Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish made with tender chicken breasts, a rich Marsala wine sauce, and earthy mushrooms. It’s elegant enough for a special occasion but easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner. Here’s a simple recipe for Chicken Marsala:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to 1/2 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or white), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes, until they are golden brown and softened.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Marsala Sauce:
- Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet, using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the chicken broth and continue simmering for another 5 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens.
- For extra richness, stir in the heavy cream (optional).
- Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips:
- Sides: Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
- Wine substitute: If you can’t find Marsala wine, a dry white wine or sherry can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly.
- Mushroom variety: You can use a mix of mushrooms like shiitake or portobello for a more robust flavor.
Chicken Marsala is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to master. Let me know if you’d like to tweak the recipe in any way!