Chicken Saltimbocca: A Keto-Friendly Italian Classic

Chicken Saltimbocca is a delicious Italian dish that can easily be made keto-friendly. The classic recipe includes chicken, prosciutto, and spinach or mozzarella, and is served with pasta. However, by substituting flour with almond flour, serving it with roasted vegetables or salad greens, and making a few other simple adjustments, you can create a mouth-watering keto version of this dish.

Chicken Saltimbocca recipe ingredients

Chicken Saltimbocca is a mouth-watering Italian dish that combines chicken, prosciutto, and sage in a buttery wine sauce. Here is a detailed list of ingredients and recipe instructions to make this delicious keto-friendly meal.

Ingredients:

• Chicken: Use chicken cutlets or boneless, skinless chicken thighs/breasts.
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste.
• Sage: Fresh sage leaves add a bright, earthy flavour.
• Prosciutto: Use prosciutto slices to wrap each chicken piece.
• Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and adding flavour.
• Wine: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio adds flavour to the sauce.
• Broth: Use chicken broth, either store-bought or homemade.
• Butter: This adds richness and flavour to the sauce.
• Cheese: Some recipes include Asiago or mozzarella cheese.
• Spinach: Sautéed spinach is a great side dish or addition to the chicken filling.
• Lemon: Lemon juice can be added to the sauce for a tangy flavour.

Recipe Instructions:

• Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken to flatten and thin out the pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
• Layer with prosciutto and sage: Place a piece of prosciutto on each chicken piece, trimming off any excess. Add 1-2 sage leaves on top. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
• Dredge in flour (optional): For a crispy coating, dredge the chicken in flour or almond flour, shaking off any excess.
• Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a pan. Sear the chicken prosciutto-side down until golden. Flip and cook the other side until cooked through.
• Make the sauce: In the same pan, add white wine and scrape up any browned bits. Add chicken broth and cook until the sauce thickens and reduces. Add butter and whisk until melted.
• Assemble and serve: Return the chicken to the pan, coating it with the sauce. Sprinkle with parsley or serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Chicken Saltimbocca is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated. Enjoy this delicious keto-friendly dish with sides like roasted potatoes, sautéed spinach, or a salad.

Chicken Saltimbocca cooking methods

Chicken saltimbocca is a traditional Italian dish made with veal, but it can also be made with chicken cutlets. The keto-friendly dish is made by wrapping chicken in prosciutto and sage and serving it with a lemon garlic sauce. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make chicken saltimbocca:

Ingredients:

• Chicken cutlets
• Salt and pepper
• Sage leaves
• Prosciutto
• Olive oil
• White wine
• Chicken broth
• Butter

Method:

• Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.
• Place sage leaves on top of each cutlet.
• Wrap each cutlet with prosciutto.
• Cook the cutlets in a skillet with olive oil until they are browned.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
• Add white wine to the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
• Add chicken broth and continue to simmer until the liquid is reduced.
• Remove from heat and stir in butter until the sauce is creamy.
• Spoon the sauce over the chicken cutlets before serving.

Tips:

• You can use almond flour instead of regular flour to make the dish keto-friendly.
• Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts to add more flavour and moisture to the dish.
• The chicken can be pounded to flatten and marinated in a mixture of chopped sage, garlic, and olive oil before cooking.
• The dish can be served with sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or polenta.

Chicken Saltimbocca nutritional information

Chicken Saltimbocca is a keto-friendly dish that combines chicken, prosciutto, and spinach or mozzarella. It is an Italian classic that can be made with a few minor adjustments to conform to a keto diet. The nutritional information for Chicken Saltimbocca can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used, but I can provide a general overview of its nutritional content.

On average, a serving of Chicken Saltimbocca contains around 400 calories, with a significant portion coming from fat. The dish is high in protein, typically offering around 30-40 grams per serving. Carbohydrate content is usually very low, with only a few grams of carbohydrates per serving.

In terms of micronutrients, Chicken Saltimbocca provides a good amount of sodium, which is primarily derived from the prosciutto. It also offers a range of B vitamins, including niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. The dish is a good source of minerals such as selenium, phosphorus, and zinc.

When preparing Chicken Saltimbocca, it is important to note that the nutritional content can be influenced by the cooking methods and specific ingredients used. For example, the type of cheese or oil used can affect the overall fat and calorie content of the dish. Additionally, the use of gluten-free flour or almond flour instead of traditional flour can alter the nutritional profile.

Overall, Chicken Saltimbocca is a flavourful dish that can be made keto-friendly with some adjustments. It offers a good balance of protein, fat, and minimal carbohydrates, making it suitable for a keto diet. However, it is important to be mindful of the sodium content and adjust other dietary choices accordingly.

Chicken Saltimbocca serving suggestions

Chicken Saltimbocca is a flavourful, elegant, and relatively easy-to-make dish. It is a great option for a date night or a weeknight dinner. Here are some serving suggestions for this delicious Italian classic:

Sides

Chicken Saltimbocca is often served with a side of vegetables, such as garlicky sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. A fresh salad can also accompany the dish. Since the chicken is plated with a buttery white wine sauce, you might want to serve it with something that can soak up the sauce, such as roasted or mashed potatoes, pasta, polenta, or risotto.

Accompaniments

Chicken Saltimbocca is typically served with a white wine-butter sauce. To make it, add wine, broth, butter, and red pepper flakes to the pan after cooking the chicken. You can also serve it with a lemon garlic sauce. Deglaze the frying pan with chicken broth and add garlic to make this sauce.

Substitutions and Additions

While the classic recipe calls for prosciutto, you can substitute it with deli-style ham to reduce costs. Similarly, you can replace the cheese with a cheaper alternative, such as provolone.

To make the dish keto-friendly, replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour. You can also add more olive oil to increase the fat content.

Some recipes suggest adding sage to the chicken marinade, while others recommend frying sage leaves to use as a garnish.

Presentation

To elevate the dish's presentation, consider serving it on a white tablecloth with candles and a side of Italian margarita.

Chicken Saltimbocca alternatives

Chicken Saltimbocca is a tasty Italian dish that is keto-friendly and can be made in several ways. However, if you're looking for alternatives to this mouthwatering combination of chicken, prosciutto, and sage, here are some options to consider:

• Chicken Divan Casserole: A creamy and cheesy casserole with a broccoli base.
• Creamy Chicken Piccata: This is a creamy, lemony dish with a garlic and parsley punch.
• French Onion Soup Chicken: Chicken breasts cooked in a French onion soup with melted cheese.
• Creamy Chicken Casserole: A comforting, creamy dish with a crunchy topping.
• Blackened Chicken Tenders: Spicy, juicy, and perfect for a quick meal.
• Baked Chicken Breast with Mushrooms: Chicken breasts baked with a creamy mushroom sauce.

These alternatives offer a range of flavours and cooking methods, so you can choose based on your preferences and what best fits your dietary needs.

Frequently asked questions