Experience a sumptuous, home-cooked meal with the Prosciutto-Wrapped Baked Chicken recipe. This dish features tender chicken breasts wrapped in a layer of salty prosciutto, cooked to perfection in the oven. With a hint of sage and garlic butter sauce, this dish is sure to impress any dinner guest. Create this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home with ease.
Prosciutto might not be a common ingredient in most households. It's a dry-cured ham from Italy, thinly sliced and usually served uncooked. When shopping at the supermarket, you can find it in the deli section alongside other cured meats. Fresh sage is another ingredient that's not commonly found in every kitchen. It's a fragrant herb that can be found in the fresh produce section.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Baked Chicken Ingredients
Chicken breasts: The star of the dish, chicken breasts are lean and high in protein. They absorb the flavours of the ingredients they're cooked with.
Prosciutto: An Italian dry-cured ham that's thinly sliced and has a salty and slightly sweet flavour.
Butter: Used to baste the chicken and to make the garlic sage sauce.
Garlic: Adds a pungent and spicy flavour that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking.
Sage: An aromatic herb with a strong, slightly peppery flavour.
Dry white wine: Adds a depth of flavour to the sauce.
Lemon wedges: for a tangy freshness.
Chives: Used as a garnish.
Parmesan Cheese: A hard, granular cheese with a sharp and complex fruity-nutty taste with a strong, savory flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a spicy kick to the dish.
One reader, Gram Thornton says:
This prosciutto-wrapped baked chicken recipe is a game-changer! The prosciutto adds a delicious salty flavor, and the chicken turns out incredibly juicy. The sage-butter sauce is the perfect finishing touch. It's a simple yet impressive dish that's sure to impress your guests. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Prosciutto-Wrapped Baked Chicken
How to brine the chicken: Brining the chicken in a mixture of warm water and kosher salt helps to season and tenderize the meat.
How to cook the chicken: The chicken is wrapped in prosciutto, seasoned, and then baked in the oven until it is cooked through.
How to make the sage-butter sauce: This involves sautéing garlic, sage, and crushed red pepper flakes in butter, then adding white wine and simmering until the sauce is ready to spoon over the baked chicken breasts.
How To Make Prosciutto-Wrapped Baked Chicken
This prosciutto-wrapped baked chicken is a unique twist to the traditional Chicken Saltimbocca made with buttery garlic sage white wine sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4chicken breastsskinless, boneless
- Kosher salt
- freshly-cracked black pepper
- 12slicesprosciutto
- 4tbspbuttermelted, divided
- 1garlic clovepressed or minced
- 1tbspfresh sagefinely-chopped
- red pepper flakescrushed
- ¼cupdry white wine
- lemon wedgesfresh
- fresh chiveschopped, optional garnish
- Parmesan cheesegrated, optional garnish
- red pepper flakescrushed, optional garnish
Instructions
To brine the chicken:
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Fill a large bowl with warm water and kosher salt. Stir to combine until most of the salt is absorbed. Add the chicken breasts and let them sit in the mixture to brine for 15 minutes.
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Remove the chicken breasts from the brine, rinse them with cold water, then pat them dry with some paper towels.
To cook the chicken:
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Heat oven to 450 degrees F.
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Wrap each chicken breast with 2 to 3 slices of prosciutto.
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Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a large baking dish. Brush the chicken breasts evenly with 1 tablespoon of the melted butter.
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Season both sides of the chicken breasts with a quick pinch of salt and pepper, then lay the chicken back in a single layer in the baking dish.
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Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
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Once the chicken is cooked, remove the pan from the oven and loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil. Let the chicken rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes.
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Meanwhile, as the chicken is cooking, add the remaining 3 tablespoons butter to a small sauté pan, along with the garlic, sage, and crushed red pepper flakes.
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Sauté over medium-low for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the sage starts to get slightly crispy. Slowly add in the white wine, and simmer for 5 more minutes. Remove from heat.
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Once the chicken and sauce are ready to go, spoon the sage-butter sauce evenly over the baked chicken breasts.
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Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges, sprinkled with optional garnishes if you’d like.
Nutrition
- Calories: 512.29kcal
- Fat: 31.66g
- Saturated Fat: 13.33g
- Trans Fat: 0.65g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.40g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.33g
- Carbohydrates: 3.13g
- Fiber: 1.21g
- Sugar: 0.37g
- Protein: 49.34g
- Cholesterol: 173.39mg
- Sodium: 1325.31mg
- Calcium: 68.01mg
- Potassium: 670.49mg
- Iron: 2.52mg
- Vitamin A: 145.07µg
- Vitamin C: 4.59mg
Technique Tip for Prosciutto-Wrapped Baked Chicken
When wrapping the chicken breasts with prosciutto, ensure that the slices are evenly distributed to cover the entire surface of the chicken. This not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the chicken moist during the baking process. Additionally, when making the sage-butter sauce, be sure to simmer it on a low heat. This allows the flavors to meld together without burning the butter or sage. Lastly, allowing the chicken to rest after baking is crucial. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken in advance to save time on the day of cooking. This will allow the flavors to develop and the meat to tenderize.
Use pre-sliced prosciutto: Opt for pre-sliced prosciutto to skip the step of slicing it yourself, saving time and effort.
Multi-task: While the chicken is baking, prepare the sage-butter sauce to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Invest in a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through, preventing overcooking and saving time.
Organize ingredients: Prior to cooking, organize all the ingredients and utensils needed for the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Prep work area: Keep your work area clean and organized to avoid wasting time searching for tools and ingredients.
Batch cooking: Consider making extra servings and freezing them for future quick and easy meals.
Plan ahead: Create a meal plan for the week to streamline grocery shopping and meal preparation, saving time and reducing food waste.
Substitute Ingredients For Prosciutto-Wrapped Baked Chicken Recipe
prosciutto - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta is a cured Italian meat that is similar to prosciutto but has a slightly different flavor profile, and it crisps up beautifully when cooked, adding a delicious texture to the dish.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, and it adds a rich flavor to the dish while also helping to keep the chicken moist during baking.
dry white wine - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can provide a similar depth of flavor as white wine, and it also adds moisture to the dish while keeping the chicken tender during baking.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor to Parmesan and can be used as a substitute to add a delicious umami kick to the dish.
Presenting Your Prosciutto-Wrapped Baked Chicken
Elevate the prosciutto-wrapped chicken: Carefully arrange the prosciutto-wrapped chicken on the plate, ensuring that each piece is presented with precision and elegance.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped chives to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor to the plate.
Drizzle with sage-butter sauce: Artfully drizzle the sage-butter sauce over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is generously coated with the flavorful sauce.
Accompany with lemon wedges: Place the lemon wedges on the plate, adding a vibrant and citrusy element to the dish that complements the savory flavors of the chicken.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese: Lightly sprinkle the dish with finely grated Parmesan cheese to add a hint of nuttiness and richness to the overall presentation.
Add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the dish to provide a subtle kick of heat and a visually appealing contrast.
Serve on elegant dinnerware: Present the prosciutto-wrapped baked chicken on sophisticated, high-quality dinnerware to enhance the overall dining experience for the esteemed guests.
Essential Tools for Making Prosciutto-Wrapped Baked Chicken
- Oven: Used for baking the chicken breasts.
- Baking dish: Used to hold the chicken breasts while baking.
- Aluminum foil: Used to cover the baking dish while the chicken rests.
- Large bowl: Used for brining the chicken breasts.
- Paper towels: Used to pat the chicken breasts dry after brining.
- Sauté pan: Used for making the sage-butter sauce.
- Tongs: Used for flipping and handling the chicken breasts.
- Knife: Used for slicing and chopping ingredients.
- Cutting board: Used for preparing and cutting ingredients.
- Measuring cup: Used for measuring the dry white wine.
- Measuring spoons: Used for measuring the kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Brush: Used for brushing the chicken breasts with melted butter.
- Lemon squeezer: Used for squeezing fresh lemon juice over the chicken.
- Serving platter: Used for serving the prosciutto-wrapped baked chicken.
How To Store and Freeze Prosciutto-Wrapped Baked Chicken
- Let the prosciutto-wrapped baked chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap
- Refrigerate the leftover chicken for up to 3-4 days
- To freeze the chicken, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container
- Label the container with the date and contents for easy reference
- Freeze the prosciutto-wrapped chicken for up to 2-3 months
- When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight
- Reheat the thawed chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through
- Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in the microwave, but the prosciutto may become slightly soggy
- If you want to maintain the crispiness of the prosciutto, you can reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and the prosciutto is crispy again
- Serve the reheated prosciutto-wrapped chicken with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh chives and parmesan cheese for added flavor
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover prosciutto-wrapped chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the prosciutto is crispy. This method will help maintain the texture of the prosciutto while ensuring the chicken is evenly heated.
For a quicker reheating option, use the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chicken to dry out and the prosciutto to become tough.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the prosciutto-wrapped chicken. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the prosciutto is crispy. This method will help restore the crispiness of the prosciutto while keeping the chicken moist.
For a stovetop method, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is heated through and the prosciutto is crispy. This method will give the prosciutto a nice, crispy texture and add a bit of extra flavor to the dish.
If you want to reheat the chicken while keeping it moist, try the sous vide method. Place the chicken in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag with the air removed. Heat a pot of water to 140°F (60°C) and place the bag in the water. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. This method will help maintain the moisture and tenderness of the chicken while gently reheating it.
Random Fact About Prosciutto-Wrapped Baked Chicken
The prosciutto-wrapped baked chicken recipe is a delicious and elegant dish that combines the rich flavors of prosciutto and tender chicken. It's a versatile recipe that can be served for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of flavors from the prosciutto, sage, and garlic creates a savory and aromatic dish that is sure to impress your guests. Plus, the addition of lemon adds a bright and refreshing touch to the dish. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a great way to elevate your chicken dinner game.
Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
The cost-effectiveness of this prosciutto-wrapped baked chicken recipe is quite high. Prosciutto can be a bit pricey, but it adds a luxurious touch to the dish. The use of chicken breasts and simple ingredients keeps the overall cost reasonable. The dish is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, making it suitable for different preferences. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $25-$30, depending on the quality of ingredients. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is Prosciutto-Wrapped Baked Chicken Healthy or Unhealthy?
This prosciutto-wrapped baked chicken recipe is a delicious and indulgent dish, but it may not be the healthiest option. Here's why:
- The recipe calls for wrapping each chicken breast with 2-3 slices of prosciutto, which is high in sodium and saturated fat.
- The dish uses a significant amount of butter, which is also high in saturated fat.
- The recipe includes white wine, which adds extra calories to the dish.
However, there are some positive aspects to this recipe:
- Chicken breast is a lean protein source, which is beneficial for maintaining muscle mass and keeping you feeling full.
- The recipe includes garlic and sage, which offer some potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of prosciutto used to wrap the chicken, or opt for a leaner alternative like turkey bacon.
- Use a smaller amount of butter, or replace it with a healthier fat source like olive oil.
- Instead of white wine, use low-sodium chicken broth to add flavor without the extra calories.
- Increase the amount of herbs and spices used, such as garlic, sage, and red pepper flakes, to boost the flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt or fat.
- Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to add more nutrients and fiber to the meal.
By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of this prosciutto-wrapped baked chicken recipe while making it a bit more health-conscious. Remember, moderation is key, and it's okay to indulge in a more decadent meal occasionally as part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Thoughts on Prosciutto-Wrapped Baked Chicken
This prosciutto-wrapped baked chicken recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The brining process ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful, while the prosciutto adds a savory, crispy element. The sage-butter sauce with a hint of garlic and red pepper flakes elevates the dish, providing a perfect balance of richness and freshness. The addition of white wine adds a subtle complexity to the sauce, complementing the chicken beautifully. The dish is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, making it a great option for any occasion.
Enhance Your Prosciutto-Wrapped Baked Chicken Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Prosciutto-Wrapped Baked Chicken Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delectable experience, as it combines the succulent flavors of prosciutto and tender chicken. The brining process ensures the chicken remains moist and flavorful, while the sage-butter sauce adds a delightful aromatic touch. The use of dry white wine infuses a rich depth of flavor, elevating the dish to a gourmet level. Trust the expertise behind this recipe to create a memorable dining experience, where each bite is a symphony of savory and indulgent flavors.
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