The harmony of flavors in this dish is irresistible—lemon-kissed ricotta gently stuffed into tender chicken thighs, each piece lovingly wrapped in savory prosciutto. As it bakes, the juices melt into the bed of thinly sliced scalloped potatoes below, creating a luxurious side without any extra pans or fuss.
What makes this dish truly shine is the simplicity of ingredients elevated by smart cooking. The crispiness of the prosciutto, the richness of the cheese, and the comforting potatoes make it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining guests, this one-pan wonder will leave a lasting impression.
Full Recipe:
Ricotta Filling:
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2/3 cup ricotta
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Zest of 1 small lemon (or 1/2 large lemon)
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1 1/2 tsp finely chopped fresh sage
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1/4 tsp salt
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Pepper to taste
Chicken & Potatoes:
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4 chicken thigh fillets, skinless and boneless (approx. 150-200g each)
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4 long or 8 short slices of thin prosciutto
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750g (1.5 lb) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
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1 garlic clove, crushed (optional)
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1 1/2 tbsp olive oil + 1/2 tbsp extra
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1/4 cup grated parmesan
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
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Mix all Ricotta Filling ingredients in a small bowl.
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Lay out prosciutto on a flat surface. Place one chicken thigh at the bottom of each slice.
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Spoon ricotta filling onto each chicken piece, then roll tightly in prosciutto, seam side down. Use toothpicks to seal edges (optional).
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Arrange sliced potatoes in an ovenproof skillet or baking dish, overlapping slightly.
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Mix 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil and crushed garlic; drizzle over potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
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Place wrapped chicken on top of potatoes. Drizzle chicken with remaining 1/2 tbsp olive oil.
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Bake for 40 minutes. Remove chicken and let it rest under foil.
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Sprinkle parmesan over potatoes. Increase oven to max heat and return potatoes for 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
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Return chicken to skillet and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes
Kcal: 445 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
An Elegant One-Pan Wonder: Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken with Scalloped Potatoes
The world of home cooking continues to evolve with creative, restaurant-quality meals made simple, and this Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken with Scalloped Potatoes is a prime example. It’s a dish that seamlessly balances elegance and efficiency, combining layers of flavor, texture, and culinary satisfaction—all in one baking pan. This meal is equally suited for a weeknight dinner or an intimate gathering with guests, and its brilliant composition of rich cheese-stuffed chicken, salty prosciutto, and creamy potatoes will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
The Magic of a One-Pan Meal
One of the standout features of this dish is that it’s completely made in one pan. While the obvious benefit is less cleanup, the real magic lies in flavor transfer. As the chicken bakes atop the scalloped potatoes, its natural juices—infused with lemon zest, ricotta, and aromatic herbs—drip downward, seeping into the layers of thinly sliced potatoes. This results in a depth of flavor you can’t achieve with separate cooking.
The prosciutto also plays a dual role here. Not only does it add a salty, crispy exterior to the chicken, but it also acts as a natural binder, holding everything together without the need for string or twine. Its thinness allows it to crisp beautifully in the oven while sealing in the ricotta filling and locking in moisture.
Flavors That Work in Harmony
This dish is all about layers—not just physically, but also in taste. The chicken is stuffed with a bright and creamy mixture of ricotta and lemon zest, enhanced by fresh herbs like sage or thyme. Ricotta, known for its subtle richness, pairs beautifully with the zing of lemon and the earthiness of herbs, creating a nuanced flavor profile that complements the chicken’s natural tenderness.
Then there’s the prosciutto—its salty, umami punch intensifies during baking, forming a delicate crust that contrasts the softness of the chicken and the creaminess of the ricotta. When you cut into the roll, you’re greeted with melty cheese and juicy chicken encased in a slightly crisp, golden wrap. Each bite is balanced: rich but not heavy, bold yet familiar.
Below, the scalloped potatoes offer their own contribution to this flavor symphony. Seasoned with garlic, herbs, and just a touch of parmesan for finishing, the potatoes absorb every drop of savory goodness from the chicken above. As the dish finishes baking, a quick blast at high heat browns the top of the potatoes to perfection, delivering those irresistible crispy edges we all crave.
Why This Dish Works
What makes this recipe particularly special is its combination of thoughtful ingredients and intelligent technique. Many dishes attempt to be “one-pan meals,” but often fall short on flavor. This one thrives because of the deliberate layering of components and a cooking process that encourages natural flavor mingling.
The placement of chicken above the potatoes isn’t just for convenience—it’s strategic. The juices rendered from the protein become the most flavorful “stock” a dish could ask for, and it’s completely homemade, created as a natural by-product of the baking process.
Furthermore, the ricotta stuffing not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken moist. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are notoriously easy to overcook, but the filling acts as an internal buffer, maintaining juiciness throughout the bake. Combined with the prosciutto wrap, which prevents drying out, you’re guaranteed tender, flavorful chicken every time.
Presentation and Appeal
From a presentation standpoint, this dish impresses. Slicing into the wrapped chicken reveals a creamy core of ricotta, flecked with herbs and lemon zest, creating visual interest and an air of sophistication. The potatoes underneath add a rustic contrast—golden, bubbly, and inviting.
The dish can be served straight from the skillet or roasting pan, which makes it feel hearty and approachable despite its upscale look. Alternatively, for a more refined presentation, serve a sliced roulade of the prosciutto-wrapped chicken atop a fan of scalloped potatoes, with fresh herbs sprinkled on top for garnish.
This balance between elegance and comfort is what makes the meal so versatile. Whether you’re serving it as part of a Sunday family dinner or a romantic dinner for two, it adapts effortlessly.
Customizations and Pairing Suggestions
Another beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. While it’s exceptional as-is, you can easily tailor it to suit dietary needs or personal preferences:
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Cheese Alternatives: Swap ricotta with herbed goat cheese or cream cheese for different textures and flavors.
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Protein Swaps: Although chicken thighs are ideal for their moisture and size, chicken breasts or even turkey cutlets could be used with slight adjustments to cooking time.
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Potato Variations: Yukon Gold or russet potatoes work best for creamy scalloped layers, but sweet potatoes can add a slightly sweet twist.
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Herb Choices: Sage brings a warm, earthy profile, but rosemary or thyme can also shine in this recipe.
As for pairings, keep things simple but flavorful:
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Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the dish beautifully. For red wine lovers, a light-bodied Pinot Noir complements the saltiness of prosciutto without overwhelming the palate.
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Sides: This dish is quite complete on its own, but a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some lemon-dressed arugula adds a refreshing contrast.
Tips for Success
Here are a few expert pointers to help you make this dish a triumph every time:
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Don’t Overstuff: A moderate amount of ricotta ensures the filling stays inside and doesn’t ooze out excessively during baking.
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Use Thin Prosciutto: Thin slices wrap better and crisp up more evenly. Thick-cut prosciutto can turn chewy instead of crispy.
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Allow Chicken to Rest: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking helps redistribute juices and makes slicing cleaner.
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Fan Out the Potatoes: Slightly overlapping potato slices helps them cook evenly and ensures some areas stay crispy while others remain tender.
Why It Belongs in Your Rotation
If you’re looking for a dish that’s rich in flavor, visually impressive, and relatively easy to prepare, this one-pan wonder deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection. It’s perfect for days when you want something comforting but elevated, and it delivers both flavor and presentation with minimal effort.
You won’t need multiple pans, fussy garnishes, or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything about this dish speaks to the joy of cooking—letting ingredients shine and techniques amplify what nature provides.
Conclusion
Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken with Scalloped Potatoes is much more than just another chicken dinner. It’s a carefully crafted experience, from the creamy, herby ricotta filling to the crisp prosciutto wrap and the luxurious potato base. Each element enhances the others, creating a complete, flavorful meal that’s as satisfying to eat as it is easy to make.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone looking to impress with minimal effort, this recipe hits the sweet spot between gourmet and accessible. Add it to your rotation, serve it to loved ones, and enjoy the applause—it’s more than earned.