Chicken saltimbocca is a twist on a classic Italian dish consisting of a thinly sliced veal fillet, rolled up with prosciutto and a sage leaf. The name of the dish comes from the Italian “saltimbocca”, which means “jump in the mouth”.
Saltimbocca is a traditional dish from the Lazio region, which includes the city of Rome. However, the regional origins of saltimbocca are still obscure. Many culinary experts believe that Brescia is the city where the dish originated and suggest that it was only “adopted” by Romans during the 19th century. Regardless of where this recipe originated, saltimbocca has become a popular dish all over the world.
The traditional recipe for saltimbocca is made with veal fillets, prosciutto, sage, and butter. The veal fillets are seasoned with salt and pepper, rolled up with prosciutto and sage, and secured with a toothpick. They are then cooked in a skillet with butter until golden brown on both sides.
The Weight Watcher Version
In this recipe, we use chicken fillets instead of veal. Chicken is a healthier meat than veal, as it is lower in fat and calories. It is also more tender and easier to digest.
To prepare chicken saltimbocca, we start by seasoning the fillets with salt and pepper. Then, we roll each fillet with a strip of prosciutto and a sage leaf. Finally, we cook the fillets in a skillet with olive oil until golden brown on both sides. To add a touch of extra flavor to our chicken saltimbocca, we add a bit of lemon juice at the end of cooking. The lemon juice helps to enhance the flavor of the chicken and sage.
Why you should try this recipe
If you are looking for a delicious, easy-to-prepare, and versatile dish, the chicken saltimbocca recipe is an excellent option:
- It is a delicious and flavorful dish. The combination of chicken, prosciutto, and sage is simply irresistible.
- It is a relatively easy dish to prepare. With just a few ingredients and a few steps, you can enjoy a delicious saltimbocca at home.
- It is a versatile dish. You can serve it as an entrée or as an appetizer. You can also add your personal touch, such as a sauce or a side dish.
Yield: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
1 WW points per serving
Ingredients
- 4 1-inch-thick chicken cutlets, 500 g.
- 4 slices of lean prosciutto, 50 g.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 4 sage leaves
- Toothpicks
- A splash of lemon juice (optional)
- ½ cup fat-free chicken broth
- ¼ tsp of salt
- ¼ tsp of black pepper
- 1 tsp of cornstarch (optional)
Instructions for making Chicken Saltimbocca
- Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.
- Roll each cutlet with a slice of prosciutto and a sage leaf.
- Secure the rolls with toothpicks.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken rolls for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- If desired, add a splash of lemon juice to the skillet during the last 30 seconds of cooking.
- Remove the chicken rolls from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the fat-free chicken broth and cornstarch (if using), to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken rolls and serve immediately.
Variations and substitutions
There are many ways to change up the recipe to create your own unique version. Here are five ideas:
- Add cheese: Cheese is a great way to add flavor and texture to saltimbocca. You can use mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, or any other cheese you like.
- Add other ingredients: You can add other ingredients to the recipe to give it a personal touch. Some popular ingredients include prosciutto, bacon, rosemary, or parsley.
- Use a sauce: A sauce can help make saltimbocca even more delicious. You can use a tomato sauce, a white wine sauce, or a cream sauce.
- Cook saltimbocca in a different way: Instead of pan-frying saltimbocca, you can roast it in the oven or grill it.
- Serve saltimbocca with a different side dish: Saltimbocca is typically served with pasta or rice. However, you can also serve it with a side of vegetables or salad.
Tips and Tricks Section for Chicken Saltimbocca
- Use high-quality chicken. Free-range chicken will have a more intense and juicier flavor.
- Do not overcook the chicken. The chicken should be cooked through, but not dry.
- Add a touch of lemon. Lemon juice helps to enhance the flavor of the chicken and sage.
Related Recipes
Chicken Saltimbocca
Ingredients
- 4 1-inch-thick chicken cutlets, 500 g.
- 4 slices of prosciutto, 50 g.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 4 sage leaves
- Toothpicks
- A splash of lemon juice, optional
- ½ cup fat-free chicken broth
- ¼ tsp of salt
- ¼ tsp of black pepper
- 1 tsp of cornstarch, optional
Instructions
- Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.
- Roll each cutlet with a slice of prosciutto and a sage leaf.
- Secure the rolls with toothpicks.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken rolls for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- If desired, add a splash of lemon juice to the skillet during the last 30 seconds of cooking.
- Remove the chicken rolls from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the fat-free chicken broth and cornstarch (if using), to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken rolls and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
