Imagine a dish that combines the rich, velvety texture of perfectly cooked chicken with the bold, sophisticated flavors of Italy's finest ingredients. This Chicken with Asiago Prosciutto and Sage recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany. With its golden, crispy exterior and a decadent interior bursting with salty prosciutto, melted Asiago cheese, and aromatic sage, this recipe promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 100g prosciutto, sliced
- 50g asiago cheese, grated
- Fresh sage leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
- Season both sides of chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut completely through.
- Inside each chicken breast pocket, layer thin slices of prosciutto, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle grated Asiago cheese inside the pocket, then carefully stuff with fresh sage leaves.
- Seal the chicken breast pockets by pressing edges together, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, creating a crispy exterior.
- Transfer the skillet with chicken directly into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optional: Garnish with additional fresh sage leaves and a sprinkle of Asiago cheese before serving.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Use a sharp knife and a gentle hand when creating the pocket in the chicken to maintain the meat's integrity.
- Choose high-quality, thinly sliced prosciutto for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when searing to allow proper browning and prevent steaming.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Fresh sage leaves make a significant difference—try to use fresh, not dried, for maximum flavor impact.
- If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken to a baking dish before finishing in the oven.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 140mg
