Introduction

Chicken Marsala Recipe is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, flavorful sauce made from Marsala wine and mushrooms. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress your guests with a restaurant-quality meal at home.

How to Make a Chicken Marsala Recipe

Ingredients and Directions

Chicken Marsala Recipe

Course: Recipes

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
8 oz sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
1/2 cup Marsala wine
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet until they are about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and tender results.
In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender.
Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken stock, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it reduce for 2-3 minutes.
Add the butter to the skillet and stir until it melts and incorporates into the sauce. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes until it is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the chicken. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

Tips for Success Your Chicken Marsala Recipe

Choose the right Marsala wine: For the best flavor, use a dry Marsala wine rather than a sweet one. If you can’t find Marsala, you can substitute it with Madeira or sherry.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken breasts in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.
Adjust the sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken stock. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.

Variations: Chicken Marsala Recipe

Add garlic: Minced garlic can be added to the mushrooms for extra flavor.
Use different mushrooms: Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or porcini, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.

Pairing Chicken Marsala Recipe with the Perfect Wine

Choosing the right wine to pair with your Chicken Marsala can elevate your dining experience and complement the flavors of the dish. A good rule of thumb is to select a wine that matches the flavor intensity of the sauce. Some excellent options include:

Marsala wine: The most obvious choice is to pair your dish with the same wine used in the recipe. A dry Marsala wine will enhance the flavors of the sauce and create a harmonious balance.
Chardonnay: A full-bodied Chardonnay with buttery and oaky notes can complement the richness of the Marsala sauce and the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Pinot Noir: A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir with fruity and earthy notes can provide a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the dish without overpowering them.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Chicken Marsala Recipe is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include:

Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that complements the rich Marsala sauce and provides a comforting element to the meal.
Pasta: Serve your Chicken Marsala over a bed of your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, to soak up the delicious sauce.
Roasted vegetables: Oven-roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts, add a healthy and colorful component to your plate.
Garlic bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any remaining Marsala sauce and adds a crispy texture to the meal.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftover Chicken Marsala, you can easily store and reheat it for a quick and tasty meal later on. Here’s how:

Allow the Chicken Marsala to cool to room temperature.
Transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Note that the sauce may thicken upon refrigeration, so you may need to add a splash of chicken stock or water when reheating to thin it out to your desired consistency.

FAQ: Chicken Marsala Recipe

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for Marsala wine?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the Marsala wine with an equal amount of chicken stock mixed with 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar to mimic the acidity and depth of flavor.
Can I make Chicken Marsala ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the chicken back into the sauce, then cool and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the dish gently on the stovetop and proceed with the remaining steps.
How can I thicken the Marsala sauce?
If your sauce is too thin, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the simmering sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.

Chicken Marsala Recipe is a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and rich Marsala sauce, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and discover why this classic dish has remained a favorite for generations.

Table of Contents