Chicken saltimbocca is a delicious Italian-inspired dish made with chicken cutlets, prosciutto, and sage. With its savory flavors and crisp breaded exterior, chicken saltimbocca makes a satisfying entree. However, planning side dishes to serve alongside this chicken dish can be challenging. The right accompaniments should complement, not overpower, the salty prosciutto and fragrant sage. Here are some of the best options for what to serve with chicken saltimbocca.
Side Dishes That Complement Chicken Saltimbocca
When selecting sides for chicken saltimbocca, aim for options that will provide contrasting flavors and textures to the savory, crispy chicken cutlets. Here are some tasty possibilities:
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a classic companion for Italian chicken dishes. Options like roasted broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus provide a nice balance of flavors and textures. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in the veggies, lending sweetness to contrast the saltiness of the prosciutto. They also add a pleasant soft-yet-tender crunchy bite. Toss the veggies lightly in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting to bring out their best flavor.
Creamy Polenta
Soft, creamy polenta makes a soothing, rich side for chicken saltimbocca. Stoneground yellow cornmeal lends earthy flavor, while a creamy Parmesan sauce provides a lovely foil for the crisp chicken cutlets. Prepare polenta according to package directions, then stir in olive oil, Parmesan, and seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper. Top with extra shredded Parmesan before serving.
Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a quintessential pairing for any chicken dish. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes lend a fluffy, buttery texture. Mash boiled, peeled potatoes with butter, whole milk or cream, salt, and pepper for a classic accompaniment. Or try mashed sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness.
Risotto
Creamy risotto makes an elegant match for sophisticated chicken saltimbocca. The smooth texture and rich flavors complement the chicken beautifully. Make basic risotto by slowly simmering Arborio rice in broth, white wine, onions, garlic, and olive oil. Finish with Parmesan cheese and butter. Mushroom risotto, made with sliced mushrooms sautéed in the garlic and onions, is especially delicious alongside chicken.
Pasta
What Italian chicken dish would be complete without pasta? Pair chicken saltimbocca with linguine, spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta shape. Opt for a basic preparation tossed with olive oil or butter and fresh herbs. Or complement the chicken with a creamy Alfredo sauce or cheesy baked ziti.
Rice Pilaf
Simple rice pilaf makes an easy, versatile side dish for chicken saltimbocca. Sauté white or brown rice in olive oil or butter with aromatics like onion, garlic, and celery. Then cook the rice in broth until tender. Herb-seasoned rice pairs particularly well. Try additions like lemon, parsley, basil, oregano, or thyme.
Green Salad
A simple green salad provides a crisp, fresh contrast to hot chicken saltimbocca. Make a classic Italian-style salad with mixed greens, sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan, and a light dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Or try spinach salad with berries, goat cheese, and nuts.
What to Drink with Chicken Saltimbocca
In addition to savory side dishes, you’ll want to pick out beverages that pair nicely with chicken saltimbocca. Here are some excellent drink choices:
White Wine
An Italian white wine is the quintessential beverage pairing for chicken saltimbocca. A dry white with bright acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken. Good options include Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Gavi, or Soave. Avoid anything too oaky or buttery that might clash with the sage.
Sparkling Wine
If you want something a little lighter, try bubbly! The effervescence in sparkling wines like Prosecco, Cava, or Champagne help cleanse the palate. Opt for a brut or extra brut, which will provide crispness to balance the chicken.
Beer
Crisp, clean lagers or pilsners make excellent beer pairings for chicken saltimbocca. Try Italian brands like Peroni or Moretti, or look for craft pilsners. Avoid anything too hoppy or malty.
Cocktails
Elevate your chicken saltimbocca dinner with a fun Italian-inspired cocktail like a Negroni or Aperol Spritz. The bitterness plays nicely against the rich chicken. Or simply mix an Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio with soda water for an easy spritzer.
Full Menu for Serving Chicken Saltimbocca
When planning a complete menu for chicken saltimbocca, try these delicious options:
Appetizer
- Bruschetta – Grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar
- Caprese Salad – Sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil dressed with olive oil and seasonings
- Stuffed Mushrooms – Mushroom caps filled with sausage, cheese, and seasonings
Main Course
- Chicken Saltimbocca
- Sautéed spinach
- Buttery mashed potatoes
Dessert
- Tiramisu – Ladyfinger cookies soaked in coffee and layered with mascarpone
- Lemon Sorbet – Tart and refreshing citrus frozen dessert
- Cannoli – Fried pastry shells filled with sweetened ricotta
Drinks
- Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
- Sparkling water with lemon
Tips for Making Chicken Saltimbocca
To yield delicious chicken saltimbocca worthy of an exquisite Italian meal, keep these preparation tips in mind:
- Use thin chicken cutlets pounded to an even thickness, which cook quickly and absorb flavors.
- Chill the wrapped chicken before cooking so the prosciutto adheres.
- Cook the chicken over medium-high heat to crisp the prosciutto without overcooking.
- Use high-quality prosciutto and sage – don’t skimp on the key ingredients!
- Sprinkle flour on the chicken before sautéing to impart crispness.
- Sauté the prosciutto-wrapped cutlets in butter and olive oil for maximum flavor.
- Let the cooked chicken rest before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve the chicken saltimbocca warm – it loses appeal when served cold.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and extra sage leaves for a fresh finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did chicken saltimbocca get its name?
The name “saltimbocca” comes from the Italian words salta, meaning “jumps,” and bocca, meaning “mouth.” So it literally translates to “jumps in the mouth,” referring to the delicious flavors that dance on your tastebuds when you eat this dish.
What kind of chicken should be used?
Chicken breasts or cutlets are traditional, since they can be pounded thin. Boneless, skinless thighs can also work. Choose a thin cut for even cooking and good absorption of flavors.
What ingredients are in chicken saltimbocca?
The main ingredients are chicken, prosciutto (dry-cured Italian ham), fresh sage leaves, flour, butter, olive oil, wine, lemon juice, and seasonings.
What can I use instead of prosciutto?
If you can’t find prosciutto, pancetta makes a good substitute. You can also use serrano ham or regular cooked ham, but the flavor won’t be quite as authentic.
How do you bread chicken saltimbocca?
After wrapping chicken cutlets with prosciutto and sage, dredge them lightly in flour seasoned with salt and pepper before sautéing for a crispy exterior.
How long do you cook chicken saltimbocca?
Cook thin chicken cutlets over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until the prosciutto is browned and chicken is cooked through. Thicker breasts may need 4-5 minutes per side.
Conclusion
With its combination of savory prosciutto, bright sage, and tender chicken, saltimbocca makes a stellar entree. Side dishes like roasted veggies, creamy polenta, or risotto complement the flavors beautifully. An Italian white wine, refreshing beer, or signature cocktail makes the perfect accompaniment. For an elegant dinner party or romantic meal for two, chicken saltimbocca never fails to impress. With flavorful ingredients and thoughtful sides, this Italian classic is sure to delight.