This prosciutto wrapped chicken is a wonderful main course that looks impressive but is very easy to make. Salty prosciutto crisps up in the oven, keeping the chicken underneath tender and juicy.
With just a few ingredients and about 40 minutes, you can have a flavorful dinner on the table. The sweet and spicy honey glaze complements the savory prosciutto for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Why is Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breasts a Must-Try?
Prosciutto adds flavor and moisture: Wrapping the chicken in prosciutto seasons the meat and protects it from drying out as it bakes.
A simple, flavorful glaze: The honey, garlic, and red pepper glaze comes together in a minute and adds a sweet and spicy finish.
Hands-off baking: Once assembled, the chicken bakes in the oven, freeing you up to prepare a quick side dish.
Ingredients for Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breasts
• Chicken Breasts: Look for medium-sized breasts that are similar in thickness for even cooking. You can gently pound thicker ends to even them out if needed.
• Prosciutto: Any type of thinly sliced prosciutto will work. Prosciutto di Parma is a classic choice, but domestic versions are also great.
• Honey: A standard liquid honey is fine. If your honey is crystallized, warm it gently for a few seconds to make it easier to mix.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: These add a touch of heat. Feel free to use less for a mild dish or omit it entirely if you are sensitive to spice.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Glaze
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it heats, mix the honey, garlic, and red pepper flakes for the glaze. Pat your chicken breasts dry and season them with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Wrap with Prosciutto
Lay out the prosciutto slices. Wrap three slices around each chicken breast, making sure to cover as much of the surface as you can. Place the wrapped chicken into a baking dish.
Step 3: Glaze and Bake
Spoon the prepared glaze over the top of each piece of chicken. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the prosciutto is golden.
What to Serve with Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breasts
This dish pairs well with simple sides like roasted asparagus, a fresh green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Expert Tips for Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Food Safety: For poultry, the safe internal temperature is 165°F (74°C). Always check with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked properly.
Prosciutto Tip: Thinly sliced prosciutto works best as it wraps easily and gets crisp in the oven.
Adjusting Heat: The amount of red pepper flakes can be adjusted. Use less for a milder flavor or a little more if you like extra spice.
How to Store and Freeze Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish is not ideal for freezing as the texture of the prosciutto can change. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven until warmed through to maintain crispness.
Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breasts Recipe FAQs
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can wrap the chicken in prosciutto and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Wait to add the glaze until just before baking.
My prosciutto is very salty. Should I still salt the chicken?
Yes, but be mindful of the amount. Prosciutto adds a lot of salt, so you may want to use a little less on the chicken itself than you normally would.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also work well. They may require a slightly longer cooking time, so be sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 2 lb / 900g total
- 12 slices prosciutto about 6 oz / 170g
- 2 tablespoons honey 30 ml
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, for the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a baking dish large enough to hold the chicken pieces without them touching.
- In a small bowl, stir together the honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and minced garlic.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Wrap 3 slices of prosciutto around each chicken breast, tucking the ends underneath. Place the wrapped chicken into the prepared baking dish.
- Brush or spoon the honey-garlic mixture evenly over the top of each prosciutto-wrapped breast.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the prosciutto is golden and the chicken is cooked through.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Let the chicken rest in the dish for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.
Notes
