Easy Ina Garten Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe That’s Irresistible

Chicken saltimbocca represents a delightful culinary creation that transforms ordinary poultry into an extraordinary dining experience.

Elegant yet simple, this classic Italian-inspired dish combines tender meat with savory elements that dance across your palate.

Delicate layers of protein get enhanced by rich, salty accents that create complex flavor profiles.

Lightweight and sophisticated, the recipe showcases how minimal ingredients can produce maximum satisfaction.

Mediterranean influences shine through in its balanced and nuanced preparation method.

Professional chefs and home cooks appreciate the streamlined technique that delivers impressive results.

The dish promises a restaurant-quality meal you can confidently prepare in your own kitchen: Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game.

Chef’s Tips for a Delicious Chicken Saltimbocca

• Capture Parmesan Essence: Grate fresh Parmesan moments before adding to maintain its intense, nutty flavor profile.
• Prevent Chicken Rolling Mishaps: Secure delicate rolls with toothpicks to keep ingredients intact during cooking.
• Elevate Sauce Intensity: Reduce wine and broth slowly to concentrate flavors and create a luxurious sauce coating.
• Master Prosciutto Selection: Opt for premium, paper-thin slices that melt seamlessly into the chicken's surface.
• Transform Spinach Texture: Squeeze out every drop of moisture from thawed spinach to ensure crisp, clean layers in your saltimbocca.

Preserving Ina Garten Chicken Saltimbocca

• Vacuum Seal: Wrap individual portions of Chicken Saltimbocca in vacuum-sealed bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain maximum flavor. Press out all excess air before sealing to create an impenetrable barrier against moisture and potential ice crystals.
• Flash Freeze: Spread cooked chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper before transferring to freezer containers. This technique prevents pieces from sticking together, allowing you to easily remove just the amount you need for a quick meal.
• Glass Container Method: Store leftovers in high-quality glass containers with tight-fitting lids to preserve taste and texture. Glass containers provide better insulation and prevent unwanted odor absorption compared to plastic alternatives, ensuring your Chicken Saltimbocca remains delicious throughout refrigeration.

Fun Variations on Ina Garten Chicken Saltimbocca

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace spinach with a vibrant mixture of fresh chopped basil, oregano, and parsley, creating a bright herbal profile that complements the prosciutto's saltiness.
• Mushroom Swiss Variation: Swap spinach for sautéed wild mushrooms and add thin Swiss cheese slices, delivering an earthy and rich flavor combination with the chicken.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Substitute spinach with roasted green chiles and pepper jack cheese, introducing a zesty southwestern kick that transforms the classic recipe into a bold, exciting dish.
• Mediterranean Olive Infusion: Layer tapenade instead of spinach, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, and garnish with chopped kalamata olives for an intense Mediterranean-inspired experience that elevates the traditional saltimbocca preparation.

Summation of Ina Garten Chicken Saltimbocca

Culinary magic emerges from Ina Garten’s Chicken Saltimbocca, blending Italian sophistication with simple ingredients.

Prosciutto, spinach, and chicken dance together in perfect harmony, creating an elegant meal that whispers gourmet comfort.

Mediterranean flavors nestle within each rolled cutlet, promising a delightful dining experience.

Lemon-infused sauce adds bright complexity, elevating humble ingredients to restaurant-quality excellence.

Parmesan’s salty richness complements the tender chicken, making each bite a celebration of flavor.

Passionate cooks can craft this masterpiece – discover, share, savor, and spread culinary joy with friends who crave delicious inspiration.

Why Ina Garten’s Chicken Saltimbocca Is Worth It

• Elevate Simple Ingredients: Transform everyday chicken, prosciutto, and spinach into a restaurant-worthy dish that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary skills.
• Quick Gourmet Satisfaction: Prepare a sophisticated meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner parties without sacrificing flavor or presentation.
• Flavor-Packed Nutrition Boost: Combine lean protein from chicken, iron-rich spinach, and calcium-loaded Parmesan for a balanced meal that delivers incredible taste and nutritional benefits.
• Versatile Cooking Technique: Master a rolling method that seals in moisture, creates beautiful presentation, and allows for easy customization with different herbs or cheese variations.

Essential Items for Ina Garten Chicken Saltimbocca

• Chicken Cutlets: Lean, thin pieces of chicken that serve as the main protein, best when evenly sliced and pounded.
• Prosciutto: Delicate Italian cured ham that adds rich, salty flavor and elegant texture to the chicken.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated hard cheese that provides a sharp, nutty taste and helps bind the rolled chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken and other ingredients.

• Spinach: Thawed and squeezed green vegetable that adds nutrition and moisture to the chicken roll.
• Olive Oil: High-quality cooking oil used for searing and adding subtle richness to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps cook and tenderize the chicken while creating a delicious pan sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic ingredient that adds freshness and helps balance the richness of the dish.

Instructions for Ina Garten Chicken Saltimbocca

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Cutlets

Lay chicken cutlets on a clean cutting board. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Top each cutlet with a delicate slice of prosciutto, covering almost the entire surface.

Step 2: Add Spinach Layer

Drain thawed spinach thoroughly, pressing out excess moisture. Season spinach with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix with olive oil. Spread a thin, even layer of spinach mixture over the prosciutto-covered chicken cutlets.

Step 3: Roll and Secure Chicken

Scatter freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the spinach layer. Carefully roll each chicken cutlet from one end to the other, creating a tight spiral. Use toothpicks to hold the rolls in place, securing them at 1-inch intervals.

Step 4: Sear Chicken Rolls

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Gently place chicken rolls into the hot pan. Sear for 2 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.

Step 5: Simmer and Create Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked. Remove chicken rolls and transfer to a serving platter. Continue cooking the remaining liquid until it reduces to approximately . Drizzle the concentrated sauce over the chicken rolls before serving.

Ina Garten Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s chicken saltimbocca brings Italian elegance to your dinner table with sage-infused chicken breasts wrapped in prosciutto. Delicate flavors meld together, creating a sophisticated meal that transports you to a Roman trattoria with each savory bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 6 chicken cutlets (3 ounces/85 grams each), pounded flat
• 6 thin slices of prosciutto

Cheese and Vegetables:

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 10-ounce (280 grams) box of frozen chopped spinach, thawed

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 14-ounce (400 milliliters) can of low-salt chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Arrange chicken cutlets on a clean cutting board, creating an even surface. Delicately sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper across each cutlet. Carefully drape a single slice of prosciutto over the seasoned chicken.
2. Thoroughly drain thawed spinach, pressing out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Season the spinach with a pinch of salt and pepper. Incorporate 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of extra virgin olive oil, mixing until evenly distributed. Spread a thin, uniform layer of the seasoned spinach mixture directly onto the prosciutto-covered chicken cutlets.
3. Generously dust grated Parmesan cheese over the spinach layer, ensuring complete coverage. Carefully roll each chicken cutlet into a compact cylinder, mimicking a jelly roll technique. Secure the rolled chicken with toothpicks to maintain its shape during cooking.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Gently place the chicken rolls into the hot pan, searing until a golden-brown crust forms, approximately 2 minutes per side.
5. Pour chicken broth and fresh lemon juice into the skillet surrounding the chicken rolls. Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and allow the chicken to simmer for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked. Carefully transfer the chicken rolls to a serving platter. Continue cooking the remaining liquid until reduced to approximately 2/3 cup (160 milliliters). Elegantly drizzle the concentrated sauce over the chicken before serving.

Notes

• Plan ahead by thawing spinach and chicken completely to ensure smooth preparation.
• Experiment with different herbs like sage or basil for unique flavor variations.
• Secure chicken rolls tightly with toothpicks to maintain perfect shape during cooking.
• Create a light pan sauce using chicken broth and lemon juice for added brightness.
• Slice leftovers for quick salads or pasta dishes, maximizing meal versatility.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 227
• Sugar: 1 gram
• Sodium: 700 milligrams
• Fat: 11 grams
• Saturated Fat: 2 grams
• Carbohydrates: 4 grams
• Protein: 27 grams
• Cholesterol: 63 milligrams