Main Meals Recipes - Chicken Breasts with Serrano Ham Recipe

Ingredients

Serve 4

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast portions

• 4 slices Serrano ham

• 40g/1 1/2oz/3 tbsp butter

• 30ml/2 tbsp chopped capers

• 30ml/2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

• 1 large lemon, cut lengthways into 8 slices

• a few small fresh thyme sprigs

• salt and ground black pepper

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Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6. Wrap each chicken breast portion loosely in clear film (plastic wrap) and beat with a rolling pin until flattened.

2. Unwrap the chicken breast portions and arrange in a single layer in a large, shallow ovenproof dish. Top each piece of chicken with a slice of Serrano ham.

3. In a bowl, beat the butter with the capers, thyme and seasoning. Divide the butter into quarters and shape neat portions, then place on each ham-topped chicken breast portion.

4. Arrange two lemon slices on the butter and sprinkle with thyme sprigs. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

5. Transfer the chicken portions to a warmed serving platter or four places and spoon the piquant, buttery juices over the top. Serve immediately, removing the lemon slices first, if liked.

COOK'S TIP: This dish is just as good with other thinly sliced cured ham, such as prosciutto, in place of the Serrano ham.