Easy Chicken and Parma Ham Recipe for Perfect Dinner

Looking for a dish that’s both tasty and quick to make? This Chicken and Parma Ham recipe is perfect. It combines tender chicken with crispy, savoury Parma ham. It’s great for 4 people¹ and ready in just 30 minutes. Find out why it’s a hit for any meal.

Key Takeaways

• Serves 4 people¹
• Requires 4-8 cloves of garlic¹
• Uses 80g of butter or vegan butter¹
• Oven-baked at 180°C or gas mark 4 for 25-30 minutes¹
• Chicken breast wrapped in 2 slices of Parma or Prosciutto ham¹

What makes this Chicken and Parma Ham dish so special? Let’s uncover the secrets behind its amazing taste and popularity.

Introduction to the Chicken and Parma Ham Dish

This dish is a perfect mix of Italian recipes and chicken recipes. It combines juicy chicken with the salty taste of Parma ham. Mozzarella, fresh basil, and crisp Parma ham make it a treat for the taste buds².

What Makes This Recipe Special?

This chicken and Parma ham dish is special because of its simple yet tasty way of making. Chicken breasts are filled with mozzarella and basil, then wrapped in Parma ham³. This mix of ingredients gives a great taste and texture.

The Flavours of Italy

This recipe honours the rich flavours of Italian cooking. It uses top-notch ingredients like mozzarella, basil, and Parma ham⁴. Its simplicity lets the natural tastes stand out, showing off Italy’s bold yet balanced cooking style.

Ingredients Required for the Recipe

Main Ingredients

The heart of this dish is the main ingredients that blend together beautifully⁵. You’ll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 250g of fresh mozzarella, 20g of fragrant basil leaves, and 78g of thinly sliced Parma ham⁵. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil rounds out the list.

Optional Ingredients

There are optional ingredients that can make the dish even better⁶. Some people like to serve it with a fresh salad or steamed greens for a light touch⁶. Others might add cream cheese, mixed herbs, or a lemon zest to boost the flavours.

Whether you stick to the basics or add some extras, this recipe is sure to please⁵⁶.

Preparation Steps for Chicken and Parma Ham

Preparing the chicken and Parma ham dish is easy. Start by making a small cut in each chicken breast. This creates a pocket for the filling⁷. Then, fill it with mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and herbs⁷.

Prepping the Chicken

First, dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel. Season them with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder⁸. Next, cut a small pocket in the thickest part of each breast⁷.

Assembling the Ingredients

To make the filling, sauté diced onion, red bell pepper, and baby spinach in olive oil⁷. Add goat cheese or cream cheese until smooth⁷. Spoon the filling into the chicken pockets, pressing gently.

Then, wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of Parma ham⁷⁸⁹. This adds a tasty prosciutto flavour and keeps the filling inside.

Now, the chicken is ready for cooking. This will turn it into a delicious meal⁷⁸⁹.

Cooking Methods for the Dish

There are many ways to cook the chicken and Parma ham dish. Each method gives different results. Oven-baking is the most common, as it blends flavours well¹⁰.

Oven-Baking

First, heat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C). Then, bake the chicken parcels for 15-20 minutes. Make sure the chicken is at 75°C¹⁰. This way, the chicken cooks perfectly, and the Parma ham gets crispy and golden.

Pan-Frying

For extra crunch, try pan-searing the chicken parcels. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook the parcels for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re lightly browned¹¹. This adds a nice texture and enhances the flavours.

Grilling

Grilling is also a great choice for this Italian dish. Preheat your grill to medium-high. Cook the parcels for 8-10 minutes on each side, until they’re at 75°C¹⁰. The high heat makes the outside crispy while keeping the inside juicy.

Choose your cooking method based on your preference. The most important thing is to make sure the chicken is cooked and the Parma ham is crispy. Experimenting will help you find your favourite way to make this tasty Italian dish¹¹.

Tips for Selecting the Best Ingredients

When making a tasty chicken and Parma ham dish, picking the right ingredients is key. Start by choosing fresh, juicy chicken. Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are plump and firm. This ensures your chicken is tender and juicy⁴.

Choosing Quality Chicken

The chicken should be free of blemishes and have a nice smell. It should also have a smooth, unblemished texture. Stay away from chicken that looks watery or has an odd sheen. These signs often mean the chicken is of poor quality⁴. For more flavour, try using chicken thighs instead of breasts⁴.

Importance of Authentic Parma Ham

Using authentic ham is crucial for the true Italian taste in this dish. Look for high-quality Parma ham, also known as prosciutto di Parma. It has a unique cured taste and a delicate texture. Don’t use pre-packaged or mass-produced ham, as they lack the real flavour⁴.

To make the dish even better, add fresh mozzarella cheese and fragrant basil leaves. These will blend well with the chicken and Parma ham. They create a mix of flavours that will excite your taste buds⁴.

“The key to a truly exceptional chicken and Parma ham dish lies in the quality of the ingredients you select. Invest in the best to ensure a remarkable dining experience.”

Cooking Time and Serve Size

This chicken and Parma ham recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special dates. It’s ready in under 30 minutes¹². You’ll need 3 chicken breasts and 6 pieces of Parma Ham Prosciutto¹² for 4 servings. Each person gets one chicken breast parcel. Remember to let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to keep it juicy.

Ideal Cooking Time

This dish cooks in about 30 minutes, with 10 minutes for prep and 20 for cooking¹². The chicken is cooked in batches. Each batch takes 4 minutes on one side and 3 to 5 on the other, until it’s 165 degrees¹². The white wine sauce is made by cooking garlic for 30 to 60 seconds, then adding white wine for 2 to 3 minutes. It’s finished with lemon juice, butter, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and parsley¹².

Portion Recommendations

This recipe serves 4, with one chicken parcel per person¹². You can also make it for 2, with each chicken breast weighing about 170g and mozzarella of about 125g³. You might choose to use 6 sheets of Parma ham or bacon³. The sweet potato mash, great with the chicken, serves 2. It needs 650g of sweet potatoes, 50g of butter, and 40g of Parmesan cheese³.

“The Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken recipe pairs well with pasta, rice, potatoes, or salad, making it a versatile and satisfying meal option.”

Enhancing Flavours with Herbs and Spices

Creating the perfect Italian recipes, like our tasty chicken recipes, relies on herbs and spices. Fresh basil is crucial, bringing that classic Italian taste¹³. Rosemary and a mix of dried herbs add depth¹⁴. Don’t forget garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to round out the flavours.

Recommended Herbs

• Fresh basil
• Rosemary
• Mixed dried herbs

Spice Combinations

Adding a bit of heat with dried red chili peppers, like Calabrian chili peppers¹⁴, can be great. It contrasts nicely with the chicken and Parma ham. Try different spice mixes to find what you like best.

“The key to creating authentic Italian recipes is to embrace the bold, vibrant flavours of the region’s herbs and spices.”

This recipe is all about being flexible. Change up the herbs and spices to make it your own. It’s all about experimenting and enjoying the process!

Side Dishes to Complement Chicken and Parma Ham

Choosing the right sides for chicken and Parma ham is key. For a British touch, try roasted potatoes and seasonal veggies¹⁵. Cook at 220C/200C F/Gas 7 for 20 minutes to roast them¹⁵.

Traditional British Sides

Roast potatoes are a must, with their crispy outside and soft inside. They’re perfect with chicken and Parma ham. Add steamed or sautéed greens like broccoli or Brussels sprouts for a fresh contrast¹⁶.

Fresh Salads

For a lighter choice, a green salad is ideal. Its crisp lettuce and tangy dressing cut the richness of the main dish. A Mediterranean salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and vinaigrette is also refreshing¹⁶.

When picking sides, aim for balance and variety. Choose dishes that enhance the chicken and Parma ham’s flavours. This ensures a complete and enjoyable meal¹⁵¹⁶¹⁷.

Vegetarian and Vegan Adaptations

The classic Italian chicken and Parma ham recipe is tasty. But, you can make tasty vegetarian and vegan versions too. These options are great for those who want to eat less meat or follow a plant-based diet. They add Italian flair to your cooking.

Substituting Chicken

For a vegetarian dish, try plant-based chicken alternatives. Soy-based or wheat-based “chicken” pieces work well. They taste and feel like the real thing, letting you enjoy the Parma ham and cheese¹⁸. Grilled courgette or aubergine slices are also good, offering a tasty and satisfying texture.

Vegan Alternatives to Parma Ham

To make a vegan version, find a Parma ham substitute. Thinly sliced aubergine or courgette look and feel like the real thing. Use vegan cheese instead of mozzarella¹⁸. These swaps let you enjoy Italian tastes without dietary worries.

Exploring these vegetarian and vegan options lets you enjoy Italian recipes and easy recipes. They bring Italy’s flavours to your home, fitting any diet.

Approximate Nutritional Information

The chicken and Parma ham recipe is a balanced and satisfying meal¹⁹. It has about 350 calories¹⁹. This makes it a good choice for a healthy diet.

It has 17g fat, 10g of which is saturated, 0.7g of carbs, 52.8g of protein, and 0.1g of fibre¹⁹.

This dish is low in sugars, with just 1g¹⁹. But it’s high in protein, with 52.8g per serving¹⁹. This is great for those looking for a filling and nutritious meal.

The nutritional information is a general guide and can change based on ingredients and portion sizes¹⁹. Always think about your own dietary needs. It’s wise to talk to a healthcare professional for advice tailored to you.

How to Store Leftovers Properly

Chicken and Parma ham recipes are a big hit at dinner parties. But what do you do with leftovers? Storing them right is crucial to keep your dish fresh and tasty. Let’s look at the best ways to keep chicken and Parma ham leftovers in the fridge and freezer.

Refrigeration Tips

For short-term storage, keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days²¹. Use an airtight container to keep flavours in and prevent drying. When you’re ready, reheat it gently in the oven or on the stovetop.

Freezing Chicken and Parma Ham

If you have more leftovers than you can eat in a few days, freeze them. Wrap each portion in cling film and aluminium foil, then put them in a freezer bag²¹. Frozen chicken and Parma ham can last up to 3 months, so you can enjoy your dish weeks later.

To reheat frozen leftovers, thaw them in the fridge overnight²². Then, heat them in a medium-hot oven for 20-25 minutes until hot all through²². This way, you’ll get to enjoy the flavours and textures just like the first time.

By following these easy storage tips, you can enjoy your chicken and Parma ham leftovers for days. Happy cooking²¹²²!

Reheating the Dish

Chicken and parma ham can be enjoyed again with simple reheating. Whether it’s leftovers or preparing ahead, the right reheating keeps the taste and texture great.

Best Methods for Reheating

The oven is the best way to reheat chicken and parma ham. Heat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and put the chicken in a dish²³. Cover it with foil to keep it moist, and heat for 15 minutes or until it’s 165°F (74°C)²³.

You can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a bit of broth or water to stop it from sticking²³. For a quick option, the microwave works, but check it often to avoid overcooking²³.

Ensuring Flavour Preservation

To keep the chicken and parma ham moist and tasty, try a few tricks. Brush the chicken with olive oil or melted butter before reheating to add moisture²³. Wrap the dish in foil and add broth, white wine, or a light sauce for a steamy environment²³.

When using an air fryer, place the pieces in a single layer and heat at 350°F (175°C). Make sure they don’t overlap²³.

For food safety, the chicken should be 165°F (74°C) when reheated²³. Don’t reheat it more than once to keep it safe and tasty²³. By following these tips, you can enjoy your chicken and parma ham recipe again, days later.

Suggested Wine Pairings

Choosing the right wine for your Italian recipes with chicken recipes is key. You want a wine that enhances the dish’s taste without taking over²⁴.

White Wines

For a light and refreshing choice, try a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines cut through the dish’s richness with their bright acidity²⁴. A 2009 Albariño De Fefiñanes from Spain is a great pick, with its crisp and refreshing taste²⁴.

Red Wines

If you prefer red, light-bodied options like Pinot Noir or Chianti work well. They add a delicate touch that complements the dish without overpowering it²⁴. Evan Goldstein suggests pairing bright wines with simple dishes for the best effect²⁴.

Whether you like white or red, the goal is to enhance your meal. The right wine can make your Chicken and Parma Ham dish unforgettable²⁴.

“The Lost City of Z” by David Grann, a true story about British explorer Percy Fawcett’s quest in the Amazon in 1925, provides an intriguing backdrop for understanding the importance of a well-chosen wine pairing. The dense jungle settings, Victorian diaries providing clues, and explorers wary of poisonous arrows all serve as a reminder that the right pairing can elevate a meal to new heights²⁴.

So, whether you’re a fan of white or red, let your wine choice enhance your Italian recipes with chicken recipes. It will take your taste buds on a wonderful journey²⁴.

FAQs About Chicken and Parma Ham Recipe

Are you new to cooking or a seasoned chef? The chicken and Parma ham recipe is a tasty dish that might raise some questions. Don’t worry, we’ve got answers and tips for beginners.

Common Questions Answered

Many people worry about the cheese leaking out while baking. To avoid this, make sure the chicken is sealed well. Tightly wrap the chicken breasts with the Parma ham, overlapping the edges to create a secure seal.²⁵ This keeps the cheese inside as it cooks.

Can you prepare the dish ahead of time? Yes, you can! Assemble it up to a day before and refrigerate it until baking²⁵. It’s perfect for busy days or when you have guests over.

Tips for First-Timers

For beginners, the key is to make sure the chicken is fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check it reaches 165°F (74°C)²⁵. Or, cut into the chicken to see if the juices are clear, which means it’s done.

Remember, cooking time can change based on chicken size and thickness. Keep an eye on it and adjust the baking time as needed²⁵. With practice, you’ll get the hang of this tasty chicken and Parma ham recipe.

By answering these common questions and offering tips, you’ll make sure your chicken and Parma ham turns out great. This recipe is sure to wow your family and friends. Enjoy your meal!

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Meal

This chicken and Parma ham recipe is a hit for any meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. It’s sure to impress your family or guests²⁶.

Share Your Cooking Experience

Share your cooking story on social media. Post pictures of your chicken and tag us. We love hearing about your meals and seeing your creations²⁶.

Encouragement to Experiment with Flavours

Try new herbs, spices, or cheeses to make it your own. The mix of chicken and Parma ham is a great start. You can then explore many flavours²⁶²⁷. Whether you stick to the classic or try something new, it’s bound to be a hit.

Source Links

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