Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Saltimbocca is a classic Italian dish known for its savory combination of tender chicken, aromatic sage, and crispy pancetta. This quick and flavorful recipe delivers a comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 4 leaves fresh sage
- 8 slices pancetta
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons parsley, minced
Instructions
- Step 1: Butterfly the chicken breasts into four pieces and pound them to an even thickness using a kitchen mallet.
- Step 2: Season the chicken with Kosher salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Step 3: Mince the fresh sage leaves and place a small amount on top of each chicken piece.
- Step 4: Wrap each piece of chicken with two slices of pancetta, securing the sage inside.
- Step 5: Add olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat.
- Step 6: Dredge the chicken pieces in flour, shaking off any excess, then place them in the skillet.
- Step 7: Cook the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- Step 8: Add the minced shallots to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until translucent.
- Step 9: Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, and let it reduce by half to concentrate the flavors.
- Step 10: Return the chicken to the pan, add butter and sprinkle with minced parsley. Spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh sage for the best flavor; dried sage will not provide the same aroma.
- Substitute prosciutto for pancetta if you prefer a milder, less salty taste.
- Serve over pasta, risotto, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken Saltimbocca in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to retain moisture and prevent the pancetta from becoming tough.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result, though cook times may vary slightly.
How do I keep the pancetta crispy?
Cook the pancetta-wrapped chicken over medium heat without overcrowding the pan to ensure the pancetta crisps up nicely. Avoid flipping too often.
PrintChicken Saltimbocca Recipe
Chicken Saltimbocca is an Italian classic featuring tender chicken breasts wrapped in savory pancetta and fresh sage, pan-seared to golden perfection. Finished with a buttery shallot and chicken broth sauce, this dish offers a delightful balance of rich and fresh flavors, perfect for serving over pasta or a crisp green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 4 leaves fresh sage, minced
- 8 slices pancetta
- 4 tablespoons flour
Sauce & Cooking
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons parsley, minced
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts into four pieces by slicing them horizontally and then pound each piece to an even thickness using a kitchen mallet to ensure even cooking.
- Season and Wrap: Season each piece with Kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper. Sprinkle minced fresh sage evenly on top of each chicken piece. Then wrap each piece with two slices of pancetta to infuse flavor and keep the chicken moist.
- Dredge and Cook Chicken: Lightly dredge each wrapped chicken piece in flour, shaking off any excess. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Add the minced shallots to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until they become translucent and fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Allow the broth to reduce by half, concentrating the flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the butter. Spoon the sauce over the chicken as it melts, then sprinkle with minced parsley for freshness and color. Serve immediately, ideally over pasta or alongside a green salad.
Notes
- Butterflying and pounding the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and remains tender.
- Pancetta adds a rich, salty flavor but can be substituted with prosciutto if pancetta is unavailable.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Reducing the broth concentrates the sauce flavor; do it over medium heat to avoid burning.
- Fresh sage is key to authentic flavor; dried sage can be used but reduce quantity to 1 teaspoon.
Keywords: Chicken Saltimbocca, Italian chicken recipe, pancetta chicken, sage chicken, Italian main course

