Classic Chicken Saltimbocca

The Story Behind the Recipe 🍗

It all started one warm summer evening in Rome — or at least, that’s how I like to imagine it every time I make Classic Chicken Saltimbocca.

The first time I had this dish wasn’t in Italy, though I wish it had been! It was at a tiny family-owned restaurant tucked away in a quiet corner of my city. The aroma of butter, sage, and prosciutto drifted from the kitchen, and when the waiter brought out my plate — glistening golden chicken cutlets wrapped in paper-thin prosciutto — I knew I was in for something special.

One bite, and I understood why it’s called Saltimbocca. The flavors really do “jump in your mouth.” The salty, savory prosciutto perfectly balances the tender chicken, while the fresh sage adds a hint of earthiness that lingers.

A few weeks later, I decided to recreate it at home. The first try was good, but the second? Oh, that was the one. My kitchen smelled like an Italian trattoria, and my family couldn’t stop dipping bread into the buttery white wine sauce.

Now, this dish has become one of my signature recipes — one I pull out for date nights, family dinners, or when I want to feel a little fancy without spending hours in the kitchen. Because the magic of Chicken Saltimbocca is that it’s both simple and stunning.

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What Makes This Recipe Special

✨ Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot on your table:

• 🧈 Elegant but Effortless: It looks like fine dining but comes together in just 30 minutes.
• 🥓 Flavor Explosion: The combination of prosciutto, sage, and a buttery white wine sauce is absolutely irresistible.
• 🍗 Tender & Juicy Chicken: Pounded thin so it cooks evenly and stays perfectly moist.
• 🍋 Bright & Balanced: A splash of lemon and wine cuts through the richness.
• ❤️ Classic Italian Comfort: It feels special — the kind of dish that makes an ordinary night feel like a celebration.

Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting guests, Chicken Saltimbocca brings that warm, rustic Italian charm straight to your dinner table.

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Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

🍗 For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 8 fresh sage leaves
• 8 thin slices of prosciutto
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

🍋 For the Sauce:

• ½ cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon butter (to finish the sauce)

🌿 Optional Garnish:

• Extra sage leaves, fried for garnish
• Lemon wedges
• Freshly chopped parsley

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to about ¼ inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
Season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.

(Pro Tip: Don’t over-salt — the prosciutto will add plenty of savory flavor!)

Step 2: Add Sage & Prosciutto

Lay two sage leaves on top of each chicken breast. Then, wrap each piece with two slices of prosciutto, pressing gently so it adheres to the surface.

Step 3: Dredge in Flour

Lightly coat the chicken on both sides with flour, shaking off any excess. This helps create a beautiful golden crust when you cook it.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
When the butter starts to foam, add the chicken prosciutto-side down first. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.

Step 5: Make the Pan Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the white wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan — those are pure flavor gold!
Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add chicken broth and lemon juice, then simmer again for another 2–3 minutes.

Whisk in 1 tablespoon of butter to finish the sauce. It should be glossy, silky, and fragrant.

Step 6: Return & Coat

Place the chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece so it gets fully coated in that buttery goodness. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Serve immediately, drizzled with the warm sauce and garnished with extra sage leaves and lemon wedges.

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Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

Chicken Saltimbocca pairs beautifully with both classic Italian sides and simple comfort dishes:

• 🍝 Creamy Risotto: A luxurious pairing for special dinners.
• 🥔 Garlic Mashed Potatoes: To soak up that heavenly sauce.
• 🥗 Simple Arugula Salad: With lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• 🍞 Crusty Bread: Because every drop of sauce deserves to be savored.
• 🍷 Wine Pairing: Try a crisp Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a light red like Chianti.

It’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and elegant — like dinner in a cozy Italian countryside villa. 🇮🇹

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Customization & Variations

You can easily make this recipe your own without losing its soul:

• Creamy Saltimbocca: Add ¼ cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer texture.
• Chicken Marsala Twist: Substitute the wine with Marsala for a sweeter, deeper flavor.
• Pork or Veal Saltimbocca: Use thin veal or pork cutlets for a more traditional Roman version.
• Herb Upgrade: Swap sage with fresh basil or thyme if you prefer.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the flour dredge and pan-sear directly.

No matter how you customize it, the flavors of prosciutto, sage, and butter will always make your heart happy. 💛

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Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or water over low heat until heated through.

(Avoid microwaving for too long — it can make the chicken dry!)

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Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Sugar: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 860mg

Balanced, satisfying, and bursting with flavor — a perfect combination for any dinner table. 🍽️

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. What does “Saltimbocca” mean?
It means “jump in the mouth” in Italian — a nod to how flavorful it is!

2. Can I use veal instead of chicken?
Yes, veal is traditional. The same recipe works beautifully.

3. What’s the best wine to use?
A dry white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

4. Can I skip the wine?
Sure! Replace it with chicken broth and a bit more lemon juice.

5. Why is my chicken tough?
You may have overcooked it. Pound thin and cook quickly over medium-high heat.

6. Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce separately. Reheat gently together before serving.

7. How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or skip the dredging step.

8. What can I serve it with?
Risotto, polenta, roasted veggies, or pasta.

9. Can I use bacon instead of prosciutto?
Yes, but the flavor will be smokier — still delicious!

10. Is it kid-friendly?
Absolutely — the alcohol cooks off, leaving only flavor behind.

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Final Thoughts 🍽️

This Classic Chicken Saltimbocca is the kind of dish that makes you fall in love with cooking all over again. 💕

It’s proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Tender chicken, salty prosciutto, fresh sage, and a buttery lemon sauce — together they create harmony in every bite.

Every time I make this, I’m transported to a little trattoria in Rome, where dinner is an event and every bite tells a story.

It’s elegant but cozy, quick yet impressive — a dish that will never fail to make your family or guests say, “Wow.”

So next time you want to bring a little taste of Italy home, pour yourself a glass of wine, light a candle, and let your kitchen fill with the scent of sage and butter. 🇮🇹✨

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Tried This Recipe? 💕

If you made this Classic Chicken Saltimbocca, I’d love to see your version!

📸 Tag @Granny’s Lil Kitchen on Pinterest and share your delicious creation with our cozy food-loving family!

Did you make it creamy? Serve it with risotto? Add your own twist? Tell me in the comments — your kitchen stories always make me smile. 💖

Until next time, keep cooking with love, one comforting bite at a time. 🍋🍗