Chicken Saltimbocca(Italian For "Jump In Mouth Quickly")
Juicy chicken breasts wrapped with ham and cheese, baked to perfection with herbs and breadcrumbs for a flavorful Italian-inspired dish perfect for dinner parties or family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts on a cutting board.
- Cover with clear plastic wrap.
- Pound lightly with a meat mallet from the center out to 5 x 5 inches.
- Remove the plastic wrap.
- Place a slice of ham and half a slice of mozzarella cheese on each chicken cutlet, fitting as needed.
- Top with some chopped tomato and a dash of dried sage.
- Fold in the sides and roll up jelly roll style, pressing to seal well.
- Combine bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and snipped parsley.
- Dip the rolled chicken in melted butter or margarine, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place in a shallow baking dish.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 40 to 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using prosciutto instead of boiled ham for a richer flavor. If mozzarella isn't available, a mild provolone can be a great substitute. Ensure the chicken is pounded evenly for even cooking. You can also add a splash of white wine to the baking dish for added moisture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Saltimbocca alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Angel Hair Pasta With Lemon And Chicken for a delightful Italian-inspired dinner. A glass of white wine also complements the flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This will help maintain the crispiness of the breadcrumb coating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Saltimbocca(Italian For "Jump In Mouth Quickly") contains roughly 469 calories, with 35g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (69% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 524mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chicken Saltimbocca ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken rolls and coat them in breadcrumbs a day in advance. Just cover them and store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake. This can save time on busy weeknights.
What can I use if I don't have dried sage?
If you don't have dried sage, dried thyme or oregano can work as a substitute, providing a different but still delicious flavor profile. Fresh herbs can also be used; just remember to double the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make Chicken Saltimbocca gluten-free by substituting regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, like the cheese and ham, are gluten-free as well.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).