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Keto Chicken Saltimbocca 🍗

Published: · Updated: by · 1 Comment

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Get ready for a burst of flavor with this delightful Keto Chicken Saltimbocca recipe! Packed with juicy chicken, crispy prosciutto, and aromatic sage, this dish will transport you to culinary heaven. We have added a refreshing twist by incorporating tender asparagus tips and juicy cherry tomatoes. The result? A symphony of textures that will leave you craving for more.

Chicken Saltimbocca in a cast iron skillet
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Preparation and cooking overview

Don't tell yourself that you don't have time to make this showstopper. It only takes 20 minutes! Can't believe it? Well, all we have to do is season the juicy chicken, wrap it in sage leaves and prosciutto, and pan-sear. Then, cook it with colorful veggies for just 15 minutes.

Chef's note

Take this Keto Chicken Saltimbocca recipe to the next level with some tips. Try marinating the chicken with garlic, herbs, and lemon juice for about 30 minutes before cooking for an extra flavor burst. This will infuse the chicken with a zesty tang that beautifully complements the prosciutto and sage.

chicken breasts on a cutting board seasoned with salt and pepper and topped with sage leaves
a wooden crate filled with cherry tomatoes
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

🍗 Ingredients for this keto chicken saltimbocca recipe

Chicken

  • 4 (4-ounce) chicken cutlets
  • 8 slices prosciutto (about 3 ounces)
  • 8 fresh sage leaves
  • ⅛ tablespoon sea salt
  • 4 ounces asparagus tips
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil

Sauce

  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons minced parsley

Ingredient substitutions

  • Chicken cutlets: If you prefer a different protein, substitute with turkey cutlets or thinly sliced pork tenderloin. They have a similar lean protein profile and cook to perfection.
  • Prosciutto: Replace prosciutto with thinly sliced pancetta or even bacon.
  • Sage leaves: Substitute with dried sage. However, since dried sage is more concentrated, reduce the amount to half or even one-fourth of the quantity. Alternatively, use keto-friendly herbs like thyme or rosemary.
  • Asparagus: If you can't find asparagus, substitute it with keto-friendly vegetables like broccoli florets or zucchini slices. These vegetables offer a similar crisp texture.
  • Minced parsley: Substitute it with other herbs like cilantro or chives.
  • Avocado oil: Replace with an equivalent amount of olive oil.

Additional ingredients

Get creative and spice up the recipe with a few of the following additional ingredients.

  • Garlic cloves: Add minced or finely chopped 3 garlic cloves to add a savory aroma and flavor. Sauté the garlic in the skillet before searing the chicken for a delicious base.
  • Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle a pinch over the chicken fillet before cooking to make a fiery main dish. You can also use black pepper.
  • Lemon zest: Before juicing, zest the lemon to obtain the fragrant outer layer. Sprinkle it over the finished dish for a bright and citrusy twist.
  • Red onion: Thinly slice red onion and sauté it with the asparagus and cherry tomatoes for added flavor and texture.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Chicken Saltimbocca recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • Large skillet
  • Tongs
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Tool substitutes list

Don't have the exact tools? No need to fret. You can still nail the saltimbocca recipe with the following substitutes.

  • Cast iron skillet: Sear chicken cuts in a regular skillet or a grill pan. The latter gives grill marks on the cutlet.
  • Tongs: You can use a spatula or a wooden spoon too. But be careful not to break the shape of the chicken.

Ingredient substitutions

If your pantry lacks the exact ingredients as above, feel free to can swap some of them.

  • Chicken cutlets: If you prefer a different protein, substitute with turkey cutlets or thinly sliced pork tenderloin. They have a similar lean protein profile and cook to perfection.
  • Prosciutto: Replace prosciutto with thinly sliced pancetta or even bacon.
  • Sage leaves: Substitute with dried sage. However, since dried sage is more concentrated, reduce the amount to half or even one-fourth of the quantity. Alternatively, use keto-friendly herbs like thyme or rosemary.
  • Asparagus: If you can't find asparagus, substitute it with keto-friendly vegetables like broccoli florets, zucchini slices, or green beans. These vegetables offer a similar crisp texture.
  • Minced parsley: Substitute it with other herbs like cilantro or chives. These herb options bring their extra flavors and contribute to the overall appeal of the dish.
  • Avacado oil: Replace with equivalent tablespoons of olive oil.

Chef's pro tip

Be cautious of the prosciutto unraveling while cooking. To avoid that, handle the meat gently. Alternatively, use kitchen twine to tie everything together. Or you can also chill the wrapped chicken for 15-30 minutes before cooking. This will help the ham slice to stick better to the cutlet. By implementing precautionary steps, you can ensure a seamless cooking process without any hiccups or issues.

Chicken Saltimbocca in a cast iron skillet

What to serve with keto chicken saltimbocca?

Pair this flavor-packed main course with these side dishes.

  • Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables, such as cauliflower or Brussels sprouts, to create a balanced and satisfying keto-friendly meal.
  • Salad greens: Pair the cutlet with a simple side salad of spinach, kale, and arugula.
  • Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles: Choose a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta or rice.

How to make it healthier

  • Use a leaner piece of chicken: Opt for skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins, which are lower in fat and calories than darker cuts like thighs or drumsticks.
  • Increase vegetable content: Add more low-carb vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
  • Monitor sodium intake: Be mindful of the sodium content in your ingredients. Opt for low-sodium options or reduce added salt to control sodium intake.
  • Make it dairy-free: Substitute unsalted butter with ghee or coconut oil. These alternatives provide a rich and velvety texture while still being keto-friendly.

Time-saving tips

  • Buy pre-cut chicken cutlets: Purchase them from the local grocery store or ask your butcher to prepare them for you.
  • Choose pre-washed, pre-packaged salad greens: If you plan to serve a side salad, opt for pre-washed and pre-packaged salad greens.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

If you plan to make this easy chicken saltimbocca, prepare ahead of time so that the cooking process is quick.

  • Marinate the chicken cutlets in avocado, salt & pepper for a few hours.
  • Wash the asparagus and trim the woody ends ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers or a damp paper towel wrap, and place them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
  • If you have the time, consider doubling the recipe and freezing the leftovers in portions.

Storage instructions

  • Refrigerator storage: Place the delicious chicken saltimbocca in an airtight container. Store it in for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezer storage: Portion the leftovers into chicken and vegetables. Cover the cutlets in plastic wraps and keep the veggies in a freezer-safe container. Store them for up to 2-3 months.

Note: Remember to allow the leftovers to cool completely before storing them.

Reheating instructions

  • Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and pour some oil or butter. Place the leftovers and cook on each side for a few minutes until warm.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to around 325°F (160°C). Cover the leftovers on a baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Heat for approximately 10-15 minutes.
  • Microwave: For a quick reheating option, place the leftovers on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a microwave-safe cover or damp paper towel. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, checking and stirring in between, until heated to your desired temperature.

Note: The texture of the prosciutto may change slightly upon reheating.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

Don't wait another moment to savor this Keto Chicken Saltimbocca's incredible flavors and nourishing ingredients. The crispy prosciutto, fragrant sage, and tender chicken combine to create a symphony of tastes that will leave you craving more. Grab your fork, take a bite, and let the flavors transport you to a world of deliciousness!

Frequently asked questions

If your chicken cutlets are thicker than average, pound them gently with a meat mallet to flatten them to a more even thickness. This helps the meat to cook evenly.

You can certainly use bone-in chicken if desired. Remember that they may require longer cooking time to reach the proper internal temperature.

You can add aromatic spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to the chicken seasoning to enhance the flavors. These spices can elevate the overall taste without compromising keto-friendliness.

Absolutely! You can grill the chicken or bake it in the oven. Grilling will impart a smoky flavor, while baking in the baking dish can result in a more evenly cooked dish.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned chicken cutlets and cook for 3 minutes on each side.

To bake the saltimbocca, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the wrapped chicken cutlets in a baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

📖 Recipe

Chicken Saltimbocca in a cast iron skillet

Keto Chicken Saltimbocca

This Keto Chicken Saltimbocca is an impressive skillet dinner that only takes 30 minutes to whip up!
5 from 1 vote
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: 30-minute, skillet dinner
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 364kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 (4-ounce) chicken cutlets
  • 8 slices prosciutto about 3 ounces
  • 8 fresh sage leaves
  • ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
  • 4 ounces asparagus tips
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil

Sauce:

  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons minced parsley

Instructions

  • Season the chicken with the salt, place two sage leaves on each piece of chicken then wrap each piece of chicken with two pieces of prosciutto.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken 3 minutes per side until the prosciutto is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  • Add the asparagus to the pan and cook until starting to soften about 3 minutes. Add in the tomatoes, lemon juice, and butter. Add the chicken back to the skillet and cook 3 minutes. Top with parsley and serve.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Chicken Saltimbocca
Amount Per Serving
Calories 364 Calories from Fat 234
% Daily Value*
Fat 26g40%
Saturated Fat 11g69%
Cholesterol 117mg39%
Sodium 350mg15%
Potassium 586mg17%
Carbohydrates 3g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 28g56%
Vitamin A 862IU17%
Vitamin C 16mg19%
Calcium 19mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Melissa Koger says

    Cant believe this recipe doesn't have any reviews! This is, by far, my favorite recipe that I found during the 6 months I did keto. And now that I've hit my goal weight and transitioned into Paleo, I still make it all the time. It is so easy and a showstopper that i use to entertain. The recipe has spread like wildfire among my friends and family. Thanks for the post! Delish!!!

    Reply

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