Chicken Marsala Recipe: Craving a restaurant-quality dish that you can make at home? Chicken Marsala is the perfect option! It’s a savory dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce made from Marsala wine and mushrooms.
Whether you’re preparing dinner for family or impressing guests, this easy-to-follow guide will help you make Chicken Marsala like a pro. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for Chicken Marsala
Chicken Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Sauce Ingredients
- 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or white button), sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy version)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Tongs for turning chicken
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk for the sauce
How to Prepare Chicken Marsala – A Detailed Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 – Prepping the Chicken Breasts
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken until it’s about ½ inch thick. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy.
Step 2 – Dredging the Chicken in Flour
In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken breast evenly with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. The flour not only helps brown the chicken but also thickens the sauce later.
Step 3 – Searing the Chicken to Golden Brown
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through yet, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Making the Marsala Sauce
Step 4 – Sautéing Garlic and Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed, and sauté the garlic and mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until softened and browned. This step builds the base flavor for the sauce.
Step 5 – Deglazing the Pan with Marsala Wine
Pour in the Marsala wine and stir, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This process, known as deglazing, infuses the sauce with deep, savory flavors.
Step 6 – Adding Broth and Thickening the Sauce
Add the chicken broth and whisk to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it reduces slightly. If you prefer a creamy version, stir in heavy cream at this stage.
Final Cooking and Assembling the Dish
Step 7 – Simmering the Chicken in the Marsala Sauce
Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through to coat it with the sauce. This allows the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavors.
Step 8 – Garnishing and Final Touches
Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, serve with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
Wine Pairing: Complement this dish with a glass of dry white wine or even the same Marsala wine used in the recipe!
Cooking Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Marsala
- Don’t skip pounding the chicken. Thin chicken cooks more evenly and prevents dryness.
- Use sweet Marsala wine. It adds a subtle sweetness that balances the dish.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken. Take it off the heat once it reaches 165°F internally.
Variations of Chicken Marsala
Creamy Chicken Marsala Version
Add ½ cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer texture. You can also sprinkle Parmesan cheese for an extra indulgence.
Gluten-Free Chicken Marsala Recipe
Swap out the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken gently on the stove to prevent the sauce from breaking.
FAQs about Chicken Marsala Recipe
What is Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala is a flavorful Italian-American dish made with tender chicken cutlets cooked in a rich, savory sauce featuring Marsala wine, mushrooms, and herbs.
What type of wine is best for Chicken Marsala?
Dry Marsala wine is traditionally used to create a well-balanced flavor. However, sweet Marsala can be used if you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce.
Can I make Chicken Marsala without wine?
Yes, you can substitute the wine with chicken broth or non-alcoholic wine for a family-friendly option, though the taste will differ slightly.
How do I thicken the Marsala sauce?
To thicken the sauce, you can let it simmer until it reduces naturally. Alternatively, mix a bit of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce.
What do you serve with Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala pairs well with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, along with steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans.
Can I make Chicken Marsala ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be prepared in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days, and reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Is Chicken Marsala gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour to coat the chicken and ensuring the Marsala wine and other ingredients do not contain gluten.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great substitute and offer a juicier texture. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through.
Conclusion
Chicken Marsala is a flavorful, elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with a creamy twist, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your skillet, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy the cooking process—your perfect Chicken Marsala awaits!
References
When preparing a Chicken Marsala recipe, it’s essential to rely on trusted sources for accurate information and culinary guidance. Below are some reputable references to explore for further reading and validation:
- AllRecipes: Offers a variety of Chicken Marsala recipes with user reviews and preparation tips.
- Food Network: Features chef-curated recipes with step-by-step instructions and video tutorials.
- Delish: Provides easy-to-follow Chicken Marsala recipes alongside creative variations.
- BBC Good Food: Offers international takes on the dish with insights into ingredients and serving suggestions.
- Bon Appétit: Delivers detailed recipes and wine-pairing tips to elevate the Chicken Marsala experience.
These resources ensure that you have reliable information to make the perfect Chicken Marsala every time while also encouraging experimentation with new flavors and techniques.
