Chicken Saltimbocca is a flavorful and easy-to-make Italian dish that combines succulent chicken breasts with prosciutto and fresh sage, simmered in a rich white wine sauce. This classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser, bringing together savory, salty, and aromatic flavors in one bite. The name “Saltimbocca” means “jumps in the mouth” in Italian, which perfectly describes this dish’s vibrant taste that will have you savoring every bite.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking for your family, Chicken Saltimbocca is a dish that offers both elegance and simplicity. The tender chicken, savory prosciutto, and aromatic sage create a harmony of flavors that will transport you straight to Italy. The light and savory sauce, made with white wine and a touch of butter, brings it all together, making each bite unforgettable.

Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering Chicken Saltimbocca at home!

💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious, restaurant-quality dish in no time.
Flavorsome and Savory: The combination of prosciutto, sage, and white wine sauce creates a rich and savory taste that’s hard to resist.
Versatile: Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. It pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a simple salad.
Elegant: Despite its simplicity, this dish looks and tastes like something you’d order at an upscale restaurant.

🛠️ What Do You Need to Prepare Chicken Saltimbocca?

To make Chicken Saltimbocca, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable dish.

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 slices of prosciutto (thinly sliced)
8-10 fresh sage leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay)
1/2 cup chicken broth
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Toothpicks (optional, for securing the prosciutto and sage to the chicken)

🍳 How to Make Easy Chicken Saltimbocca Step-by-Step?

This recipe is simple, quick, and packed with flavor. Follow these steps for a delicious Chicken Saltimbocca that will make you feel like you’re dining in Italy!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by lightly pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.

Step 2: Add the Prosciutto and Sage

Place one sage leaf on each chicken breast, then top with a slice of prosciutto. If needed, secure them in place with toothpicks. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts, prosciutto side down, and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, pour in the white wine and chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, reducing slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the chicken. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve hot with a drizzle of sauce and enjoy!

🍴 Variations of Chicken Saltimbocca

While the classic Chicken Saltimbocca recipe is amazing on its own, you can try a few variations to suit your taste:

Veal Saltimbocca: If you want to make a more traditional version, substitute the chicken with veal. The delicate texture of veal works wonderfully with the prosciutto and sage.
Pork Saltimbocca: For a twist, try using thin pork cutlets in place of the chicken. The pork’s slightly sweeter flavor pairs nicely with the salty prosciutto.
Vegetarian Saltimbocca: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with portobello mushrooms. Layer the mushrooms with sage and vegan prosciutto or other plant-based alternatives.
Lemon Zest: Add a hint of fresh lemon zest to the sauce for a citrusy twist that brightens up the dish.
Garlic and Shallots: For a deeper flavor, sauté some garlic and shallots in the pan before adding the wine and chicken broth.

Feel free to mix and match these variations based on your preferences!

🔥 Cooking Notes

Chicken Breasts: For the best results, choose chicken breasts that are even in thickness. If the breasts are thick, consider slicing them horizontally to create thinner cutlets that cook faster and more evenly.
Prosciutto: Use thinly sliced prosciutto to ensure it crisps up nicely when seared. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute prosciutto with thinly sliced ham.
Wine: A dry white wine like Chardonnay works best in this recipe. Avoid sweet wines, as they can overpower the other flavors.
Toothpicks: While optional, toothpicks help keep the prosciutto and sage in place. Just make sure to remove them before serving!
Butter and Olive Oil: A mix of both butter and olive oil provides the perfect balance of flavor and richness. Don’t skip the butter—it helps create a silky, flavorful sauce.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

Chicken Saltimbocca pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

Pasta: Serve it alongside a simple pasta, like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, tossed with olive oil and garlic or a light tomato sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or a medley of root vegetables make a great accompaniment.
Rice: A side of creamy risotto or fluffy white rice will soak up the flavorful sauce.
Salad: A light, fresh salad with mixed greens, arugula, or spinach dressed with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting option, serve Chicken Saltimbocca with creamy mashed potatoes to complement the savory sauce.

📝 Helpful Tips

Even Thickness: Ensure your chicken breasts are evenly flattened so they cook evenly. Use a meat mallet for best results.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This allows for better searing.
Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices, keeping the chicken tender.
Use a Good Quality Prosciutto: The prosciutto is a star in this recipe, so opt for high-quality, thinly sliced prosciutto for the best flavor.
Balance the Sauce: If the sauce is too strong or salty, you can add a small splash of chicken broth or a squeeze of lemon to mellow the flavors.

💡 Tips for the Best Chicken Saltimbocca

Use Fresh Sage: Fresh sage leaves are essential for the authentic flavor of Chicken Saltimbocca. Dried sage won’t provide the same aromatic intensity.
Pan-Sear to Perfection: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice golden-brown sear.
Deglaze the Pan: Don’t skip deglazing the pan with white wine to capture all those flavorful brown bits left from the chicken.
Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce reduce a bit to concentrate the flavors before adding the chicken back in.
Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to keep it moist and juicy.

⏰ Timing Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

🍏 Nutritional Information

Calories: 320
Protein: 40g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g

❓ FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts if you prefer dark meat. They will need slightly longer cooking time.
What can I use if I don’t have prosciutto?
If you don’t have prosciutto, you can substitute with thinly sliced ham or pancetta for a similar effect.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While Chicken Saltimbocca is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and prosciutto ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to cook.

🏁 Conclusion

Chicken Saltimbocca is a delicious, easy-to-make Italian classic that will have your taste buds dancing. With its tender chicken, savory prosciutto, and flavorful sage, this dish is the perfect way to elevate your dinner. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

Enjoy the flavors of Italy from the comfort of your home!