This chicken saltimbocca is chicken cutlets wrapped in prosciutto slices and seasoned with sage, then pan seared and topped with a white wine sauce. An easy and elegant dinner option that always gets rave reviews.
You can never go wrong with chicken breasts at dinner time, my family always requests creamy garlic chicken, bacon wrapped stuffed chicken and this savory and satisfying chicken saltimbocca.
Chicken saltimbocca is a restaurant style dish that’s actually quite easy to make at home. This dish is quick enough for a busy weeknight, yet fancy enough to serve to company.
What is chicken saltimbocca?
Saltimbocca is an Italian term which means “jumps in the mouth”. It is typically made with veal or chicken cutlets, which are wrapped with prosciutto slices and sage leaves, then cooked until golden.
How do you make chicken saltimbocca?
This recipe works best with chicken cutlets. You can either buy regular chicken breasts and cut them in half lengthwise, or buy thin-cut chicken breasts which are already sliced in half. Pound the chicken to an even thickness, then place a few sage leaves onto each chicken breast, along with salt and pepper. Wrap each chicken breast in a slice of prosciutto. Heat olive oil in a pan, then sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan, and make a simple sauce of white wine, chicken broth and lemon juice. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, then serve and enjoy.
Tips for the perfect chicken
- To create the chicken cutlets, place each chicken breast in between two sheets of plastic wrap, then pound with the flat end of a meat mallet or with a cast iron skillet.
- This recipe gets a lot of its flavor from prosciutto, which is an Italian cured ham. You can find packages of thinly sliced prosciutto in the deli section of most grocery stores.
- Be sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice, it has a much better flavor than the packaged bottled version.
- Use a white wine that you would typically drink, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc variety.
- Chicken saltimbocca is best served immediately. You can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What goes with saltimbocca?
I recommend that you serve chicken saltimbocca over mashed potatoes or pasta, which are the perfect counterparts to the savory sauce. Another option would be a grain such as quinoa or a rice pilaf. I always serve this dish with a green vegetable on the side, such as broccoli, asparagus, green beans or sauteed spinach.
Flavor Variations
While this is a fairly traditional version of this dish, you can add other ingredients to customize it to your tastes.
- Cheese: Add a slice of mozzarella or fontina cheese on top of each piece of cooked chicken, then broil for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Flavorings: Feel free to add other flavorings to the sauce such as capers, garlic, shallots, onions or a touch of heavy cream.
- Vegetables: You can use vegetables in the sauce such as fresh spinach, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts.
Chicken saltimbocca is a popular dish for good reason – the prosciutto and sage flavors pair perfectly with the chicken and wine sauce. This one is always a big hit!
More chicken recipes you’ll enjoy
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
- Chicken Stroganoff
- Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry
- Cornflake Chicken
Chicken Saltimbocca Video
Chicken Saltimbocca
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts thin cut
- salt and pepper to taste
- 12 fresh sage leaves
- 4 slices prosciutto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
- 1/3 cup white wine
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh sage leaves and lemon wedges optional garnish
Instructions
For the chicken
- Place each piece of chicken in between two pieces of plastic wrap. Pound with the flat end of a meat mallet to create thin cutlets.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place 3 sage leaves on the top of each chicken breast.
- Wrap each chicken breast with one piece of prosciutto.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and cover to keep warm. Wipe out the pan with a paper towel.
For the sauce
- Melt the butter in the pan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and simmer for an additional 4-5 minutes or until sauce has just thickened.
- Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the chicken to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Garnish with sage and lemon if desired, then serve immediately.
Olga says
it is so goooooood! and easy to cook. i added a bit of garlic and lemon thyme to the sauce. highly recommended!
Dalia says
My family loved this recipe, and so easy too! The flavors are scrumptious and presentation was beautiful.
Aimee says
Great flavor and accurate cooking times combined with a gorgeous presentation . This is an impressive fail proof recipe! I have a large family and doubled the recipe. Works wonderfully. Five stars all around.
Ruth says
New family favorite! Great flavor and easy to make! Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Dionna Isbill says
My family loved this Added some garlic to the sauce the second time making it. Wonderful recipe..
Melissa says
Wow – this was very delicious! Great combo of flavor!
Julie Blanner says
Adding this to our menu for next week! It looks so good and flavorful!
Alisha says
This is so flavorful, thank you!
Stephanie says
I just loved the slices of prosciutto! Such a great idea and a delicious recipe!
Jacque Hooper says
Made this for dinner last night and it was a hit all around! Loved the combination of flavors between the chicken and the prosciutto; worthy of a restaurant, indeed!
Toni says
This quickly became a favorite at my house!! So good!
Catalina says
I need to try Chicken Saltimbocca. Love how easy they are to make!
Haley D Williams says
What a great option to add to our dinner menu! Love a good chicken dish!
Szuy says
The flavor the prosciutto and sage give to the chicken is amazing!
katerina says
mmm..this sounds incredibly delicious!! I can’t wait to try it!
Vikki says
The best saltimbocca I’ve ever had!