When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like a plate of chicken marsala. Imagine succulent chicken, tender and golden-brown, swimming in a rich, velvety sauce made from earthy mushrooms and sweet Marsala wine. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water and stomach growl in anticipation.
This dish isn’t just about filling your belly; it’s steeped in memories. Picture this: a cozy Sunday dinner with family, laughter echoing around the table as plates are passed and stories are shared. Chicken marsala has a way of bringing everyone together, making even the crankiest of relatives crack a smile. It’s the perfect dish for both special occasions and casual weeknight dinners, promising an explosion of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken marsala recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile is rich and complex, with savory notes that dance on your palate
- Visually appealing with its golden-brown chicken and earthy mushroom sauce, it’s a feast for the eyes too
- Versatile enough to serve with pasta or mashed potatoes, this dish fits any meal plan perfectly
I still remember the first time I made chicken marsala; my friends devoured it within minutes and begged for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they really elevate the taste of your sauce.
Mushrooms: Opt for cremini or button mushrooms; they add that umami kick essential for a rich Marsala sauce.
Marsala Wine: A good quality dry Marsala adds depth; don’t skimp here or you’ll regret it later!
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing the overall flavor.
Olive Oil & Butter: A mixture of both creates the perfect cooking fat for searing that heavenly chicken.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at serving time.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Start by preparing your ingredients so everything is ready to go. Cooking is much easier when you have everything at hand!
Prep Your Chicken: Begin by patting dry your chicken breasts with paper towels to ensure they brown nicely. Season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until it sizzles. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook them for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Add Mushrooms & Garlic: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, toss in sliced mushrooms along with minced garlic. Sauté until mushrooms are browned and fragrant—about 5 minutes should do it!
Deglaze with Marsala Wine: Pour in ¾ cup of Marsala wine while scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan—this is where all that flavor lives! Let it simmer for about 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Combine Everything & Simmer : Return the chicken back to the skillet along with ½ cup of chicken broth. Allow everything to simmer together for about 5 more minutes so those flavors meld beautifully.
Add Finishing Touches : Stir in another tablespoon of butter for richness and garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot over your choice of pasta or mashed potatoes.
Now sit back and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken marsala!
Whether you’re impressing guests or simply treating yourself after a long day, this dish promises satisfaction every time you dig into it!
You Must Know
- Mastering chicken marsala is about balancing flavors; don’t rush the sauce
- Letting it simmer develops deep, rich tastes
- The aroma of garlic and wine will make your kitchen feel like a fancy Italian restaurant
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken to lock in moisture, then prepare the sauce while it cooks. This sequence ensures juicy chicken and a flavorful marsala sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the mushrooms for spinach or add capers for an extra kick. Experimenting with flavors can lead to delightful surprises.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to keep the chicken tender and sauce flavorful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality marsala wine for authentic flavor; it makes a world of difference
- Always taste your sauce before serving—it’s your final chance for adjustments!
- Pair with fresh herbs for added freshness and color
I once made chicken marsala for my friends during a cozy dinner party. They raved about it, claiming I should open a restaurant. Their joy made all the effort worthwhile!
FAQ
What is chicken marsala?
Chicken marsala is a classic Italian dish featuring sautéed chicken in a savory mushroom and marsala wine sauce.
Can I use different types of wine for chicken marsala?
While marsala is traditional, you can use dry sherry or white wine as alternatives.
Is there a vegetarian version of chicken marsala?
Yes, substitute chicken with tofu or portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian twist on this dish.
Chicken Marsala
Indulge in the rich flavors of Chicken Marsala, a comforting Italian classic that combines succulent chicken breasts with a savory mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering an explosion of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- ¾ cup dry Marsala wine
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until mushrooms are browned.
- Deglaze the pan with Marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for approximately 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Return the chicken to the skillet along with chicken broth. Simmer together for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Stir in an additional tablespoon of butter for richness and garnish with chopped parsley before serving over pasta or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
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