Chicken Marsala : This Italian-American classic combines the delicate flavors of pan-fried chicken cutlets with a rich, mushroom marsala wine sauce for a quick weeknight dinner.
What is Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala is an Italian-American dish that combines tender, pan-fried chicken with a savory sauce made from Marsala wine, mushrooms, garlic, and shallots. Originating from the traditional Italian Marsala sauce, it has become a staple in Italian restaurants across the U.S. and beyond.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Marsala
- Choose the Right Marsala Wine: Dry Marsala wine is ideal for savory dishes like Chicken Marsala. Sweet Marsala can make the dish overly sugary.
- Use Thin Chicken Breasts: Thinly pounded chicken breasts cook evenly and absorb more flavor.
- Brown the Mushrooms Well: Allowing mushrooms to brown brings out a deep, rich flavor in the sauce. Don’t rush this step!
- Don’t Skip the Deglaze: When you add the wine, scrape the brown bits on the pan’s bottom. This adds a ton of flavor to the sauce.
Delicious Variations to Try
Chicken Marsala is versatile, and you can customize it to fit your taste or dietary needs:
- Creamy Chicken Marsala: Add extra cream to make the sauce velvety and richer. Great for those who love creamy pasta sauces.
- Low-Carb Chicken Marsala: Skip the flour when searing the chicken. The sauce will still be flavorful without it.
- Vegetarian Marsala: Substitute the chicken with a hearty vegetable, like eggplant or portobello mushrooms, for a vegetarian twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour for dredging the chicken. Many brands work just as well, giving you the same golden-brown crust.
How to Serve Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is often served with:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy potatoes soak up the Marsala sauce beautifully.
- Pasta: A classic Italian pairing; try it with fettuccine or spaghetti.
- Polenta: For a hearty Italian meal, serve over creamy polenta.
- Rice or Risotto: Plain rice or a flavorful risotto provides a neutral base for the sauce.
Pair it with a green vegetable, like steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach, to balance the richness of the sauce.
Storing and Reheating Chicken Marsala
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat Chicken Marsala:
- Storing: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For the best results, reheat Chicken Marsala in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge.
- Freezing: You can freeze Chicken Marsala for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
What kind of Marsala wine should I use for Chicken Marsala?
Opt for dry Marsala wine for savory dishes like Chicken Marsala. Sweet Marsala can add too much sweetness, but some enjoy the added richness it brings.
Can I make Chicken Marsala without wine?
Yes, substitute the Marsala wine with a mixture of chicken broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar. This gives a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol.
How can I thicken the Marsala sauce?
The flour coating on the chicken naturally thickens the sauce. For a thicker sauce, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water) in the final stages of cooking.
What mushrooms are best for Chicken Marsala?
Cremini mushrooms or button mushrooms work well. If you prefer a stronger mushroom flavor, try shiitake or portobello mushrooms.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more flavor and moisture. They require a few extra minutes to cook through but work beautifully in this recipe.
What is the difference between Chicken Marsala and Chicken Piccata?
Chicken Marsala features Marsala wine and mushrooms, while Chicken Piccata uses a lemon-butter-caper sauce without wine or mushrooms. Both are delicious Italian-American dishes with different flavor profiles.
Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala : This Italian-American classic combines the delicate flavors of pan-fried chicken cutlets with a rich, mushroom marsala wine sauce for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded ¼-inch thick or chicken tenderloins
- 8 oz pre-sliced bella or button mushrooms
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp finely chopped shallots (about 1 medium shallot)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- ⅔ cup chicken broth
- ⅔ cup dry Marsala wine
- 2 tbsp fresh Italian parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a ziplock bag, combine flour, ¾ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Add the chicken, seal, and shake until evenly coated.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium-high. Add the flour-coated chicken (shaking off excess), cooking each side until golden and almost done, about 5-6 minutes. Set aside.
- Melt the remaining tbsp of butter in the pan. Add mushrooms and cook until they start to brown, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in shallots, garlic, and ¼ tsp salt, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth, Marsala wine, heavy cream, thyme, another ¼ tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp pepper. Scrape up the browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes until it reduces to a thin cream sauce.
- Return the chicken to the pan along with any juices. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the chicken is warmed through and the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley if desired, and enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Marsala!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 609Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 223mgSodium: 623mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 60g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Marsala is a timeless dish that brings together a wonderful blend of flavors in an easy-to-follow recipe. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or as a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. With just a few ingredients, you’ll create a meal that tastes as if it came straight out of a restaurant.
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