Prosciutto Smoked Gouda & Spinach Chicken
Prosciutto is a delightful alternative to bacon—lighter in flavor and better for wrapping chicken
Eating a keto diet generally involves a lot of bacon so I was so pleased when Key For Keto provided an alternative.
The list of ingredients for this recipe was mouth-watering. I combined the spinach, garlic and two cheeses in a bowl, and stuffed the mixture into the butterflied chicken breasts. Butterflying the breasts, my first time, was uncomplicated surprisingly. I wrapped the chicken in a parcel of paper thin prosciutto and baked for about 20 minutes.
Gorgeous Gouda and Perfect Parmesan – Euro cheeses
Gouda and Parmesan are two popular types of cheese that have a long history and distinct flavor profiles. Gouda, which is named after the Dutch city where it was first produced, has a mild flavor and creamy texture that is perfect for melting or eating on its own. Parmesan, on the other hand, has a nutty and slightly sharp flavor that pairs well with pasta, risotto, and other Italian dishes. Both cheeses are made from cow’s milk and have a long shelf life due to the aging process they undergo during manufacturing.
The real deal in “parmesan” cheese is Parmigiano Reggiano, and a trademark exists to protect the historic recipe which in my view results in the best parmesan on the block.
What is Prosciutto?
A good prosciutto is made from the hind leg of a pig. Prosciutto di Parma is made in Parma in Italy, in Emilia Romagna which is the same region well known for the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Prosciutto is cured in salt and air dried, resulting in an intense flavor that pairs well with other ingredients. In some cases, it may be smoked or put into a fermented liquid solution to enhance flavor. Prosciutto is typically sliced paper thin and eaten as a snack, with no requirement to be cooked beforehand. It’s also used in recipes for pasta, pizza, and salads. Prosciutto can be found at most grocery stores or specialty food shops, although it tends to be more expensive than other cured meats like salami or bologna.
As with most cured meats, prosciutto is high in sodium and fat. However, it also contains important vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium, making it a good addition to a healthy diet.
How to butterfly a chicken breast
Butterflying a chicken breast is an easy technique which enhances the flavor of the meat and reduces cooking time. To butterfly a chicken breast, simply place your hand flat on top of the chicken breast and using a sharp knife, slice into the thickest part of the meat. If you’re careful, you can avoid cutting through to the other side.
Open the chicken breast and lay it flat, then pound with a meat tenderizer to even out the thickness. Fill the breast with your favourite creamy ingredients to melt during the cooking process, and fold over to complete the “stuffing”!
Prosciutto Smoked Gouda & Spinach Chicken
Prosciutto is a delightful alternative to bacon—lighter in flavor and better for wrapping chicken.
Serves
Prep Time15 Mins
Cook Time20 Mins
Total Time35 Mins
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 cup shaved organic smoked Gouda
- 0.25 cup grated organic Parmesan cheese
- 2 large boneless, skinless, free-range chicken breasts
- 4 large, thin slices prosciutto
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large cast iron or oven proof skillet, swirl the olive oil to coat the bottom.
- In a medium bowl, combine the spinach, minced garlic, and Gouda and Parmesan cheeses.
- Slice open the chicken breasts and divide the spinach mixture between the two.
- Close each breast to envelop the spinach. Wrap each breast with 2 slices of prosciutto.
- Place the breasts in the skillet and bake until the prosciutto is crispy and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F, about 20 minutes. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
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Thanks for reading as always!
- Lucy & Will