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Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Crockpot Chicken Saltimbocca with Melted Fontina Cheese Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Close-up of tender chicken breasts wrapped in prosciutto and sage, topped with melted Fontina cheese in a slow cooker.
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
4
Includes 5 min resting

Tips for success

For a more intense flavor, you can lightly sear the prosciutto-wrapped chicken in a skillet for one minute per side before placing it into the slow cooker.

This adds a layer of depth to the meat and helps the prosciutto stay intact during the long cooking process. However, this is optional and the dish will still be delicious if you skip this step entirely.

When serving, consider pairing this dish with a starch that can soak up the delicious sage and lemon jus. Garlic butter capellini is an excellent choice, as its fine texture complements the tender chicken.

Alternatively, crusty bread or roasted potatoes work well to ensure not a single drop of the flavorful sauce is left behind on the plate.

Variations

  • Mushroom Saltimbocca: Add a cup of sliced cremini mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the chicken. The mushrooms will absorb the wine and lemon sauce, providing an earthy depth that pairs beautifully with the sage and Fontina cheese.
  • Spinach Stuffed: Tuck a small handful of fresh baby spinach leaves underneath the prosciutto along with the sage leaf. The spinach will wilt during the cooking process and add a nice vibrant color and mild sweetness to the chicken.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat
Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until the chicken is warmed through and the sauce is loose.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep the chicken and the sauce together in the container to ensure the meat remains moist.

Stored properly, the dish will retain its flavor and quality for up to three days in the refrigerator. Always ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the absorption of other odors from the fridge.

While this dish is best served fresh, you can assemble the prosciutto-wrapped chicken in the slow cooker insert the night before and keep it in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to cook, simply remove the insert from the fridge 30 minutes before turning the slow cooker on. Do not add the wine and lemon juice until just before you start the cooking cycle to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.

Serving ideas

To serve, place a portion of the garlic butter pasta on a plate and top it with a prosciutto-wrapped chicken breast. Ladle a generous amount of the sage and lemon jus from the slow cooker over the chicken and the pasta. The Fontina cheese will be soft and melted, creating a beautiful presentation that highlights the elegance of the dish.

Garnish with a little extra fresh sage if desired for a pop of color and additional aromatic intensity. The dish is hearty enough to be served on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the Fontina cheese and the buttery sauce.

Frequently asked questions

Can this be made with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well in this recipe. They are generally more forgiving during the slow-cooking process and stay incredibly moist. Adjust the cooking time by checking the internal temperature at 3 hours, as thighs may cook slightly faster than breasts depending on their size.
Why does the sauce look separated?
The sauce may appear separated if the butter and wine do not emulsify properly. To fix this, whisk the sauce vigorously with a fork or a small whisk just before serving. Adding a tiny splash of heavy cream or an extra small pat of cold butter at the end can also help stabilize the sauce and give it a glossy, uniform appearance.
Is it necessary to use Fontina cheese?
Fontina is recommended for its excellent melting properties and mild, nutty flavor, which complements the sage perfectly. However, if you cannot find it, Gruyère is a great alternative that provides a similar texture and a slightly more robust flavor. Mozzarella can also be used, but it lacks the depth of flavor found in Fontina.
Recipe card

Crockpot Chicken Saltimbocca with Melted Fontina Cheese

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4
Close-up of tender chicken breasts wrapped in prosciutto and sage, topped with melted Fontina cheese in a slow cooker.

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces chicken breasts
  • 4 slices prosciutto di Parma
  • 4 leaves fresh sage
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 slices Fontina cheese

Instructions

  1. Wrap each chicken breast with one slice of prosciutto and a fresh sage leaf. Carefully place the prepared chicken breasts into the bottom of the slow cooker ceramic insert.
  2. Pour the white wine, lemon juice, and butter over the chicken breasts. Cover the slow cooker with the glass lid and cook on the LOW setting for 4 hours.
  3. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully place a slice of Fontina cheese on top of each chicken breast. Replace the lid for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving over pasta.
Contains: gluten, sulfites, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories
420
Protein
38.5 g
Carbohydrates
4.2 g
Fat
26.8 g
Fiber
0.5 g
Sugar
1.2 g
Sodium
850 mg
Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.
Recipe by Clara Weller (pen name) · Allquickyrecipes · https://recipes.allquickyrecipes.com/crockpot-chicken-saltimbocca-melted-fontina/part-3