Are you ready to transform an ordinary chicken dinner into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds? This Italian-inspired Chicken with Herbs Wrapped in Prosciutto Ham is not just a recipe—it's a gourmet experience that combines the delicate flavors of fresh herbs, the rich saltiness of prosciutto, and perfectly cooked chicken in one irresistible dish. Imagine cutting into a golden, crispy exterior to reveal tender, juicy chicken infused with aromatic rosemary and thyme—this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that looks like it came straight from a high-end restaurant kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 slices of prosciutto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps create a better sear and prosciutto adherence.
- Mix chopped fresh rosemary and thyme in a small bowl with olive oil, creating an herb marinade.
- Season chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Brush each chicken breast with the herb and olive oil mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Lay out prosciutto slices on a clean cutting board, slightly overlapping to create a wide enough surface to wrap each chicken breast.
- Place each seasoned chicken breast at the edge of the prosciutto slices and carefully roll, wrapping the prosciutto tightly around the chicken.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, adding a small amount of olive oil.
- Carefully place wrapped chicken breasts seam-side down in the hot skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until prosciutto is crisp and golden.
- Flip chicken and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes to crisp the prosciutto.
- Transfer skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let chicken come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent dry meat.
- Pat Dry for Crispy Perfection: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from chicken breasts. This helps the prosciutto crisp up beautifully and adhere better to the meat.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: For foolproof cooking, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure chicken is fully cooked while remaining juicy.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat tender and preventing dryness.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh rosemary and thyme for the most vibrant flavor. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantity by about two-thirds.
- Choose Quality Prosciutto: Opt for thinly sliced, high-quality prosciutto for the best flavor and crispy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 120mg
