Tuscan Chicken with Serrano Ham: Your Ultimate Easy BBQ Recipe for Juicy, Flavorful Grilling

A truly exceptional BBQ experience hinges on a standout chicken recipe, and this **Tuscan Chicken with Serrano Ham** is destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. It’s remarkably straightforward, requiring only a handful of quality ingredients, yet it delivers an explosion of Mediterranean-inspired flavors that will impress even the most discerning palates. This dish proves that sophisticated taste doesn’t have to mean complicated preparation.

Imagine succulent chicken, perfectly infused with aromatic Italian herbs, wrapped in savory Serrano ham that crisps up beautifully on the grill. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes: tender, juicy chicken contrasting with the delightfully crisp ham. It presents elegantly, making it perfect for entertaining, yet it’s so easy to prepare, you’ll want to make it for a casual weeknight dinner. There are no intricate steps here – just a simple homemade Italian herb blend, a hot BBQ, and a little bit of love. If you’ve enjoyed my chicken skewers with mozzarella and basil, you already know that simple ingredients can combine to create profoundly delicious and memorable meals. This recipe continues that tradition, offering a taste of Tuscany with every bite.

Grilled Chicken with Italian Herbs and Ham: Your Go-To Summer Dinner Idea

My journey to creating this delightful recipe began a few years ago when I attended an Italian cooking class. Among the many wonderful dishes we learned, one stood out: chicken wrapped in flavorful ham with a fragrant mix of herbs. The taste was absolutely captivating – so rich, savory, and comforting – that I knew immediately I had to replicate it at home, adding my own personal touch. The concept of combining tender chicken with the salty crunch of cured ham, enhanced by classic Italian seasonings, was simply irresistible.

On a particularly warm summer day, the BBQ seemed like the perfect canvas for my culinary experiment. I adapted the classic Italian preparation for outdoor grilling, and the results were nothing short of spectacular! The chicken emerged from the grill incredibly soft and moist, retaining all its natural juices, while the Serrano ham developed a beautifully crisp, almost chip-like texture. This delightful contrast reminded me of the effortless elegance of grilled peaches with ham – simple ingredients that, when combined and cooked thoughtfully, yield an immense depth of flavor. This Tuscan Chicken recipe is an absolute winner when you’re craving something quick to prepare, utterly delicious, and visually impressive enough to serve to guests. It embodies the essence of summer dining: relaxed, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Why This Tuscan Chicken Recipe Shines on the Grill

This recipe isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients transformed into something extraordinary on the barbecue. Here’s why you’ll want to make this a regular feature of your summer menu:

• Unbeatable Flavor Combination: The lean chicken breast acts as a perfect canvas for the bold, savory notes of Serrano ham and the aromatic complexity of Italian herbs. Each bite offers a burst of salty, herby goodness that’s truly addictive.
• Incredible Texture Contrast: The magic happens on the grill. The chicken stays wonderfully juicy and tender on the inside, while the Serrano ham on the outside crisps up to a delightful, almost crunchy texture, adding an exciting dimension to the dish.
• Effortless Elegance: Despite its sophisticated appearance and gourmet taste, this recipe is surprisingly easy to execute. It requires minimal prep time and simple grilling techniques, making it perfect for both novice and experienced grill masters.
• Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and infused with natural herbs, this dish is a wholesome choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s satisfying without feeling heavy, ideal for warm weather.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether you serve it as a main course with fresh salads and grilled vegetables, slice it up for a sophisticated appetizer, or even add it to sandwiches and wraps, this Tuscan chicken is incredibly versatile.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From a casual family barbecue to a special outdoor gathering with friends, this recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s designed to impress without the stress.

Expert Tips for Perfect Serrano Wrapped Chicken

This chicken recipe is incredibly easy to master, but a few key tips can elevate it from delicious to absolutely unforgettable. Paying attention to these details will ensure your Tuscan Chicken with Serrano Ham turns out perfectly juicy, crispy, and flavorful every single time.

• Pound the Chicken Fillets Flat for Even Cooking: This step is crucial for achieving consistent results. By placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pounding them with a rolling pin or a meat mallet, you create an even thickness. This ensures that the chicken cooks uniformly and quickly, preventing some parts from drying out while others are still undercooked. Flatter fillets also have a larger surface area, allowing more of the delicious herb mix and ham to adhere, and making them easier to roll and grill evenly. It also helps tenderize the meat, making each bite even more succulent.
• Insist on Real Serrano Ham for Superior Flavor: The quality of your ham significantly impacts the final taste and texture of this dish. Genuine Serrano ham, with its distinct savory, slightly sweet, and nutty notes, offers an unparalleled depth of flavor. Its thin, delicate slices are perfect for wrapping and crisping up beautifully on the grill. Avoid using cheap, watery deli hams or substitutes that lack the characteristic flavor and fat marbling of Serrano. While prosciutto (Prosciutto di Parma or San Daniele) can be a good alternative, it’s important to note the original recipe truly shines with Serrano. As a side note: resist the temptation to use bacon. Bacon is much fattier and will render too much grease, leading to a greasy, rather than crispy, exterior that doesn’t quite match the delicate crunch of cured ham.
• Batch Prepare Your Italian Herb Mix for Future Meals: This homemade herb blend is so versatile and fragrant, you’ll want to have it on hand for more than just this chicken. Making a larger batch means you’re always ready to infuse a touch of Italy into your cooking. Store any leftover mix in an airtight jar in a cool, dry pantry for up to six months. It’s fantastic for seasoning pasta sauces, sprinkling over roasted vegetables, adding to marinades for other meats, or even mixing into ground meat for flavorful meatballs or burgers. The convenience of having it pre-made will save you time and add consistent flavor to your dishes.
• Master the Grill Temperature – Don’t Grill Too Hot: High heat is the enemy of perfectly cooked ham-wrapped chicken. If your grill is too hot, the delicate Serrano ham will burn and become bitter long before the chicken has a chance to cook through. Aim for medium heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C). This allows the ham to gradually crisp up to a beautiful golden-brown, while the chicken gently cooks to tender perfection on the inside. If using charcoal, ensure the coals have turned mostly ash-gray and are evenly spread. For gas grills, preheat and then adjust burners to achieve the desired medium temperature, often with a two-zone setup for flexibility.
• No BBQ? No Problem! Alternative Cooking Methods: Don’t own a barbecue or facing inclement weather? You can still enjoy this fantastic recipe! A grill pan on your stovetop works wonderfully, giving you those desirable grill marks and a crispy exterior. Simply heat it over medium-high heat with a little olive oil. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken in your oven. Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C) and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the ham is crispy. You might want to finish it under the broiler for a few minutes to achieve extra crispiness on the ham.
• Always Check for Doneness with Confidence: Food safety and flavor are paramount. Never guess if your chicken is fully cooked. Cut into the thickest part of one fillet – there should be no pink visible, and the juices should run clear. For absolute certainty and peace of mind, use a reliable food thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should register between 160-167°F (72-75°C) when inserted into the thickest part. Remove the chicken from the heat as soon as it reaches this temperature to prevent overcooking, which can lead to dry meat.

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! 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 Inspiration

If you’ve loved the simple yet sophisticated flavors of this Tuscan Chicken, you’re in for a treat. Here are more fantastic BBQ recipes that are easy to make and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Expand your grilling repertoire with these flavorful options!