I absolutely love making the Chicken Saltimbocca from Giada’s Everyday Italy cookbook, which uses chicken cutlets, prosciutto, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. This delicious dinner recipe takes around 30 minutes to prepare and serves up to 6 people.

Giada Chicken Saltimbocca Ingredients

• 1 (10-ounce) box of frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 3 tbsp of olive oil
• 1 ¼ tsp of salt, plus more to taste
• 1 tsp of freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• 6 chicken cutlets (about 3 ounces each), pounded evenly flat
• 6 thin slices of prosciutto
• ¼ cup of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 (14-ounce) can of reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tbsp of fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)

How To Make Giada Chicken Saltimbocca

1. Prep the Spinach: After thawing the spinach, squeeze it tightly to remove as much excess water as possible. Toss it in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Season the Chicken: Lay the chicken cutlets flat on your work surface, then sprinkle each cutlet evenly with 1 teaspoon of salt and ¾ teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure the seasoning covers the chicken well for even flavor.
3. Layer and Roll: Place a thin slice of prosciutto on top of each chicken cutlet. Spread a layer of the prepared spinach over the prosciutto, and then sprinkle each cutlet evenly with shredded Parmesan. Start rolling each chicken cutlet from the tapered end, like a jelly roll, and secure the roll tightly with a toothpick to hold it in place.
4. Sear the Chicken: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken rolls in the skillet and sear them until they are golden brown on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Make sure you keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
5. Simmer the Chicken: Once the chicken is seared, pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer for about 4 minutes until it’s cooked through.
6. Make the Sauce: Remove the chicken rolls from the skillet and place them on plates. Increase the heat under the skillet to high, and cook the remaining liquid until it reduces to about ⅓ cup. This should take around 5 minutes. Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Drizzle the reduced sauce over the chicken rolls on each plate. Serve immediately while the dish is hot and flavorful.

Recipe Tips

• Add some herbs for flavor: Incorporating fresh basil or oregano can enhance the overall taste of the dish. These herbs bring a fresh aroma that elevates the chicken saltimbocca to another level.
• Try different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone instead of Parmesan. Each cheese adds a unique flavor profile that can change the dish’s character and richness significantly.
• Include roasted vegetables: Adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini on the side can complement the dish beautifully. They bring a sweet, caramelized flavor that pairs well with the savory chicken.
• Use lemon zest: Grate some lemon zest into the chicken filling for a burst of freshness. This simple addition can brighten the entire dish and enhance the lemon flavor without overpowering it.
• Serve with a side salad: Pairing the chicken saltimbocca with a light arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice can balance the richness of the dish. This adds freshness and makes it a complete meal.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Lemon-cumin Chicken
• Giada Lemon and Oregano Pounded Chicken
• Giada Grilled Chicken Cutlets With Fresh Apple-mango Chutney