Chicken Marsala is a beloved dish that originates from Italy but has become a staple in Italian-American cuisine. It features chicken breasts that are lightly coated in flour, pan-seared until golden brown, and then simmered in a luxurious sauce made from Marsala wine, mushrooms, and garlic. The dish is renowned for its deep, rich flavors and elegant presentation, making it a favorite for both home cooks and professional chefs alike.
Marsala wine, the star ingredient in this dish, hails from the Sicilian city of Marsala. This fortified wine comes in both sweet and dry varieties, with the dry version typically used in savory dishes like Chicken Marsala. The wine’s unique flavor profile, characterized by notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, adds a depth of flavor that transforms a simple chicken dish into a gourmet experience.
Mushrooms play a crucial role in Chicken Marsala, contributing earthy flavors and a satisfying texture. Commonly used mushrooms include cremini or button mushrooms, but for an elevated touch, you might consider using a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake, porcini, or chanterelles.
This recipe is relatively simple to prepare, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. The key to success lies in using high-quality ingredients and allowing enough time for the flavors to meld together. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal for your family or hosting a dinner party, Chicken Marsala is sure to impress with its rich, comforting flavors and beautiful presentation.
Chicken Marsala: A Culinary Delight
Description
Experience the exquisite flavors of Chicken Marsala, a classic Italian-American dish that marries tender chicken breasts with a rich, savory mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion, this recipe offers an unforgettable culinary experience.
Main Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter.
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Finish the Sauce:
Add the chicken broth and heavy cream (if using), and stir to combine.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece.
Simmer until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
6. Serve:
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, spoon the sauce and mushrooms over the top.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Cholesterol 105mg35%
- Sodium 350mg15%
- Potassium 700mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 35g70%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 1 mg
- Calcium 40 mg
- Iron 1.4 mg
- Vitamin D 1 IU
- Vitamin E 0.6 IU
- Vitamin K 2 mcg
- Thiamin 0.09 mg
- Riboflavin 0.25 mg
- Niacin 12 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.6 mg
- Folate 16 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.2 mcg
- Biotin 3 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 250 mg
- Iodine 3 mcg
- Magnesium 40 mg
- Zinc 1.5 mg
- Selenium 21 mcg
- Copper 0.08 mg
- Manganese 0.1 mg
- Chromium 2 mcg
- Molybdenum 1 mcg
- Chloride 30 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Serve Chicken Marsala over a bed of mashed potatoes, pasta, or alongside a serving of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- For the best results, use high-quality Marsala wine and fresh mushrooms. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
