Recipe

Prosciutto & Basil Wrapped Chicken Over Greens

Prep Time: 20 min

Cook Time: 30 min

Serves: 4

These prosciutto wrapped chicken bundles are really quite simple to prepare and not as difficult as they may first seem. Combining dark chicken thighs with fresh basil and the salty, smokey prosciutto leads to a dish that is flavorful inside and out. Pan juices are used to make a tasty vinaigrette for the greens. The recipe is versatile and you can substitute herbs and cheese of your choice.

Contributed By: Developed for CFC by Nancy Guppy, RD, MHSc

Ingredients

2 tbsp (30 mL) mayonnaise

1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard

8 slices prosciutto (8 x 10 g slices)

8 large basil leaves, fresh

4 each chicken thighs, boneless, skinless

8 tbsp (120 mL) cheddar cheese, shredded

2 tbsp (30 mL) lemon juice, freshly squeezed

2 tbsp (30 mL) balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil

1 tbsp (15 mL) honey

8 cups (2 L) salad greens, baby mix

4 sprigs basil, fresh, leaves (optional garnish)

Instructions

1 Preheat oven to 350°F (175°'C).

2 Mix the mayonnaise with Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Use a kitchen brush to paint all sides of chicken thighs with the mixture. Place on plate and set aside.

3 Lay two slices of prosciutto down in front of you in a cross fashion. Place a fresh, large basil leaf in centre of cross and top with a chicken thigh. Place another basil leaf on top of the chicken. Paint the exposed pieces of prosciutto with the Dijon mayonnaise mixture. Sprinkle 1 Tbsp (15 ml) shredded cheese on top of basil. Wrap into bundles by closing strips of prosciutto all around and making the bundle as smooth as possible. Place, seam side down in a baking dish which has been sprayed with vegetable oil cooking spray.

4 Bake chicken 25-30 minutes and until thermometer registers 165°F (74°C).

5 Meanwhile, mix fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and honey and set aside.

6 Remove chicken from oven and allow to cool 5 minutes. Remove chicken from pan and set aside. Pour dressing into the baking dish and use a whisk to stir and scrape up pan juices and brown bits.

7 Place salad greens in a large bowl. Toss with dressing.

8 To serve, carefully slice chicken bundles into four pieces. Use a sharp knife. Arrange salad greens on four plates, top with sliced prosciutto wrapped chicken and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil (optional garnish).