This Low Carb Chicken Marsala recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, flavorful Marsala wine sauce. With its savory blend of mushrooms, garlic, and herbs, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also adheres to a low-carb lifestyle, making it perfect for those watching their carbohydrate intake. Pairing beautifully with a side of sautéed veggies or a crisp salad, this Chicken Marsala is sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this Low Carb Chicken Marsala for its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. The savory sweetness of the Marsala wine, combined with the earthiness of mushrooms, creates a sauce that’s both comforting and indulgent. Plus, it’s quick to make—ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights or meal preps, this recipe fits seamlessly into a low-carb diet, allowing you to enjoy a classic dish without the guilt.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Thin Chicken Breasts: For even cooking, use thinly sliced chicken breasts or pound them to an even thickness. This reduces cooking time and ensures they stay juicy.
- Marsala Wine: Opt for a dry Marsala wine for a more authentic flavor. Avoid sweet varieties, which can add unnecessary sugar.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh mushrooms and herbs for the best flavor. If you can, go for cremini or shiitake mushrooms to elevate the dish.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to cook the chicken. Just be sure to add the chicken to the sauce only when you’re ready to serve.
Make Ahead Tips
You can make the mushroom sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce in a pan and add freshly cooked chicken. If you prefer, you can also marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs the night before to enhance the flavors.
Recipe Variations
- Mushroom Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms such as portobello, oyster, or button mushrooms for varied flavors.
- Add Spinach: Stir in some fresh spinach at the end of cooking for added color and nutrition.
- Creamy Marsala: For a creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce at the end of cooking.
How to Serve
Serve your Low Carb Chicken Marsala hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a side of sautéed zucchini or cauliflower rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a more elegant presentation, plate the chicken on a bed of greens and drizzle the sauce artfully around it.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this dish with a chilled glass of dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, to complement the flavors of the Marsala sauce. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a twist of lemon would be refreshing. Complement your meal with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus for a wholesome twist.
How to Store
Leftovers of your Low Carb Chicken Marsala can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and sauce together; it will keep well for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Equipment Needed
- Skillet: A large skillet or sauté pan is essential for cooking the chicken and sauce.
- Meat Thermometer: Useful for ensuring your chicken is cooked to the perfect internal temperature.
- Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and deglazing the pan.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit any butter and use olive oil instead. For a nut-free version, ensure that any additional seasoning blends do not contain nuts. If you’d like to make this dish vegan, consider substituting the chicken with tofu or seitan, and use a vegan Marsala wine.
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring, add fresh asparagus or peas to the dish for a seasonal touch. In the fall, consider incorporating roasted squash or pumpkin in the side dishes to complement the earthy flavors of the Marsala sauce.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and moisture to the dish.
- What if I can’t find Marsala wine? You can substitute with a dry sherry or a reduced-sugar white wine.
- How long does this recipe take to cook? The total cook time is around 30 minutes, including preparation.
Low Carb Chicken Marsala
This Low Carb Chicken Marsala recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, flavorful Marsala wine sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 cup dry Marsala wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the mushrooms are browned and tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Return Chicken to the Skillet: Add the chicken back to the skillet and simmer for another 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 505Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 133mgSodium: 1061mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 40g
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
This Low Carb Chicken Marsala recipe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that can fit into your healthy lifestyle. With its simple preparation and exquisite taste, it proves that low-carb dining doesn’t have to be dull. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite, knowing you’re treating yourself to something truly special!
