Chicken Saltimbocca Burger: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Chicken Saltimbocca Burger: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that marries the elegance of classic Italian cuisine with the casual delight of a juicy burger! Forget everything you thought you knew about weeknight dinners because this recipe is about to revolutionize your mealtime routine. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly seasoned chicken patty, infused with the aromatic flavors of sage and prosciutto, all nestled between a soft, toasted bun.

Saltimbocca, meaning “jumps in the mouth,” is a traditional Roman dish known for its simple yet exquisite combination of flavors. The dish typically features veal cutlets topped with prosciutto and sage, pan-fried to golden perfection. Our Chicken Saltimbocca Burger takes this beloved classic and reimagines it in a fun, accessible format that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner.

What makes this burger so irresistible? It’s the harmonious blend of savory, salty, and herbaceous notes. The tender chicken, the salty prosciutto, and the fragrant sage create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful twist on the ordinary burger that will leave everyone craving more. Get ready to experience a taste of Italy, one delicious bite at a time!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Patties:
• 1.5 lbs ground chicken
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Saltimbocca Topping:
• 8 slices prosciutto
• 8 fresh sage leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the White Wine Sauce:
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Burgers:
• 4 burger buns (brioche or ciabatta recommended)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
• Arugula or baby spinach (optional)

Preparing the Chicken Patties:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, chopped sage, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
3. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions.
4. Shape each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
5. Place the patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the patties to firm up. This will also help them hold their shape during cooking.

Cooking the Chicken Patties:

1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
3. Carefully place the chicken patties in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the patties are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The patties should be golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
5. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside. Keep them warm.

Preparing the Saltimbocca Topping:

1. While the chicken patties are cooking, prepare the saltimbocca topping.
2. Lay out the prosciutto slices on a clean work surface.
3. Place a fresh sage leaf on top of each prosciutto slice.
4. Once the chicken patties are cooked, place two prosciutto slices with sage on top of each patty.
5. In the same skillet you used to cook the patties, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
6. Gently heat the skillet over medium heat.
7. Place the chicken patties, prosciutto-side down, in the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the prosciutto is crispy and golden brown. The sage leaf should also become slightly crispy.
8. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.

Making the White Wine Sauce:

1. In the same skillet you used to cook the patties and prosciutto, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
3. Slowly pour in the white wine, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Stir in the chicken broth and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Simmer for another minute or two, until the sauce is heated through. Be careful not to boil the sauce after adding the cream.

Assembling the Chicken Saltimbocca Burgers:

1. Lightly toast the burger buns, if desired.
2. Spread mayonnaise on the top and bottom buns, if using.
3. Place a bed of arugula or baby spinach on the bottom bun, if using.
4. Top with a chicken patty with the prosciutto and sage topping.
5. Generously spoon the white wine sauce over the chicken patty.
6. Place the top bun on top and serve immediately.
7. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Saltimbocca Burger!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another burger recipe; it’s a culinary adventure! The Chicken Saltimbocca Burger is a must-try because it takes the classic Italian flavors you love – savory prosciutto, fragrant sage, and tangy provolone – and reimagines them in a fun, accessible, and utterly delicious way. Forget boring weeknight dinners; this burger is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings, casual get-togethers, or even just a special treat for yourself. The juicy chicken patty, infused with herbs and spices, provides the perfect canvas for the salty prosciutto and melted provolone, creating a symphony of flavors that will dance on your taste buds.

But the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! You don’t need to be a professional chef to whip up these burgers. The recipe is straightforward, with simple instructions that even beginner cooks can follow. And the payoff is huge – a restaurant-quality burger that you can proudly say you made yourself.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and customizing your Chicken Saltimbocca Burger. For a classic presentation, serve it on a toasted brioche bun with a smear of pesto mayo. The creamy pesto adds another layer of flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Looking for a lighter option? Skip the bun altogether and serve the chicken patties over a bed of fresh arugula with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This transforms the burger into a delicious and healthy salad.

Here are a few other variations to consider:

* Mushroom Madness: Add sautéed mushrooms to the burger for an earthy flavor boost.
* Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the chicken patty mixture for a touch of heat.
* Sun-Dried Tomato Delight: Top the burger with sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
* Fontina Fantasy: Substitute provolone with fontina cheese for a nuttier, more complex flavor profile.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your own personal preferences.

I truly believe that this Chicken Saltimbocca Burger will become a new favorite in your household. It’s a unique and flavorful twist on a classic dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of textures and tastes is simply irresistible, and the ease of preparation makes it a weeknight winner.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the grill (or stovetop!), and get ready to experience burger bliss. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to create even better recipes in the future. Sharing your culinary adventures is what makes cooking so much fun! Happy cooking!

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