A novel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing configuration equipped with a silicon coupling prism is described. Theoretical results and experimental data are obtained to establish essential conditions of SPR excitation using infrared light in the Kretschmann-Raether geometry with a thin gold layer as the supporting metal. We also compare sensitivities of different angular and spectral interrogation Si-based schemes in models of bio- and chemical sensing. Possibilities for the miniaturization of SPR sensors using the proposed Si-based configuration are discussed.