Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, savory mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. The dish is both comforting and elegant, making it the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its deep, complex flavors and a fragrant aroma, Chicken Marsala is sure to impress your family and friends while being simple enough for anyone to make at home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Chicken Marsala recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. The balance of savory mushrooms, sweet Marsala wine, and perfectly seasoned chicken creates a dish that is bursting with flavor. It fits well into a variety of diets, whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a lighter option. Plus, the recipe can be made in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Tips and Tricks
- For enhanced flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of breasts. They stay moist and tender during cooking.
- Don’t rush the browning of the chicken; letting it develop a nice crust enhances the overall flavor.
- Deglaze your pan with the Marsala wine after cooking the chicken to capture all those delicious browned bits.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for garnish to elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken can lead to dry meat; aim for a golden brown on the outside while keeping it juicy inside.
- Skipping the step of letting the wine reduce can result in a watery sauce lacking depth.
- Using cooking wine instead of a good-quality Marsala can affect the taste; always cook with wine you would drink.
Make Ahead Tips
You can marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs up to 24 hours in advance to enhance flavor. The sauce can also be prepared a day ahead, and it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.
Recipe Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute chicken with turkey cutlets or even portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Add a splash of cream to the sauce for a richer flavor.
- If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicy kick.
How to Serve
Serve Chicken Marsala hot, drizzled with the rich sauce and garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, pasta, or a side of sautéed spinach. For a touch of elegance, plate the chicken on a bed of buttery risotto.
Pairing Suggestions
A glass of dry white wine, such as Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors of the Chicken Marsala perfectly. If you prefer cocktails, a classic gin and tonic can balance the richness of the dish. For dessert, a light panna cotta or tiramisu would be a delightful finish to your meal.
How to Store
Leftover Chicken Marsala can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened.
Equipment Needed
- A large skillet or frying pan for cooking the chicken and sauce.
- A meat mallet or rolling pin for flattening the chicken breasts (if using).
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring.
Dietary Adaptations
To make a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter and skip any cream. For gluten-free, ensure that your Marsala wine is gluten-free and pair it with gluten-free pasta or rice.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the spring, consider adding fresh asparagus or peas to the dish for a pop of color and seasonal flavor. In the fall, sautéed butternut squash can be a delicious addition to the plate.
Cost Breakdown
The estimated cost for making Chicken Marsala is around $12 for four servings, making it a budget-friendly option. Look for sales on chicken or consider using frozen chicken breasts to save even more.
Kitchen Hacks
For quick garlic peeling, smash the clove with the flat side of a knife; the skins will slip right off. To avoid tears while chopping onions, chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use white wine instead of Marsala? While white wine can work, it won’t provide the same depth of flavor. Marsala is preferred for its sweetness and richness.
- How long should I cook the chicken? Typically, 4-5 minutes per side on medium-high heat is sufficient, depending on thickness.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance to make for a quicker meal later.
How To Make chicken marsala recipe
Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, savory mushroom and Marsala wine sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini works well)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Dredge each breast in flour, shaking off the excess.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are browned and tender.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it. Allow the wine to reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth and return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 411Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 119mgSodium 715mgCarbohydrates 19gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 41g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Marsala is a timeless dish that brings together the best of Italian flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a romantic evening, this recipe is sure to impress. With its rich sauce and tender chicken, it’s a meal that warms the heart and satisfies the palate. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite dish!