Crispy Prosciutto Wrapped Grilled Chicken Breast – Elegant Salty Crust & Tender Meat

Elevate your grilling game with these Crispy Prosciutto Wrapped Grilled Chicken Breasts. The salty, savory prosciutto crisps up beautifully on the grill, creating a deliciously crunchy crust that locks in moisture and infuses the tender chicken with incredible flavor. This elegant dish looks like it came from a high-end restaurant, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make in your own backyard. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy prosciutto, and a hint of herbs makes for a truly memorable meal.

Perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or any occasion when you want to impress, this BBQ recipe takes grilled chicken to a whole new level. Whether you’re using a charcoal grill for authentic smoky flavor or a gas grill for convenience, these prosciutto-wrapped beauties cook up quickly and evenly. The salty prosciutto protects the chicken from drying out while adding a rich, savory depth that’s simply irresistible. Get ready for a sophisticated grilling experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is essential for getting a good sear on the grill. If the chicken breasts are thick, you can gently pound them to an even thickness (about 1 inch) for more even cooking.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over each chicken breast, making sure every surface is coated.
3. Wrap with Prosciutto: Lay 2-3 slices of prosciutto on a cutting board, slightly overlapping. Place a seasoned chicken breast at one end and roll it up, wrapping the prosciutto around the chicken. The prosciutto should cover the entire breast. Tuck in any loose ends. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts. The prosciutto will shrink and tighten around the chicken as it cooks.
4. Fire Up the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). For a charcoal grill, set up a two-zone fire with coals on one side for direct heat and a cooler indirect zone on the other. For a gas grill, preheat all burners, then turn one off to create an indirect cooking area. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
5. Grill the Chicken: Place the wrapped chicken breasts seam-side down on the direct heat side of the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the prosciutto is crispy and golden brown with nice grill marks. Move the chicken to the indirect heat side, close the lid, and cook for another 8-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The prosciutto should be crispy and the chicken should feel firm to the touch.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, juicy meat. If using the lemon herb butter, mix the softened butter with parsley, garlic, and lemon juice, and place a pat on each breast while they rest. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges before serving.

Tips for Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Perfection

• Choose Thin Prosciutto: Look for thinly sliced prosciutto that’s pliable and easy to wrap. Thicker slices can be tough and won’t crisp up as well. You can also use pancetta or thinly sliced bacon as alternatives.
• Don’t Over-Wrap: Use just enough prosciutto to cover the chicken—2-3 slices per breast is usually perfect. Too much prosciutto can overwhelm the chicken and make the dish too salty.
• Seal the Prosciutto: Place the wrapped chicken seam-side down on the grill first. This helps seal the prosciutto and prevents it from unwrapping during cooking. If needed, secure the prosciutto with toothpicks (remove before serving).
• Watch the Heat: Prosciutto can burn quickly because of its fat content. Use the two-zone grilling method to sear the outside and then finish cooking over indirect heat. This ensures the prosciutto gets crispy without burning.
• Check Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. You’re aiming for 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. Overcooking will dry out the chicken, so keep a close eye on it.

Delicious Variations

• Prosciutto and Cheese Stuffed Chicken: Before wrapping, cut a pocket in each chicken breast and stuff with mozzarella, provolone, or goat cheese. The melted cheese adds an extra layer of creamy deliciousness.
• Herb-Infused Prosciutto Chicken: Mix fresh basil, oregano, and parsley into the seasoning rub for an Italian-inspired version. Serve with a balsamic glaze for extra elegance.
• Prosciutto Wrapped Smoked Chicken: Smoke the wrapped chicken on a pellet grill or smoker at 225°F for 1.5 hours, then finish over high heat to crisp the prosciutto. The smoky flavor adds wonderful depth.
• Prosciutto and Sage Chicken: Place a fresh sage leaf between the prosciutto and chicken on each breast. The sage adds an earthy, aromatic flavor that’s a classic pairing with prosciutto.
• Spicy Prosciutto Chicken: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning rub for a subtle kick that balances the salty prosciutto.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The prosciutto may lose some crispiness, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Reheating: The best way to reheat this chicken is on the grill or in the oven to restore the crispy prosciutto. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for 8-10 minutes, or reheat on the grill over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side. You can also use an air fryer at 375°F for 5-6 minutes for quick, crispy results. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the prosciutto soft and chewy.

Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the prosciutto can become mushy upon thawing. For best results, enjoy fresh or store in the refrigerator for a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long do I grill prosciutto wrapped chicken breasts?
On a medium-high grill, prosciutto wrapped chicken breasts typically take about 20-25 minutes total. You’ll sear them over direct heat for 4-5 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat for another 8-12 minutes. Always check the internal temperature—you’re aiming for 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.

Will the prosciutto stay crispy on the grill?
Yes! The prosciutto will crisp up beautifully on the grill, especially if you use the two-zone cooking method. The key is to sear it over direct heat to render the fat and crisp the prosciutto, then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking without burning. The prosciutto should be golden brown and crispy when done.

Can I use bacon instead of prosciutto?
Absolutely! Bacon is a great alternative to prosciutto. Just keep in mind that bacon is thicker and may take a little longer to crisp up. You may also want to partially cook the bacon before wrapping to ensure it gets crispy without overcooking the chicken.

What should I serve with prosciutto wrapped chicken?
This elegant dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try it with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, a fresh green salad, or creamy polenta. For a special occasion, serve it with a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Do I need to use toothpicks to secure the prosciutto?
Not necessarily—the prosciutto should stick to the chicken as it cooks. However, if you’re worried about it unwrapping, you can secure it with toothpicks. Just remember to remove them before serving! Placing the chicken seam-side down on the grill first also helps seal the prosciutto in place.