Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe: Authentic & Delicious
Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish known for its rich, savory sauce and tender chicken. This recipe brings the authentic flavors of Chicken Marsala to your kitchen with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
What is Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala consists of pan-fried chicken cutlets coated in flour, then simmered in a luscious sauce made from Marsala wine, mushrooms, and butter. The result is a deeply flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to 1/4-inch thickness. Season the flour with salt and pepper, then dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Marsala Sauce: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it reduce for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into the sauce until melted and smooth. Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet and coat them with the Marsala sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Marsala hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired. It pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Marsala:
- Pound the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is evenly thin for quick and even cooking.
- Use Good Quality Marsala Wine: The flavor of the Marsala wine is crucial to the dish, so choose a good quality dry Marsala.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns properly.
- Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes.
Variations:
- Creamy Chicken Marsala: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for extra richness.
- Chicken Marsala with Prosciutto: Add crispy prosciutto to the dish for a salty, savory twist.
Serving Suggestions:
Chicken Marsala is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
- Pasta: Serve over linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich sauce perfectly.
- Rice: Serve with steamed rice or risotto.
- Vegetables: Offer roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or green beans as a healthy side.
Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken Marsala
With this recipe, you can easily create a restaurant-quality Chicken Marsala in your own kitchen. The combination of tender chicken and a flavorful Marsala sauce is sure to impress. Enjoy!