Searching for that perfect BBQ chicken recipe that’s both incredibly simple and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this exquisite Tuscan Chicken with Serrano Ham. It’s a dish so delightful, you’ll find yourself reaching for the ingredients again and again. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a meal that looks impressively gourmet but is surprisingly easy to master on the grill.

The magic of this recipe lies in its beautiful contrast: the chicken breast remains wonderfully juicy and tender, while the surrounding Serrano ham transforms into a beautifully crispy, savory crust. Forget complicated techniques – this recipe is all about quality ingredients and a straightforward grilling process. You’ll even learn to whip up your own Italian herb blend, making the flavors truly pop. If you’ve enjoyed my chicken skewers with mozzarella and basil, you already know my philosophy: simple ingredients can lead to extraordinary taste, and this Tuscan chicken dish is a prime example.

The Inspiration Behind This Grilled Italian Chicken & Ham Masterpiece

My journey to creating this incredible Tuscan Chicken recipe began a few years ago during an immersive Italian cooking class. Among the many delectable dishes we prepared, one truly captivated my palate: chicken wrapped in flavorful ham with a generous blend of aromatic Italian herbs. The taste was so memorable, so utterly satisfying, that I knew I had to recreate its magic in my own kitchen.

On a particularly warm summer day, the call of the BBQ was irresistible. I decided to adapt the dish, bringing it to the open flames of my grill. And what a brilliant idea it turned out to be! The chicken, imbued with the smoky essence of the grill and the savory herbs, emerged incredibly soft and moist. The ham, rather than merely cooking, achieved a perfect crispiness that provided a delightful textural contrast. This experience instantly reminded me of the simple yet profound flavors of my grilled peaches with ham – a testament to how humble ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can deliver a huge impact. This Tuscan Chicken recipe is genuinely ideal for those moments when you desire something quick, undeniably delicious, and impressive enough to wow your guests, whether it’s a casual backyard gathering or a special summer dinner.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Tuscan Chicken Recipe

This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a culinary experience waiting to happen. Here’s why this Tuscan Chicken with Serrano Ham will become a staple in your meal rotation:

• Unbeatable Flavor Profile: The homemade Italian herb mix infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean notes of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, complemented by a subtle kick from chili flakes and the savory depth of garlic. This blend creates a robust and authentic Italian taste.
• Perfect Texture Harmony: Imagine biting into incredibly tender, juicy chicken that’s perfectly cooked. Now, add the delightful crunch of perfectly crisped Serrano ham on the outside. This combination is a textural dream that elevates a simple chicken breast to something truly special.
• Effortlessly Elegant: Despite its gourmet appearance, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare. There are no complex techniques or obscure ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. It looks fancy enough for a dinner party, but it’s simple enough for a weeknight meal.
• Versatile Cooking: While ideal for the BBQ, this recipe is adaptable. Don’t have a grill? No problem! You can achieve fantastic results using a grill pan on your stovetop or even baking it in the oven. This flexibility means you can enjoy Tuscan chicken any time of the year.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: You only need a few core ingredients, but each plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s rich in flavor and satisfying. It proves that you don’t need a long shopping list for an unforgettable meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The Italian herb mix can be prepared weeks in advance, and the chicken can even be seasoned and wrapped in ham a few hours before grilling, making meal prep a breeze.

Spotlight on Key Ingredients: The Heart of Tuscan Flavor

The success of this Tuscan Chicken largely depends on the quality and preparation of its few but mighty ingredients. Let’s take a closer look:

• Boneless Chicken Breast: We opt for boneless chicken breasts for their ease of preparation and quick cooking time. Pounding them flat is a crucial step that ensures even cooking, preventing the edges from drying out while the center cooks. This also helps the chicken cook faster and become more tender, creating a consistent thickness for the ham to wrap around beautifully.
• Serrano Ham: This Spanish cured ham is a star. Its thin slices and unique savory, slightly nutty flavor are essential. Unlike bacon, Serrano ham provides a delicate crispiness without adding excessive fat, allowing the chicken’s natural flavors to shine. It crisps up beautifully on the grill, adding a delightful texture and depth of flavor that is simply unparalleled. Prosciutto or Parma ham can be good alternatives, but avoid thicker, fattier cuts like bacon, as they won’t achieve the same crispness and can overpower the dish.
• Homemade Italian Herb Mix: This blend is the soul of the Tuscan flavor. While pre-made Italian seasoning exists, making your own ensures freshness, potency, and allows you to customize the ratios to your liking. The combination of basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, chili flakes, and garlic powder creates a harmonious, aromatic profile that deeply seasons the chicken.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is used not just for brushing the chicken but also for its distinctive fruity and slightly peppery notes, which complement the herbs and ham perfectly. It helps in achieving that beautiful golden-brown color and prevents sticking to the grill.

Expert Tips for Grilling Perfect Serrano-Wrapped Chicken

This Tuscan Chicken recipe is straightforward, but these expert tips will help you achieve perfection every time, ensuring juicy chicken and crispy ham:

• Pound the Chicken Fillets Evenly Flat: This is a game-changer! Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, gently pound the fillets until they are of an even thickness, about ½ to ¾ inch. This ensures the chicken cooks uniformly, preventing parts from drying out while others are still cooking, and helps it cook quicker. It also creates a larger, more consistent surface for wrapping the ham.
• Always Use Real Serrano Ham (or Quality Prosciutto): The quality of your ham truly makes a difference here. Don’t be tempted by cheap substitutes. Authentic Serrano ham offers the best flavor and a distinct thinness that allows it to get wonderfully crispy on the grill. Parma ham or prosciutto are excellent alternatives. Avoid using standard bacon; it’s generally too thick and fatty, won’t crisp up in the same delicate way, and its strong flavor can easily overpower the herbs and chicken.
• Make Extra Italian Herb Mix: This homemade blend is fantastic, so why make just enough for one meal? Prepare a larger batch of the herb mix and store any leftovers in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months. This versatile mix is excellent for flavoring pasta sauces, seasoning roasted vegetables, adding to meatballs, or sprinkling on garlic bread.
• Don’t Grill Too Hot: Patience is key on the grill. High heat will cause the delicate Serrano ham to burn and char long before the chicken has a chance to cook through. Aim for medium heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C) for grilling. This allows the ham to crisp up gradually while the chicken cooks to perfection, preventing a burnt exterior and raw interior.
• No BBQ? No Problem!: If outdoor grilling isn’t an option, you can still enjoy this delicious Tuscan chicken.
  • Grill Pan Method: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Brush the pan lightly with olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the ham is crispy.
  • Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 390 °F (200 °C). Place the ham-wrapped chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the ham is golden and crispy. You might want to finish it under the broiler for a minute or two if you desire extra crispiness on the ham.
• Always Check for Doneness: Food safety is paramount. The chicken should never be pink inside, and the juices should run clear when pierced. The most reliable way to check for doneness is with a food thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure not to touch the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions for Tuscan Chicken

This versatile Tuscan Chicken with Serrano Ham pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a fantastic main course for any occasion. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

• Fresh Salads: A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caprese salad (tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil) provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of the chicken and ham.
• Grilled Vegetables: Complement your BBQ chicken with other grilled delights. Asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob all grill wonderfully and add vibrant color and flavor.
• Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes or even my BBQ Baby Potatoes on Skewers would be an excellent accompaniment, soaking up any juices from the chicken.
• Pasta or Risotto: For a heartier meal, serve alongside a light pasta dish tossed with olive oil, garlic, and cherry tomatoes, or a creamy mushroom risotto.
• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or focaccia is perfect for dipping into the flavorful juices and olive oil.
• White Wine: A crisp Italian white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Vermentino would complement the flavors wonderfully.

Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card below! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.

Need more inspiration?

• You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
• And don’t forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!

Andréa

More Delicious BBQ Recipes to Savor

If you loved this Tuscan Chicken, you’re sure to find more grilling inspiration among these other fantastic BBQ recipes. Expand your outdoor cooking repertoire and discover new favorites for your next cookout!