Savory Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Saltimbocca!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for this incredible Savory Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Saltimbocca! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to happen in your kitchen. Here are four irresistible reasons why this dish will become your new favorite:

1. Explosion of Flavor: Imagine tender chicken, salty prosciutto, creamy mozzarella, and a bright lemon-garlic sauce all dancing together. This Savory Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Saltimbocca is a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds with every single bite.
2. Weeknight Gourmet, Made Easy: Don’t let the fancy name fool you! This recipe looks incredibly impressive but is surprisingly simple to whip up. With a mere 10 minutes of prep, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table, even on the busiest of evenings.
3. Healthy & Wholesome: Looking for a dish that’s delicious and fits your healthy lifestyle? This Savory Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Saltimbocca is perfectly low-carb, packed with protein, and mindful of fats, making it a guilt-free pleasure you can enjoy regularly.
4. Impressively Elegant: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating your family, this dish presents beautifully. The golden-brown prosciutto-wrapped chicken, topped with melted mozzarella and glistening with a vibrant sauce, is sure to earn you rave reviews and requests for the recipe!

Unleash Your Inner Chef with Savory Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Saltimbocca!

Are you tired of the same old chicken routine? Do your taste buds crave adventure, but your schedule demands speed? Well, get ready to ditch the bland and embrace the grand, because we’re about to embark on a culinary journey that’s as exciting as it is delicious! Introducing our show-stopping, palate-pleasing Savory Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Saltimbocca!

Forget dry, boring chicken. We’re talking about succulent, tender chicken cutlets, lovingly embraced by crispy, salty prosciutto, crowned with gooey melted mozzarella, and bathed in a zesty, savory lemon-garlic sauce. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a declaration of deliciousness, an ode to indulgence, and a testament to how easy it is to bring gourmet flair to your home kitchen. Get ready to transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients with Measurements

To create your sensational Savory Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Saltimbocca, gather these fresh and flavorful components:

• 🐔 4 large chicken breasts (about 3 lbs total, sliced horizontally into 8 thinner cutlets)
• 🍖 4 oz prosciutto (8 thin slices)
• 🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 🥣 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 🧄 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ✨ 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (or glucomannan, for a smooth sauce)
• 🍋 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 🌶️ 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best!)
• 🧀 12 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions How to Make the Recipe

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to bring your Savory Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Saltimbocca to life:

1. Preheat & Prepare: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, gently wrap each of your thin chicken cutlets with a slice of prosciutto. No need to tie it; the prosciutto will shrink and stick during cooking.
2. Sear for Sizzle: Warm a large frying pan over medium heat, then add the olive oil. Once shimmering, carefully place a few prosciutto-wrapped chicken pieces into the hot pan (don’t overcrowd it!). Sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re beautifully golden brown and the prosciutto looks wonderfully crispy.
3. Bake to Perfection: As each batch of chicken is seared, transfer it to a large baking dish. Place a generous slice (or two!) of fresh mozzarella on top of each piece. Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) with a meat thermometer.
4. Craft the Sauce: While your chicken bakes, return to that same flavorful frying pan. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for just 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant and slightly softened. Now, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and crank up the heat. Use a spatula to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this is where all the rich flavor lives!
5. Thicken & Season: In a small, separate bowl, whisk the xanthan gum (or glucomannan) into the fresh lemon juice until it’s perfectly smooth. Stir this mixture into the bubbling broth in your pan. Let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce slightly thickens to your liking. Reduce the heat to very low, then season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust if needed – this is your moment to shine!
6. Serve & Savor: Once your chicken is perfectly cooked and the mozzarella is melty and bubbly, remove it from the oven. Generously spoon that incredible, savory lemon-garlic sauce over each piece of Savory Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Saltimbocca. Serve immediately and prepare for applause!

Detailed Different Ways You Can Present the Recipe and How to Serve It

The beauty of Savory Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Saltimbocca is how effortlessly it elevates any meal. Here are some fantastic ways to present and serve this dish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion:

Plating Perfection:

• Classic Elegance: Place one or two pieces of the prosciutto-wrapped chicken on each plate. Drizzle a generous amount of the vibrant lemon-garlic sauce over the chicken, allowing some to pool around the base. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Stacked & Sophisticated: For a more gourmet presentation, you can gently overlap two pieces of chicken, creating height on the plate. Arrange any accompanying side dishes artfully alongside.
• Lemon Zest & Fresh Herbs: A thin slice of lemon on the side, or a sprinkle of lemon zest over the finished dish, enhances the bright flavors of the sauce. Fresh sprigs of thyme or rosemary can also be used as a garnish.

Serving Suggestions:

• Low-Carb Harmony: To keep this meal perfectly aligned with its low-carb profile, serve your Savory Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Saltimbocca with steamed or roasted green vegetables. Think crisp asparagus, tender green beans, sautéed spinach, or a side of garlicky broccoli. Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles are also excellent, sauce-absorbing options!
• Mediterranean Medley: Pair with a fresh, crisp side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette. The freshness will beautifully cut through the richness of the chicken.
• Pasta Partner (Optional): If you’re not strictly low-carb, this dish is phenomenal served alongside a light pasta, such as angel hair or linguine, allowing the delicious sauce to coat every strand. Alternatively, a creamy mashed cauliflower or even a small serving of creamy polenta would be divine.
• Hearty & Wholesome: For a more robust meal, consider serving with a side of roasted root vegetables like carrots or parsnips, or a simple brown rice pilaf.

How You Can Store It and How Long Does It Last

You’ve just enjoyed a spectacular meal of Savory Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Saltimbocca, and if you have any leftovers (a rare occurrence, we know!), you’ll want to store them properly to savor later.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Allow the cooked chicken and any remaining sauce to cool completely to room temperature (within 1-2 hours) before storing. Transfer the chicken pieces and the sauce into separate airtight containers. This helps maintain the texture of the chicken and prevents it from becoming soggy.
• How Long It Lasts: Stored correctly in the refrigerator, your Savory Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Saltimbocca will remain fresh and delicious for 3-4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven Method (Recommended): For the best results, especially to help crisp up the prosciutto slightly, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the chicken pieces in a baking dish, add a tablespoon or two of the leftover sauce (or a splash of chicken broth) to keep them moist, and cover loosely with foil. Reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Microwave Method: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, spoon some sauce over it, and cover loosely. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking at 30-second intervals until hot. Be mindful that the prosciutto might lose some of its crispness.

Freezing:

• While you can freeze cooked chicken Saltimbocca, it’s generally not recommended for optimal texture. The prosciutto can become soft, and the mozzarella might change texture upon thawing. However, if you must, freeze cooled portions in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs Section

1. What does “Saltimbocca” mean?

Saltimbocca is an Italian term that literally translates to “jumps in the mouth,” referring to how incredibly flavorful and delicious the dish is, suggesting it practically leaps into your mouth!

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs would work wonderfully, offering a richer flavor and often staying even more moist. Adjust baking time as needed; thighs typically take a bit longer to cook through.

3. What can I substitute for prosciutto?

While prosciutto is key to the authentic flavor of Savory Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Saltimbocca, you could try thinly sliced pancetta or even regular bacon (par-cooked first to remove some fat) for a similar salty, savory wrap.

4. Is xanthan gum necessary? What can I use instead?

Xanthan gum helps create a smooth, thick sauce without adding carbs. If you don’t have it, you can omit it for a thinner sauce, or if not low-carb, use a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp cold water) for a similar thickening effect.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, you would need to omit the mozzarella cheese. You could replace it with a dairy-free mozzarella alternative, or simply enjoy the chicken with the prosciutto and sauce.

6. How do I know the chicken is cooked through?

The best way to tell is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken (avoiding the bone, if applicable). The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

7. Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can slice the chicken and wrap it with prosciutto a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. You can also thinly slice the garlic and mozzarella. The sauce is best made fresh.

8. What wine pairs well with Savory Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Saltimbocca?

A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a light-bodied Chardonnay (unoaked) would beautifully complement the lemon and savory flavors of this dish.

9. Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

While not tested for this recipe, you could potentially sear the chicken in an air fryer (check for crispness), then top with mozzarella and finish baking. Cooking times and temperatures would need to be adjusted and carefully monitored.

10. Is this recipe truly low-carb?

Yes, with a net carb count of 2.7g per serving, this Savory Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Saltimbocca is an excellent choice for a low-carb or ketogenic diet. The use of xanthan gum for thickening also helps keep the carb count minimal.