How to make Chicken Saltimbocca an Authentic Italian Classic-
One of my favorite dishes to prepare during my restaurant days was a Chicken Saltimbocca, it contained different components that came together in a symphony of flavors that truly did “jump in your Mouth”, at least according to the literal translation!
When I first started in the kitchen saltimbocca was made with veal, but these days chicken has replaced veal in just about every dish it used to be made with.
Some of the ingredients we use in restaurants have very specific purposes, while others are fillers used to bulk up a dish without bulking up the cost. Mushrooms have always been a favorite of mine for this purpose, and or course pasta, rice or grains take up a lot of room on the plate and can a meal much more enticing.
Chicken Saltimbocca could easily be served over pasta.
For my first entry into My Restaurant Kitchen I’m making one of my favorites chicken saltimbocca, it was always one of my more popular dishes, no matter where I worked. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 slices of proscuitto
- 3 oz fontina cheese shredded
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 6 oz cello pack of baby spinach
- 6 oz sweet marsala
- 6 ounces chicken stock
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- splash of heavy cream or half and half
- pinch of ground sage
- pinch of black pepper
- Olive oil to saute spinach and chicken
- pound chicken breasts with the flat side of a meat hammer
- dredge chicken breasts in flour seasoned with salt and pepper
- place floured breasts in a large saute pan with enough olive oil to saute chicken breasts.
- Cook chicken 3 minutes on each side and remove from the pan.
- add a little more olive oil to the pan and add in the sliced mushrooms and saute until soft
- Add all but 2 ounces of marsala wine wine to pan to deglaze the pan, allow alcohol to cook off for a minute then add the chicken stock, pinch of sage, pinch of black pepper and place chicken breasts back into the pan.
- reduce heat and continue to cook while sauce is reducing.
- once sauce has started to reduce add in cream and mix well.
- Take the butter and coat it in flour pressing flour into the butter and add to the sauce (this is called a beurre manie) it will thicken the sauce and the butter will impart a rich flavor
- as the sauce begins to thicken remove from the heat.
- Place chicken breast in a baking dish and top with a slice of proscuitto and the shredded fontina cheese
- Place in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted
- In another saute pan add in a little olive oil and the baby spinach, saute until completely cooked and set aside (make sure you drain off any extra oil)
3 minutes before the chicken breasts are done, start to slowly reheat the marsala sauce and spinach.
- At this time add in the remaining Marsala wine
- On a serving platter or individual plates set up the dish
- Sauteed spinach, chicken breast then top with mushrooms and marsala sauce
- serve with rice or a grain of your choice.
;*you can use mozzarella instead of fontina, this will keep the cost down.
* sweet marsala will have a nuttier flavor and makes a much better sauce, everyone will tell you to use dry, I never have. Pellingrino is the best Marsala if you can find it.
*reserving some of the marsala until the final minutes before serving will enhance the flavors by allowing the marsala flavor to be more prominent in the dish
More recipes from my site
Chicken Marsalena with Pepperoni – Inside my Restaurant Kitchen- Tuscan Chicken and Sausage with Pasta Recipe
- Classic Chicken Marsala Recipe – The Perfect Date Night Dinner
- When All Else Fails, Make Comfort Food!
- Chicken Sorrento Recipe : Restaurant Style Meals in your home
- Chicken Scarpariello Recipe “Shoemakers Chicken”
Mardi says
November 1, 2018 at 11:44 amHi Dennis, I want to make this for my daughters engagement party, to serve 25-30 people. Can I make trays of this the day before and then bake for dinner time next day. Can I make the sauce early or at serving? If it’s possible how would you do it? For that many people what’s the best accompaniments?
Chef Dennis Littley says
November 1, 2018 at 11:53 amThis is a great choice for a party.
I would oven roast the chicken breasts (season well) undercooking them a little so they can finish in the oven.
You can make the sauce ahead of time if you need to, and reheat it at the time of service. It will thicken, thin it out with more marsala or chicken stock when you reheat it.
Put the chicken on the baking tray, add hot sauce, top with prosciutto and fontina finish in 350-degree oven for 10 minutes.
Place on top of the spinach when you move it to the serving dishes.
I would do either mashed or roasted potatoes and a nice salad, either Cesaer or Garden. Roasted potatoes can be cut, oiled and seasoned ahead of time, then placed in a 350 oven 35-45 minutes before you finish the chicken.
Hope this helps
Molly says
December 15, 2018 at 7:17 pmHi Chef, I also would like to make this ahead of time – I’m planning to bring it to Xmas dinner, and need to make enough for about 20 people. Just to clarify, would you recommend doing everything up ’til step 11, and then finishing the dish in the oven, re-warming the sauce? Thank you!!!
Chef Dennis Littley says
December 16, 2018 at 8:49 amI would cook the chicken till its almost done. You can grill it, cook it in the oven or saute it. Season the chicken well before cooking. Cook the spinach ahead of time or before serving whatever works best for you. Make the sauce on the stove top and when you’re ready to serve put it together and finish it in the oven, adding the sauce before serving.
This is a great dish for groups.
Molly says
December 16, 2018 at 6:22 pmThanks so much! We’re doing a trial run tonight, we’ll see how it goes 🙂
Belle says
January 4, 2018 at 3:18 pmWhile my note is many years past the original posting date of your recipe, I thought I’d still throw in my comments. I have been making Chicken Saltimbocca now for, gosh, over thirty years, and it’s always been a favorite of my family. I learned to construct it a bit differently, but I doubt it makes a huge difference in taste, if at all. After pounding the breasts flat, I place the prosciutto and cheese on top of each breast portion, then roll them up snugly, tucking in the edges and ends, securing each with toothpicks. I give them a quick egg wash before dredging each in a fresh breadcrumb/flour/parmesan/sage mixture and pan fry in an unsalted butter/olive oil mix over medium to medium high heat until a light golden brown before transferring to the baking dish. Several members of my family have never acquired a taste for spinach unfortunately, so I’ve had to substitute there. I usually toss asparagus spears with olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon and sea salt before grilling them to a crisp-tender consistency, then fan out 5 to 7 spears under each breast for plating. Everything else is practically identical, including the idea of adding the mushrooms!! Yummmm….
Chef Dennis Littley says
January 5, 2018 at 9:57 amthanks for your comment Belle and I’ve always said recipes should be guidelines and easily adaptable to our own tastes. Thanks so much for sharing your version!
Piper Smith says
February 23, 2017 at 8:51 pmMy husband fell in love with me when I made this. I served it over wild mushroom ravioli!
Chef Dennis Littley says
February 24, 2017 at 8:56 amwhat a great way to serve it! I’ll have to try it
Howlinwolf says
February 19, 2015 at 8:51 pmI am trying to figure out what I am missing. The recipe is basically strong, but the cooking times are ridiculous. If you pound the chicken breast to the thickness shown in your photo of the plated dish your cooking times of 5 minutes per side & 15 minutes in a 350 degree oven would produce chicken jerky. I sauteed mine around 1 1/2 minutes per side & 5 minutes in the oven. Tell me what I am missing.
Chef Dennis Littley says
February 20, 2015 at 8:18 amyour right Bob, you can definitely reduce the cooking time, I do saute over a medium heat as high heat tends to toughen the meat and as for the oven time it says about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Whatever works for you is good.
Chef D says
September 28, 2011 at 8:56 amyes you can , just don’t cook the chicken all the way, I would top it with everything, reserve the sauce. heat it up at 350 for 15 minutes or until 165 degrees then top with the hot sauce when you serve it.
Nanci says
September 28, 2011 at 9:16 amthank you
Nanci says
September 28, 2011 at 8:52 amCan I saute the chicken and mushrooms first then hold it for an hour or so and then bake it in the oven would that be ok. It is a time thing for me
Chef D says
September 18, 2011 at 5:20 pmThank you so much for letting me know! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed it!
nicole says
September 18, 2011 at 11:59 amthis looks amazing. I love fontana cheese and anything w mushrooms and wine works for me
Denise says
September 10, 2011 at 5:26 pmOh my, this looks fabulous! Definitely going to try it soon. Fontana cheese is hard to find here, any thoughts on a good substitute?
Chef D says
September 10, 2011 at 6:50 pmI have used Mozzarella, that works well with the dish, you just want a cheese that melts well and doesn’t over power the dish.
Kaitlin says
September 6, 2011 at 10:30 ammm. I love chicken Saltimbocca, but mine is never as pretty as this!
Maureen says
September 3, 2011 at 5:56 amI was searching for a recipe for this and found yours. I know it will be fantastic so this is the one I’m going to make!
Chef D says
September 3, 2011 at 6:00 amThanks Maureen! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Felechia says
September 2, 2011 at 9:19 pmI made this tonight for our Friday night supper. We loved it. Thanks so much.
Chef D says
September 3, 2011 at 5:59 amThank you for letting me know! I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed it!
Margie says
September 2, 2011 at 5:05 pmLove how you’ve presented a restaurant-style dish for home cooks! I try to avoid boneless skinless chicken breasts, but my kids love ’em. IMHO, pounding them is the way to go to for even cooking and tender texture. I’ve never cooked with Marsala and would love to give it a try.
Laura @ Family Spice says
September 2, 2011 at 9:37 amI’m not feeding a restaurant or a school, just my family of five. We also have a lot of relatives and we are always hosting dinners and parties at our house. Actually, maybe I am a restaurant? But, I pay for it all!! I have an extra fridge in the garage specifically for stocking up on meat that’s on sale. Whole roasting chickens for 69¢/pound, B/S chicken breast for $1.88/lb, tri-tip for $1.99/lb…. and on and on. I only pay full price during an emergency cooking situation! Lovely recipe!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
September 2, 2011 at 8:13 amLoving this new segment! Of course the dish is delightful!! I feel your pain on grocery prices. Sigh.
skip to malou says
September 1, 2011 at 4:58 pmI love the new series chef. Thank you for generously sharing your skills and knowledge. Homecooks like me appreciates the learning I could get from your series. It will help me infuse a littlle sophistication into our daily cooking. I know my family will enjoy new dishes that I could get from here.
xo,
Malou
Peggy says
September 1, 2011 at 4:53 pmI love the new segment Dennis! And what a way to start it off – I’m a big fan of saltimbocca and this sounds like a definitely winner to me =)
Clarissa says
September 1, 2011 at 4:27 pmI’ve never heard of beurre manie. How can you be sure the sauce doesn’t have that raw-flour taste you get if you don’t cook a rioux long enough?
Chef D says
September 1, 2011 at 4:37 pmyour not putting that much flour into the dish, like with a roux. I have been using this method for 30 years without ever having it leave a raw flour taste. If anything you get more of the butter flavor, the flour just helps pull it together. The trick is just pushing flour into the outer part of the butter, kind of rolling it in the flour while getting as much in the butter as you can.
I’ve used this with all types of dishes and sauces.
Kita says
September 1, 2011 at 3:46 pmBeautiful dish Chef! I am floored by prices lately – and not just on chicken. But on everything. I read a report earlier in the year about the inexcusable increase in markets over the last five years and how it is just going to continue to rise. Nothing like stimulating the economy huh? It’s just the two of us 99% of the time here, but I always buy in bigger packs and break them down into portions we can use – freezing the leftovers. It just saves in the long run.
Can’t wait to see what your bring us next!
Carolyn says
September 1, 2011 at 1:31 pmGreat new segment, and a fantastic meal to start with. I think I will be making this one soon.
Taflan says
September 1, 2011 at 12:58 pmGreat dish Chef…
It seems like Chicken is much more expensive in England. So is Beef, so is lamb, so is pork…
and probably fish is the most expensive ingredient here. Sometimes i forget that we live in island. :))))
I’ll be following your new segment with interest and good luck. One thing is sure that photography will be excellent.
Nanci says
September 1, 2011 at 11:27 amMy mouth is watering I do not care for sage what could I use as a sub?
Chef D says
September 1, 2011 at 12:05 pmhi Nanci
i would just leave the sage out, my wife doesn’t like it either and it comes out great!
Cheryl and Adam @ pictureperfectmeals.com says
September 1, 2011 at 10:51 amOne of the first things I ate when I moved to Rome was saltimbocca. I thought I had died and woken up in heaven. It truly was one of the most amazing flavors i had ever tasted. Over the next ten years I explored the entirety of Italian culinary genius, but you never forget your first time, right? Thanks for the memories, chef! Congrats, of course, on the Top 9!
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes says
September 1, 2011 at 9:19 amThis is my kind of recipe! Great idea of a series.
RavieNomNoms says
September 1, 2011 at 9:00 amThis is awesome. Great first entry Chef Dennis! I am so excited to see how this new portion of your blog is going to go. You always have the best tips and are so very thorough. Thanks for being awesome as always!
Your chicken looks very tasty. I think I should try this and try it very very soon. I love the mushrooms on top. One of my favorite ingredients with chicken.
Daniela says
September 1, 2011 at 8:39 amE’ Da un po’ che non passavo a farti visita, il tuo nuovo blog è a dir poco favoloso.
Ho appena letto le tue ultime due ricette, sono favolose, ora vado leggermi cosa mi sono persa.
Ciao Daniela.
kateiscooking says
September 1, 2011 at 8:19 amOne of my favorite dishes for chicken or pork! I’m looking forward to trying your take on it 🙂
Elin says
September 1, 2011 at 8:10 amChef Dennis…this is a great dish to start off your first segment of your In My Restaurant Kitchen and I am looking forward to the coming ones…lots to learn from you 🙂 I will definitely love this Chicken Saltimbocca and will be trying out this recipe. Wild Boar will be in for a surprise soon ! :p Thanks and btw Congrats on the Top 9 today 🙂
Sandi G says
September 1, 2011 at 8:58 amYour food recipe and layout is an art!
Congrats on being Foodbuzz #1!!
Becky says
September 1, 2011 at 6:05 amChef,
this a great new feature that will help all of us out in the culinary sides of our blogs and kitchens, I’m always looking for another new chicken recipe. Congrats on the Top 9 today!
Alyssa says
September 1, 2011 at 12:40 amI love your idea for this new series. I used to work in restaurants (front of the house) but always wanted to get a chance to work in the kitchen too. Now, I only cook for my small family of four, but I think I still take what I learned in my restaurant experience when I’m cooking for my family. I am always looking for something new to do with chicken. Thanks for the idea and a great post!!!
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
August 31, 2011 at 9:26 pmIn someone’s restaurant, I understand sometimes needing to be more economical. But the only cooking of animals that i respect is one that is done with organic, free-range (hopefully local) chickens. They may cost an astronomical amount, but it’s worth it.
This dish does look amazing and I can’t wait to pass it along to friends. But I will also suggest that they get animals that have been treated properly… no matter what the cost is.
Chef D says
September 1, 2011 at 4:40 amI do understand your point Brian, and while I wish it was always possible to buy free range meats, I can’t always accomplish this. I wish there were more sources and more of a market for the products which would help bring the prices down. Free range and organic should be the first choice of any shopper, choices shouldn’t have to be made because of pricing.
Thank you for making a very valid point, I always appreciate your comments.
janet@fromcupcakestocaviar says
August 31, 2011 at 8:37 pmOh heavens, that looks delicious Dennis! I have never tried Chicken Saltimbocca; not sure why. But looking at this and reading the recipe, It is going on my menu for this weekend.
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective says
August 31, 2011 at 8:10 pmDennis, this sounds amazing! I can never get over the mark-up–it’s pretty ridiculous.
Sandra says
August 31, 2011 at 6:54 pmWho wouldn’t like this? It is Great recipe, and you made fantastic photographs, making this meal even more appealing and delicious! Thank you for sharing!
Jen says
August 31, 2011 at 6:22 pmGreat idea for a new segment! Looking forward to it…
Wendy Irene says
August 31, 2011 at 12:22 pmChef Dennis,
I think ‘In my Restaurant Kitchen’ is a great idea! Can’t wait to learn from you. Have a wonderful day!
Yesim says
August 31, 2011 at 9:17 amit looks great Chef Dennis, and i look forward your tips about cooking thecniques and so on:)
Eva says
August 31, 2011 at 9:11 amChicken is also expensive in Toronto. I love mushrooms, and have some I need to use right now, so this recipe came to us just in the nick of time. It has all the flavours both my hubby and I love!
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
August 31, 2011 at 8:15 amGreat post, Chef!!! I have been wanting to make some chicken saltimbocca for a while since I saw it on a magazine cover a few months ago. Now after seeing yours, I need to make this SOON! I love this new segment on your blog! What you said about the price of chicken is so true. I buy ours in bulk and just freeze it!
Candace says
August 31, 2011 at 8:07 amI loved this new feature, Chef! This is going to be fun. I have made a version of Chicken Saltimbocca that is completely unlike yours. While we love our version, yours looks even better. I cannot wait to give yours a try. With the mushrooms and the cheese and marsala, my husband will hurt himself when I serve this. Thanks so much for sharing it! It’s getting pinned for sure.
Barefeet In The Kitchen says
August 31, 2011 at 8:49 amChef Dennis, once again you have actually made my mouth water! I can not believe how amazing this looks. I adore mushrooms and I’m pretty certain this might be the most tempting dish I’ve seen in a long time.
I love this new section on the blog!
Jammy Chicken says
August 31, 2011 at 6:58 amThat is a tasty looking dinner! I see there’s some spinach under there, I absolutely adore spinach and think it would go very well with the cheese and mushroom of this dish.
Jill Colonna says
August 31, 2011 at 6:16 amGreat idea, Dennis, with your Restaurant Kitchen! One of my favs is Saltimbocca – also adore Fontina but frustrating can’t easily get a hold of it here. Interesting note on the sweet marsala. I use the dry one (also Pellingrino), only so that I can have a wee swig of it while cooking. 😉
Meagan says
August 31, 2011 at 6:09 amMorning! I like the new segment and the recipe! Kudos..
The Kitchen Noob says
August 31, 2011 at 5:40 amI really enjoyed your new segment!
I’m able to find chicken for $1.88 a lb but it comes in 8+ packs and there tends to be lots of waste. It’s surprisingly tender and delicious though compared to the organic, no-additive, no antibiotic chicken that I used to buy at the posh store that seemed to be always dry and have a strong chickeny flavor to it.
Dish looks great and right up my ally – I’ll have to make it sometime. I love mushrooms!
The Kitchen Noob says
August 31, 2011 at 6:02 amWaste as in fat trimmings, not throwing away chicken…I freeze it and pull it out as needed.
Reread my comment and thought I’d clarify lol 🙂
Chef D says
August 31, 2011 at 6:10 amThanks! I knew what you meant but not everyone might, I do buy my chicken in bulk packs too, its a great savings in price! And don’t forget those trimming can help make a good chicken stock!
The Kitchen Noob says
August 31, 2011 at 6:21 amChicken stock is a good idea – I’ll keep that in the back of my mind (along with homemade pasta)
Liz says
August 31, 2011 at 6:05 amThat is the tastiest looking saltimbocca I’ve ever seen!! Printed off to try. Always a joy to visit your blog, Dennis!
Mike@The Culinary Lens says
August 31, 2011 at 4:29 amSaltimbocca is such a great dish. I always think there is a reason why dishes last such a long time.
I never really thought about how many dishes we make from a set of Mise en Place. An excellent idea for a series.
tanyab1990 says
August 31, 2011 at 4:53 amI love the new segment. Sharing your experience makes for great reading. The Chicken Saltimbocca looks amazing and will be on my table very soon.
Tanya
http://www.3-squaremeals.com
Ann says
August 30, 2011 at 10:40 pmThis is a great dish! Saltimbocca is one of my favorites! I have to admit to never having served it with mushrooms, tho. I agree…chicken breasts are crazy expensive. I buy mine in bulk and re-wrap and freeze
Lindsey@Lindselicious says
August 30, 2011 at 10:40 pmWhat a great way to kick off your new segment! I love chicken saltimbocca and yours looks so good!
Kim Bee says
August 30, 2011 at 10:25 pmGreat first segment Chef Dennis. My only issue is none of us like mushrooms. Could I substitute something else in it’s place? I am going to enjoy getting to know the ins and outs of the culinary world. Keep them coming my friend. I love reading your blog.
Chef D says
August 31, 2011 at 5:33 amhi Kim
you can leave out the mushrooms all together, that’s not a problem. As for adding something else in it’s place, I don’t see to many items filling in for the mushrooms, and since we already have spinach on the plate, it would be fine without them!
Dennis