?
A: This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy polenta, roasted vegetables, or a light, citrusy salad.

Engage and Share!

Have you tried this Sage-Infused Chicken Saltimbocca? Share your thoughts or post a photo of your culinary creation! We love seeing how you make this dish your own. Do you have a favorite variation? Let us know in the comments!

Looking for more Italian inspired dishes?

• Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Artichoke Chicken
• Creamy Tuscan Chicken & Gnocchi
• Classic Carbonara with Pancetta & Asparagus