Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe: A Weeknight Delight

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Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish known for its rich, savory sauce and tender chicken. This recipe simplifies the traditional method, making it perfect for a delicious weeknight meal. Let's dive into creating this delightful dish. — Laura Linney And Her Child: A Glimpse Into Her Personal Life

What is Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala features pan-fried chicken cutlets smothered in a Marsala wine sauce, often with mushrooms. The sauce is the key, providing a depth of flavor that complements the chicken beautifully. It's typically served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. — Ryan's World: Adventures, Toys, And Educational Fun!

Ingredients You'll Need

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup Marsala wine
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken:

    • Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
    • Season the flour with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.

  2. Sear the Chicken:

    • In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
    • Add the chicken breasts to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  3. Make the Marsala Sauce:

    • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    • Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds extra flavor to the sauce.
    • Let the sauce reduce for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.

  4. Combine and Serve:

    • Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle them into the Marsala sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
    • Garnish with fresh parsley.
    • Serve hot over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. A side of steamed vegetables also complements the dish.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Marsala

  • Use High-Quality Marsala Wine: The flavor of the wine significantly impacts the final dish. Opt for a dry Marsala for the best results.
  • Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches to ensure proper browning. Overcrowding lowers the pan's temperature and results in steamed rather than seared chicken.
  • Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is not thickening, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce. Stir until thickened.
  • Mushroom Variety: While cremini mushrooms are common, you can experiment with other varieties like shiitake or oyster mushrooms for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Marsala is incredibly versatile and pairs well with:

  • Pasta: Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine are excellent choices.
  • Rice: Plain white rice or risotto.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base.
  • Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.

Health Benefits

Chicken Marsala provides a good source of protein from the chicken. Mushrooms are rich in vitamins and minerals. While the sauce is flavorful, be mindful of the butter and wine content if you're watching your calorie intake. — Kenenisa Bekele Foundation: Charity And Athletics

Variations

  • Creamy Chicken Marsala: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for extra richness.
  • Lemon Chicken Marsala: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken Marsala is an elegant and flavorful dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy this restaurant-quality meal any night of the week. Whether you're serving it over pasta or rice, Chicken Marsala is sure to impress. Enjoy!