Chicken Breasts with Prosicutto and Sage

These days we're all trying to be economical. Around here, I hit the grocery stores when meats or fish are on sale and buy plenty. Then I use my handy vacuum sealer and freeze them in dinner-size portions. A couple of chicken breasts. Couple of salmon fillets. You get the idea.


But then I'm faced with what to do with all that bounty. Grilled chicken...only good every so often. So I'm always looking for simple inspirations on ways to kick up the flavor a little. Here's a perfect example. Some fresh sage and a little prosciutto create a wonderfully complex tasting dish...without it being complicated to prepare.


Chicken Breasts with Prosciutto and Sage
Serves 6.

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
24 leaves fresh sage, stems removed
6 slices prosciutto
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons dry sherry


Rinse and pat dry the chicken breast halves. Place them smooth-side up on a work surface. Place four sage leaves at an angle atop each chicken breast, spacing them evenly for a striped look.


Working one at a time, carefully center a prosciutto slice on each chicken breast covering the sage leaves. Wrap the slice around and secure with toothpicks.


In a nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Place the chicken breasts sage-side down in the pan. Cover and cook for ten minutes. Turn the chicken breasts and continue cooking, uncovered, until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and keep warm.


Add the sherry tot he pan and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook, scraping to loosen any browned bits, until the liquid in the pan thickens slightly.


Drizzle the sauce over the chicken and serve immediately.


Food-Wine Pairing: Forget about the white wine with chicken rule for this one. The additions of earthy sage and sweet-salty prosciutto cry out for a red. Maybe a little fruit forward but still plenty of structure. Syrah? Super Tuscan? Merlot? Heck, try all three and let me know what you think.