Indulge in Elegance: The Ultimate Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken with Mozzarella and Basil Recipe
Oh, the vivid memories of living in Italy! I recall fondly how effortlessly one could acquire magnificent prosciutto at any local grocery store. It was not just easy, but remarkably inexpensive. My daily routine quickly involved savoring delightful sandwiches filled with thinly sliced prosciutto and spicy salami. Returning to Denver after such a culinary paradise was, to say the least, a rude awakening for my sophisticated meat cravings. While prosciutto was still available, its price tag dramatically stretched beyond the confines of a poor college student’s budget. Consequently, prosciutto became a rare indulgence, reserved only for the most special occasions.
But here’s the wonderful truth about adulting – it often means having the financial freedom to purchase exquisite ingredients like prosciutto whenever the heart desires. This newfound luxury, I must admit, ranks just behind the sheer joy of legally buying alcohol and, of course, the unparalleled bliss of eating cookie dough for dinner! There’s a particular satisfaction in being able to simply pick up a pack of premium cured ham and know that a delicious, elevated meal is just minutes away.
I’ve long been a fervent advocate for wrapping prosciutto around almost anything imaginable. Think succulent shrimp, tender asparagus spears, sweet melon slices, or delicate scallops – the possibilities are truly endless. Prosciutto’s unique texture and savory-sweet profile add a layer of sophistication and incredible flavor to virtually any ingredient it embraces. Yet, to my own surprise, this particular recipe marks the first time I’ve embraced the sheer magic of wrapping chicken in this wondrous, savory meat. And let me tell you, in my humble opinion, prosciutto surpasses bacon by leaps and bounds in this application. That, my friends, is saying something profound for a bacon lover!
This recipe might appear deceptively simple at first glance. And to be perfectly honest, the active cooking time required is minimal, taking just a few precious minutes. However, do not let its ease fool you. The moment this dish touches your palate, the flavors explode in a symphony of savory, creamy, and herbaceous notes. Every bite delivers a delightful culinary experience that will have anyone eating it convinced you spent hours toiling away in the kitchen. And honestly, isn’t that one of the best feelings in the world? Effortless gourmet dining that truly impresses!
The beauty of this Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken with Mozzarella and Basil lies in its perfect balance of textures and tastes. The thin, salty prosciutto crisps beautifully in the oven, encasing tender, juicy chicken. Inside, a melty layer of mozzarella cheese combines with fragrant fresh basil, creating an irresistible core. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience, transforming simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary with minimal fuss. It’s the ideal choice for a busy weeknight when you crave something special, or for entertaining guests when you want to serve an elegant dish without stress. The subtle saltiness of the prosciutto complements the mildness of the chicken, while the creamy cheese and aromatic basil provide a burst of fresh flavor.
Let’s talk about the star ingredients that make this recipe shine. Starting with the chicken breasts, pounding them down to an even thickness is a crucial step. This ensures uniform cooking, preventing the outer edges from drying out before the center is done, and also makes them easier to roll or wrap neatly. Aim for about a 1/2-inch thickness for optimal results. For the prosciutto, quality matters immensely. Look for thinly sliced, high-quality Italian prosciutto; its delicate saltiness, subtle sweetness, and unique texture are what elevate this dish from merely good to truly exceptional. Fresh mozzarella, sliced about 1/4 inch thick, will melt beautifully, creating a creamy, gooey center that perfectly contrasts the crispy prosciutto. And finally, fresh basil leaves are not just a garnish here; their vibrant, aromatic notes cut through the richness of the meat and cheese, adding a burst of freshness that is indispensable to the overall flavor profile. Simple salt and pepper are all that’s needed to enhance these already fantastic ingredients, allowing their natural flavors to truly shine without being overshadowed.
Preparing this dish is almost as enjoyable as eating it. Before you begin the assembly, preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) is key for consistent baking. Don’t forget to lightly grease a large baking sheet; this prevents the prosciutto from sticking, ensures it crisps up perfectly, and makes for easier cleanup. Once your chicken breasts are uniformly thin, lay two fresh basil leaves on each. The basil will infuse its aromatic essence directly into the chicken as it cooks. Next, top each basil-adorned chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper – remember that prosciutto is inherently salty, so a delicate hand with the salt shaker is advised to avoid over-seasoning.
Now comes the art of wrapping! Take two thin slices of prosciutto and carefully wrap them around each prepared chicken breast, making sure to overlap the edges slightly to form a snug package. The goal is to fully encase the chicken, cheese, and basil, creating a compact bundle. Use one or two toothpicks per chicken breast to hold the prosciutto firmly in place during baking. This step is important both for presentation and to ensure that the mozzarella stays tucked inside, melting into the chicken rather than oozing out onto the baking sheet. Once all four chicken breasts are wrapped and secured, place them on your greased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each to allow for even cooking and crisping. The visual appeal of these bundles alone will start to build anticipation for the meal.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and the prosciutto is beautifully golden and crispy. The mozzarella should be wonderfully melted and slightly bubbly. To be certain your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer; it should register 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry and less flavorful chicken. Once baked, carefully remove all toothpicks before serving. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely divine, a testament to the simple yet powerful combination of these Italian-inspired flavors.
Table of Contents
Toggle
Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken with Mozzarella and Basil
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded down to about 1/2-inch thick for even cooking
- 8 large leaves fresh basil for vibrant aroma and flavor
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese approximately 1/4 inch thick, or fresh mozzarella slices
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste season sparingly, as prosciutto is salty
- 8 thin slices prosciutto high-quality for best results
- Toothpicks to secure the prosciutto wraps
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
-
On a clean surface, place 2 fresh basil leaves on top of each pounded chicken breast. Lay one slice of mozzarella cheese over the basil. Season the chicken and cheese lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
-
Carefully wrap 2 slices of prosciutto around each chicken breast, ensuring the basil and mozzarella are fully enclosed. Overlap the prosciutto slightly to create a secure parcel. Use one or two toothpicks per chicken breast to hold the prosciutto in place during baking.
-
Place the wrapped chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C), the prosciutto is golden and crispy, and the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
-
Carefully remove toothpicks before serving. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
This exquisite Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken with Mozzarella and Basil pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a light and balanced meal, consider serving it alongside fluffy white rice or a fragrant quinoa pilaf, allowing the rich flavors of the chicken to truly shine. Steamed or roasted green vegetables, such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli, add a touch of freshness and color to the plate, creating a well-rounded and nutritious meal. If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables would complement the dish beautifully, absorbing the savory juices. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is also an excellent choice, providing a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken. For an authentic Italian touch, a side of al dente pasta tossed with a light olive oil and garlic sauce would be divine, or even a classic risotto. Consider pairing it with a light-bodied red wine like a Pinot Noir or a crisp, dry white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or an Italian Pinot Grigio to complete the dining experience.
Beyond the basic recipe, there are endless possibilities for customization and variation to suit your personal taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses; provolone or fontina could offer a slightly sharper or nuttier flavor profile, while a smoked mozzarella would add an intriguing depth and complexity. Instead of basil, you could try fresh sage leaves for a more earthy aroma, or a sprinkle of dried oregano or thyme for a Mediterranean twist, infusing the chicken with different herbaceous notes. For an added layer of flavor and texture inside the chicken, consider stuffing it with sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed spinach, finely minced garlic, or even a spoonful of pesto before wrapping it in prosciutto. If you desire an even crispier prosciutto, you might lightly pan-sear the wrapped chicken for a few minutes on each side in a hot skillet with a touch of olive oil before transferring it to the oven to finish cooking. This technique will give the prosciutto an even more golden and irresistible crunch, adding another dimension to this already fantastic dish.
In conclusion, this Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken with Mozzarella and Basil is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create a truly memorable meal. It embodies the joy of effortless gourmet cooking, proving that you don’t need extensive culinary skills or hours in the kitchen to produce something spectacular. Whether you’re reliving your Italian culinary dreams or simply seeking an impressive yet easy weeknight dinner, this dish is guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire. So go ahead, treat yourself to the luxury of prosciutto, and savor every exquisite bite of this elegant and flavorful chicken. It’s truly a testament to the wonderful perks of adulting, allowing you to enjoy gourmet tastes right in your own home!