Chicken with Prosciutto and Tomato

Chicken with prosciutto and tomato is a tasty dish that combines the delicacy of chicken with the strong flavor of prosciutto, all accompanied by the freshness of the tomato. Here is the recipe to prepare this delicious dish.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 8 slices of raw ham (prosciutto)
• 400 g of ripe tomatoes (or canned peeled tomatoes)
• 1 clove of garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh basil (optional)
• White wine for deglazing (optional)

Preparation

1. Begin by heating a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a pan large enough to contain the chicken breasts.
2. In the meantime, if you are using fresh tomatoes, wash them, remove the seeds, and dice them. If you are using peeled canned tomatoes, drain them and cut them into cubes as well.
3. Wrap each chicken breast with two slices of raw ham. This will not only add flavor but will also help keep the chicken moist while cooking.
4. Gently place the wrapped chicken breasts in the hot pan and let them brown on both sides. If desired, you can deglaze with a bit of white wine.
5. Add the crushed or thinly sliced garlic clove to the pan. Let it fry for a minute, ensuring it does not burn.
6. Add the diced tomatoes to the pan along with salt and pepper to taste. If available, add a few basil leaves to further flavor the sauce.
7. Cover the pan with a lid and cook over medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes. The chicken should be cooked just right, and the sauce should be slightly reduced.
8. Check the cooking of the chicken by cutting into one corner of a breast: there should be no pink parts inside.

Serve the chicken hot, with some sauce poured over, and if desired, a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil. Accompany it with a side salad, or if you prefer something more substantial, with baked potatoes or pilaf rice.

Curiosity

Raw ham is a very versatile ingredient in Italian cuisine, loved for its ability to enhance various dishes without overpowering their flavor. In this recipe, it acts as a sort of mantle that locks the juices inside the chicken during cooking, making it extremely tender and juicy.