Chicken Marsala Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that brings together tender, pan-seared chicken breasts with a savory, rich sauce made from Marsala wine, mushrooms, and a few simple seasonings. This elegant dish is known for its deep, earthy flavors and luxurious texture, making it a popular choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of succulent chicken and a flavorful, slightly sweet, and savory sauce creates a perfect balance of taste that is sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, Chicken Marsala is a relatively easy recipe that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or sautéed vegetables, making it a versatile choice for any meal. This guide will walk you through each step of making Chicken Marsala, from selecting the best ingredients to cooking the dish to perfection.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Marsala

• Rich and Savory Flavor: The Marsala wine sauce creates a deep, complex flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet, complementing the chicken perfectly. The addition of earthy mushrooms adds another layer of richness to the sauce.
• Quick and Easy: Chicken Marsala comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal for guests. The recipe is simple, yet it looks and tastes like something you’d find at a fine-dining restaurant.
• Versatile and Adaptable: This dish can be served with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes and rice to pasta or roasted vegetables. You can also adjust the recipe to suit your preferences, such as adding garlic, herbs, or a splash of cream for extra richness.
• Impressive Presentation: The golden-brown, perfectly seared chicken paired with the luscious Marsala sauce makes for a visually stunning dish that will impress your guests without requiring hours of preparation.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Chicken Marsala is a great choice for holiday meals, dinner parties, or romantic dinners. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that can be prepared quickly, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal with loved ones.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion size and the type of oil used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 10-12g
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 6-8g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marsala:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
• 3/4 cup Marsala wine (sweet or dry, depending on preference)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for a richer sauce)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. If they are very thick, you can slice them horizontally to create two thinner pieces, or you can gently pound them with a meat mallet to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly.

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Next, dredge each chicken breast in flour, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour to prevent clumps during cooking. The flour helps create a golden crust on the chicken while also thickening the sauce later.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm while you make the sauce.

3. Cook the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Let the butter melt and become bubbly, then add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and browned. Stir occasionally to ensure that the mushrooms cook evenly.

The mushrooms will release some moisture as they cook, which adds a nice depth of flavor to the sauce.

4. Deglaze the Pan with Marsala Wine

Once the mushrooms are cooked, it’s time to deglaze the pan. Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits (fond) stuck to the pan. These bits of flavor will enhance the sauce.

Allow the wine to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, reducing slightly. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind the sweet, rich flavor of the Marsala wine.

5. Add Chicken Broth and Simmer

Next, add the chicken broth to the pan, stirring to combine with the Marsala wine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.

If you prefer a richer sauce, you can stir in 1 tablespoon of heavy cream at this stage. This will create a creamier, more decadent sauce that pairs perfectly with the chicken.

6. Return the Chicken to the Pan

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce and mushrooms over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 3-5 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors and finish cooking. The sauce should be slightly thick and glossy.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is heated through and the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the Chicken Marsala with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Marsala

• Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are often used for convenience, bone-in chicken breasts or thighs can provide more flavor and juiciness. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Adjust the Wine: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, use a sweet Marsala wine. For a more savory dish, opt for dry Marsala wine. The type of wine you choose will affect the flavor of the sauce, so feel free to experiment to find your perfect balance.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, be sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure a golden-brown crust. Overcrowding the pan can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish. You can also add other herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for added complexity.
• For a Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it reduce a little longer or whisk in a small amount of cornstarch or flour (dissolved in water) to thicken the sauce at the end.

Variations of Chicken Marsala

• Chicken Marsala with Prosciutto: Add slices of prosciutto to the dish for a salty, savory twist. Lay the prosciutto over the chicken before searing it, or add it to the sauce after cooking the mushrooms.
• Creamy Chicken Marsala: For a richer, creamier sauce, add heavy cream or even a bit of mascarpone cheese to the sauce. This creates a silky texture that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
• Chicken Marsala with Spinach: Add a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce for a pop of color and added nutrition. The spinach will wilt into the sauce, adding a subtle, earthy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Marsala: To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging the chicken. You can also use gluten-free pasta or mashed potatoes as a side dish.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chicken Marsala is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later. To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.

To reheat, gently heat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat the dish in the microwave, but the stovetop method helps maintain the texture of the sauce.

For longer storage, Chicken Marsala can be frozen. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat on the stovetop.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is rich and flavorful, making it the perfect main dish to pair with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, buttery texture of mashed potatoes is an excellent pairing with the savory Marsala sauce. The potatoes soak up the delicious sauce, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Pasta: Serve Chicken Marsala over pasta, such as fettuccine, pappardelle, or linguine. The noodles work wonderfully to absorb the sauce and make the dish more filling.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, asparagus, or broccoli provide a healthy, colorful contrast to the richness of the chicken.
• Rice Pilaf: A fragrant rice pilaf with herbs and toasted almonds is a perfect side dish to complement the flavors of Chicken Marsala.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and a tangy dressing adds a refreshing, tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

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Conclusion

Chicken Marsala is a timeless dish that combines tender, seared chicken with a rich, flavorful Marsala wine sauce. With its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and earthy notes, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress at any dinner table. The recipe is quick, easy, and versatile, making it an ideal choice for any occasion, from a weeknight family dinner to a special celebration. With the tips, variations, and pairing suggestions in this guide, you’ll be able to create a delicious and memorable meal every time. Enjoy your Chicken Marsala with loved ones, and savor the flavorful experience!