Pesto Chicken Saltimbocca with Burst Tomatoes and Burrata
Rebecca
Pesto Chicken Saltimbocca with Burst Tomatoes and Burrata is an elegant yet easy dish that wraps tender chicken in salty prosciutto, coats it in pesto and crispy breadcrumbs, then pan-fries it to golden perfection.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 617 kcal
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken cutlets – thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup basil pesto
- 8 thin slices of prosciutto
- 1½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- ⅔ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Olive oil for frying
For the Burst Tomatoes:
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 shallots thinly sliced
- 6 cloves garlic chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Chili flakes to taste
Additional Topping:
- 2 balls 8 oz burrata cheese, torn
Start by spreading a thick layer of basil pesto onto each chicken cutlet. Then, layer two basil leaves on top of each piece for extra freshness. Wrap each cutlet tightly in prosciutto slices, making sure they’re fully covered to lock in flavor.
Mix the Panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan in a shallow bowl. Press each prosciutto-wrapped chicken cutlet into the mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated on all sides. The breadcrumb mixture provides a crispy outer layer that pairs perfectly with the juicy interior.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cherry tomatoes, garlic, shallots, and thyme, letting everything cook until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst open. Stir in the balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of chili flakes to create a sauce with a sweet and tangy complexity.
Using the same skillet or a clean one, heat more olive oil over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken cutlets for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet to keep the chicken crisp.
Plate the cooked chicken, then top each cutlet with torn burrata cheese. Spoon the warm burst tomatoes and sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil for that final, elegant touch.
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Use turkey, pork, or tofu instead of chicken.
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Substitute crushed nuts for a gluten-free coating.
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Add more chili flakes for heat.
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Use vegan pesto and skip burrata for a dairy-free version.
Keyword Pesto Chicken Saltimbocca with Burst Tomatoes and Burrata