Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that brings together succulent chicken breasts and rich mushroom sauce in a delightful symphony of flavors. This recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. The key to a great Chicken Marsala lies in the quality of your ingredients—fresh chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a good Marsala wine come together to elevate this dish to new heights. Whether served over pasta or alongside roasted vegetables, Chicken Marsala is sure to impress your family and friends. In this article, you’ll find step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure your culinary success. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Marsala

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for Chicken Marsala

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts depending on how many people you’re feeding; they should be pounded thin for even cooking.
Marsala Wine: Choose dry Marsala wine for a balanced flavor that complements the dish without overwhelming it.
Fresh Mushrooms: Use cremini or button mushrooms; slice them evenly for consistent cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor; chop it finely to release maximum aroma.

For the Sauce:

Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels while adding depth to the sauce.
Butter: A few tablespoons of unsalted butter will help create a rich sauce that binds all flavors together.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chicken Marsala

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to about half an inch thick for even cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt two tablespoons of butter along with olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides—about four minutes per side.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, add sliced mushrooms and garlic. Sauté until tender—around five minutes.

Step 4: Add Wine and Broth

Pour in the dry Marsala wine followed by chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet while simmering for five minutes.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the skillet along with any juices collected on the plate. Simmer everything together for another five minutes until cooked through.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

Remove from heat and stir in additional butter until melted to create a velvety sauce.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the chicken overnight in olive oil, garlic, and herbs

How to Serve Chicken Marsala

This Chicken Marsala is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden, then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days before finishing the cooking process on serving day.
Storing: Leftover Chicken Marsala can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, where it will keep well for up to three months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen Chicken Marsala overnight in the fridge. Warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to maintain moisture. Heat until warmed through, typically about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs for Chicken Marsala :

What is Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that features tender chicken breasts sautéed to perfection and served in a rich Marsala wine sauce. The name derives from the use of Marsala wine, which adds a deep, complex flavor to the dish. The base typically includes mushrooms, garlic, and sometimes shallots, creating a savory sauce that complements the chicken beautifully. This dish is often served with pasta or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. You can customize Chicken Marsala by adding herbs like parsley or thyme for additional flavor. Overall, it’s a comforting and elegant meal perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

How do I make Chicken Marsala at home?

To prepare Chicken Marsala at home, start by flattening chicken breasts for even cooking. Season them with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour to create a light coating. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat, then sauté the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add sliced mushrooms and cook until they’re browned. Next, deglaze the pan with Marsala wine, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Return the chicken to the pan, simmer until cooked through, and serve it with the rich sauce poured over top. This straightforward process creates an impressive dish that’s sure to delight your family or guests.

Can I use white wine instead of Marsala in Chicken Marsala?

While traditional Chicken Marsala relies on Marsala wine for its distinct flavor profile, you can substitute it with white wine if necessary. However, be aware that this will alter the taste of the dish slightly. A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can work well as an alternative; just ensure it has enough acidity to balance out the richness of the sauce. When using white wine, consider adding a little balsamic vinegar or brandy to mimic some of the sweetness found in Marsala wine. This modification can help maintain depth in flavor while still delivering a delicious meal.

What side dishes pair well with Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Classic choices include creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, which absorb the savory sauce nicely. Additionally, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts bring freshness and texture to your plate. A simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette can add brightness and balance out the meal’s heaviness. For those wanting something lighter but still satisfying, consider serving Chicken Marsala over a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside garlic bread to soak up all those lovely juices.

Can I make Chicken Marsala ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Chicken Marsala ahead of time for convenience. To do so, cook the dish as usual but stop short of reheating it before serving. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve it again, gently reheat on low in a skillet while adding a splash of extra broth or water if needed to prevent drying out. This method keeps flavors intact while ensuring your meal remains moist and delicious when served later.

Is Chicken Marsala gluten-free?

To make Chicken Marsala gluten-free, simply substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch when dredging your chicken breasts before cooking them. Ensure all other ingredients used are also certified gluten-free since some brands may contain hidden gluten sources—especially sauces or stocks used in preparation. With these modifications in place, you can enjoy this delicious Italian-American dish without worrying about dietary restrictions.

FAQs

Conclusion for Chicken Marsala :

In summary, Chicken Marsala is an exquisite Italian-American dish known for its tender chicken and flavorful mushroom-wine sauce made with authentic Marsala wine. Preparing it at home is straightforward—just follow essential steps like flattening your chicken breasts and properly sautéing them for optimal texture and flavor development. While traditional recipes call for specific ingredients like mushrooms and flour for dredging, feel free to customize based on preferences or dietary needs by substituting certain components if necessary. Whether served alongside pasta or roasted veggies, this delightful meal is perfect for any occasion! Enjoy creating your version of Chicken Marsala tonight!

Chicken Marsala

Author: Patricia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Description

Chicken Marsala is the epitome of Italian-American comfort food, featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a luxurious mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, allowing you to impress family and friends with minimal effort. With its rich flavors and simple ingredients, Chicken Marsala proves that gourmet meals can be made right at home.

Ingredients

– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– Dry Marsala wine

– Fresh mushrooms (cremini or button)

– Garlic

– Chicken broth

– Unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by pounding it to an even thickness and seasoning with salt and pepper.

2. In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides; remove from the pan.

3. Sauté sliced mushrooms and garlic in the same pan until tender.

4. Deglaze with Marsala wine and add chicken broth; let simmer for five minutes.

5. Return the chicken to the skillet, simmer until cooked through, then finish with a pat of butter for a silky sauce.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and herbs overnight. Serve over pasta or alongside roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 30g