Chicken Saltimbocca: Your New Favorite Weeknight Italian Escape!

Ciao, food lovers! Are you craving that exquisite, restaurant-quality Italian experience right in your own kitchen, but without spending hours hovering over the stove? Then get ready to fall head over heels for this Chicken Saltimbocca recipe! It’s an elegant, incredibly flavorful dish that tastes like a dream yet comes together with astonishing ease. Imagine tender chicken cutlets, embraced by savory, crispy prosciutto and fragrant sage, all swimming in a delicate white wine sauce. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. And for those nights you need a hearty side, it pairs wonderfully with something comforting like our chicken pasta bake!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)

📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025

Why You’ll Adore This Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe!

Lightning-Fast Elegance: From start to finish, this dish is ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something special.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet chicken, salty prosciutto, earthy sage, and bright wine sauce is absolutely irresistible.
Impressive Yet Easy: It looks incredibly sophisticated, making it ideal for entertaining, but the steps are surprisingly simple.
Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: You’ll use fresh, quality ingredients that truly shine through.

What You’ll Need

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total), pounded 1/4-inch thin
8 slices thinly sliced prosciutto
8-12 fresh sage leaves
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Chicken Saltimbocca

1. Prepare the Chicken: Lay each pounded chicken breast flat. Place 1-2 slices of prosciutto on top, followed by 2-3 fresh sage leaves. Secure the prosciutto and sage to the chicken using toothpicks if desired (you can remove them after cooking). In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken piece lightly in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, place two chicken pieces, prosciutto-side down, into the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the prosciutto is crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through and golden on both sides. Remove the cooked Chicken Saltimbocca to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining chicken, adding more olive oil and butter if needed.
3. Deglaze the Pan: With all the chicken removed, pour the white wine into the hot skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer for 1-2 minutes, reducing slightly.
4. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has reduced slightly and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the lemon juice (if using).
5. Serve: Drizzle the beautiful pan sauce over the Chicken Saltimbocca. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. This dish is fantastic on its own or alongside a light pasta or our delicious chicken pasta bake!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

Make it Veal: The classic version uses veal! Simply substitute thin veal cutlets for the chicken for an authentic experience.
Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the pan before deglazing with wine for an earthy addition to the sauce.
Creamy Sauce: For an even richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the very end.
Serving Suggestions: This dish is incredibly versatile!
Pasta Perfection: Serve with angel hair pasta, fettuccine, or creamy risotto.
Veggies: Roasted asparagus, green beans, or sautéed spinach are fantastic complements.
Potatoes: Mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes would be delightful.
Crusty Bread: Don’t forget some crusty bread to sop up every last drop of that incredible sauce!

Common Questions About Chicken Saltimbocca

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can! Chicken thighs will be more forgiving and stay juicier, but may require a slightly longer cooking time. Pound them thin just like the breasts.

What if I don’t have white wine?

You can substitute chicken broth with a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for acidity. The wine adds depth, but it will still be delicious!

Can I make Chicken Saltimbocca ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a little more chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. The prosciutto might lose some crispness upon reheating.

How do I prevent the prosciutto from falling off?

Pounding the chicken very thin helps, as does a light dredge in flour which creates a surface for the prosciutto to adhere to. Using toothpicks to secure it is also a foolproof method that can be removed before serving.

What Our Readers Are Saying!

“Absolutely divine! This recipe brought such elegance to our weeknight dinner. The prosciutto was perfectly crispy, and the sauce was just chef’s kiss! – Maria S. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)”
“I’ve made chicken saltimbocca before, but this recipe takes the cake! So simple, yet so much flavor. My husband couldn’t get enough. A definite keeper! – David L. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)”
“Quick, easy, and incredibly tasty. I loved how the fresh sage really stood out. This is going into my regular rotation! – Chloe P. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)”

A Note From The Kitchen

There’s something truly magical about transforming simple ingredients into a dish that feels so luxurious and comforting, isn’t there? This Chicken Saltimbocca is a testament to the power of classic Italian flavors and techniques. The tender chicken, the salty crunch of the prosciutto, the aromatic sage, and that beautiful pan sauce – it’s a combination that never disappoints. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, it promises to deliver big on flavor with minimal fuss. Don’t forget to check out our chicken pasta bake for another delightful chicken-centric meal inspiration!

Buon Appetito!