## Post Intro
Are you on the hunt for a **keto-friendly dish** that doesn’t skimp on flavor or sophistication? Look no further than this **Keto Chicken Saltimbocca with Sage Butter**, a dish that promises to delight your taste buds while keeping your carb count low. This Italian classic, reimagined for the keto diet, is a perfect blend of tender chicken, aromatic sage, and savory prosciutto, all wrapped up in a golden almond flour crust. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that fits beautifully within your keto lifestyle.
This recipe is a testament to the fact that following a ketogenic diet doesn’t mean you have to give up on gourmet dining. **Keto Chicken Saltimbocca with Sage Butter** is a dish that’s rich in flavor and high in fats, aligning perfectly with the keto principle of low carbohydrate intake. It’s a meal that’s both satisfying and elegant, proving that keto can be as indulgent as it is health-conscious.
## Recipe Details
Keto Chicken Saltimbocca with Sage Butter is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary journey to the heart of Italy, without the carb overload. This dish has its roots in traditional Italian cooking, where “Saltimbocca” literally means “jumps in the mouth,” hinting at the explosive flavors it carries. By incorporating keto-friendly ingredients, this version stays true to the essence of the dish while making it accessible for those on a ketogenic diet.
The **key ingredients**—chicken breast, prosciutto, and sage—are the stars of this show. Chicken breast is a **fantastic source of lean protein**, keeping you full without the added carbs. The prosciutto, a type of dry-cured ham, offers a depth of flavor and a touch of saltiness that complements the chicken perfectly. It’s also rich in fats, which is ideal for keto dieters looking to maintain their macronutrient ratios.
Sage, an aromatic herb with a slightly peppery flavor, is not only a culinary delight but also boasts several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When combined with butter to create the luxurious sage butter sauce, it becomes a decadent treat that’s still within the realms of a keto diet.
Almond flour is used as a low-carb alternative to traditional flour for breading, providing a subtle nuttiness and a crispy texture when pan-fried. It’s high in healthy fats and fiber, making it an excellent choice for keto cooking.
## The Method
The beauty of this Keto Chicken Saltimbocca with Sage Butter lies in its preparation. **Attention to detail** is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s how to elevate your cooking technique to ensure a restaurant-quality dish every time.
**Firstly**, when flattening the chicken breasts, be gentle. You’re aiming for an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking, not to pulverize the meat. Use a meat mallet with a smooth side, or if you don’t have one, the bottom of a heavy pan can work in a pinch. This step is crucial for the chicken to cook quickly and evenly, and to absorb the flavors of the sage and prosciutto.
**Secondly**, when rolling the chicken with the prosciutto and sage, do so tightly enough to keep the filling in place, but not so tight that it squeezes out during cooking. The toothpicks are your friends here; use them wisely to secure the rolls without piercing too much into the meat, which could cause it to dry out.
**Lastly**, when making the sage butter sauce, let the butter brown slightly before adding the sage. This will give a nutty flavor to the sauce, enhancing the overall taste. Be mindful of the heat—too high, and the butter can burn, too low, and it won’t develop the flavors you’re looking for. When deglazing the pan with chicken broth, scrape up all the delicious browned bits, as they’re packed with flavor.
## Variations
### **Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Saltimbocca**
For a cheesy twist, add a slice of **mozzarella** inside each chicken roll before wrapping with prosciutto. The mozzarella will melt during cooking, creating a gooey, creamy center that contrasts beautifully with the crisp exterior.
### **Pork Rind Crusted Chicken Saltimbocca**
For an extra crunch, use crushed pork rinds mixed with grated Parmesan cheese in place of almond flour for the breading. This variation adds an additional layer of flavor and texture while keeping the dish low-carb and keto-friendly.
### **Veal Saltimbocca**
Traditionally, Saltimbocca is made with veal. If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken breasts with thin veal cutlets. The cooking time may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly and ensure the veal is cooked through before serving.
## Substitutions
### **Coconut Flour for Almond Flour**
If you’re allergic to almonds or simply prefer a different taste, coconut flour is a suitable low-carb alternative to almond flour. Keep in mind that coconut flour is more absorbent, so you’ll need less of it—start with half the amount and adjust as needed.
### **Turkey Breast for Chicken**
For those who prefer the taste of turkey or want a leaner option, turkey breast can replace chicken in this recipe. Just like with chicken, ensure the turkey is pounded to an even thickness and cooked to the proper internal temperature.
### **Ghee for Butter**
If you’re sensitive to dairy or following a stricter keto diet, ghee is a great substitute for butter. It’s clarified, which means the milk solids have been removed, making it lactose-free and adding a rich, nutty flavor to the sage sauce.
## FAQ Section
### **Can I make this recipe dairy-free?**
Absolutely! Replace the butter with ghee or a high-quality olive oil to keep the dish dairy-free while still enjoying the rich flavors.
### **What can I serve with Keto Chicken Saltimbocca?**
A side of steamed vegetables, such as asparagus or zucchini, or a fresh salad works well to keep the meal low-carb and balanced.
### **Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?**
Yes, you can prepare the chicken rolls in advance and refrigerate them. When ready to cook, just proceed with the frying and sauce preparation steps.
### **How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?**
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It’s always best to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
### **Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?**
This dish is perfect for meal prep. Cooked chicken saltimbocca can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Keto Chicken Saltimbocca with Sage Butter
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Meat mallet
- Toothpicks
- Plate
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 4 medium Chicken breasts (about 2 lbs or 900g)
- 4 slices Thinly sliced prosciutto (about 3 oz or 85g)
- 16 leaves Fresh sage leaves
- ¼ cup Almond flour (1 oz or 28g)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (30ml)
- 4 tablespoons Butter, unsalted (2 oz or 56g)
- ½ cup Chicken broth (120ml)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by laying out the chicken breasts on a cutting board. If they are thick, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even 1/4-inch thickness for even cooking.
- Season each chicken breast with salt and pepper, then place 4 sage leaves on top of each breast.
- Lay a slice of prosciutto over the sage leaves, pressing lightly to adhere to the chicken.
- Carefully roll up each chicken breast from one end to the other, and secure with toothpicks.
- Spread the almond flour on a plate and gently roll the chicken rolls in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken rolls, seam side down, and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, keeping them warm.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the remaining sage leaves and cook until they start to crisp up, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the sage butter sauce over the top.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to reheat the chicken, then remove from heat.
