Indulge in the exquisite flavors of this prosciutto-wrapped chicken breast, a delightful addition to my regular dinner lineup. The combination of juicy, tender chicken enveloped in prosciutto creates a harmonious balance of sweetness and saltiness. Elevating the dish is a lusciously sweet and spicy honey glaze, providing a gourmet dining experience without the hefty price tag or the complexity of preparing fancy meals at home.
What makes prosciutto special? It’s an Italian air-dried ham derived from the back leg of a pig, undergoing a lengthy curing process lasting from 1 to 3 years. Despite being technically uncooked, it’s safe to consume due to the curing method.
What is Prosciutto?
Prosciutto is an Italian ham that undergoes a curing process through air drying. This delicacy is crafted from the hind leg of a pig. While technically considered uncooked meat, it is safe for consumption due to the meticulous curing methods employed.
The curing of prosciutto is an extended process, lasting anywhere from 1 to 3 years. The unique appeal of wrapping chicken breast in prosciutto lies in its ability to maintain the chicken’s juiciness throughout the cooking process.
How To Cook Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken
Preparing this culinary masterpiece is a breeze. Start by preheating the oven to 200C. In a small bowl, mix rosemary, minced garlic and olive oil to create a delectable sauce. Arrange the chicken in an oven-safe baking dish, seasoning both sides with salt and pepper.
Cut a hole in the middle of the chicken tight, and stuff the cheese in it. Then wrap each chicken breast with one slice of prosciutto and generously drizzle the remaining olive oil glaze on top. Your masterpiece is now ready for baking, a process that typically takes around 20 to 25 minutes.
Here’s a pro tip: Exercise caution to avoid overcooking the baked chicken prosciutto. Overcooked chicken tends to become tough, dry, and loses its delicious flavour. Refer to my tips below on how to determine if your chicken is cooked to perfection.
Is Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Healthy?
Certainly, prosciutto-wrapped chicken can be considered a healthy dish. Replace the chicken tight with chicken breasts, where they are low in carbs and fat while being rich in protein. Additionally, chicken provides essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Prosciutto contributes small amounts of minerals and vitamins, including iron, vitamin B-12, and protein.
It’s worth noting that although the incorporation of honey and the prosciutto wrapping alters the dish’s low-fat and low-carb characteristics, the outdated notion that “fat is bad” has been debunked. The small amount of honey in this recipe doesn’t significantly impact the sugar content per serving.
Crucially, this olive oil-glazed prosciutto-wrapped chicken is made with unprocessed, natural ingredients, aligning with a healthier approach to eating. While it may not fit traditional notions of low fat or low carb, its nutritional profile, combined with the use of wholesome ingredients, earns it a place in the realm of healthy choices.
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xoxo, Joe
Prosciutto-Wrapped Baked Chicken
Ingredients
2 medium Chicken tight/breast (about 2 lb)
6 slices Prosciutto
1 teaspoon rosemary,chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
Sea salt
Black pepper
olive oil
Methods
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, stir together olive oil, rosemary, and minced garlic.
- Place the chicken into a baking dish, so that the chicken pieces don’t touch. Season both sides with salt and paper. Place 1 teaspoon of the olive oil mixture on each breast.
- Wrap 1 pieces of prosciutto around each chicken breast and then place the remainder of the olive oil mixture over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until chicken reaches at least 160 degrees F. Cover and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes, until internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F.
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