Classic Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that’s both elegant and surprisingly easy to make. It features tender chicken breasts pan-fried and simmered in a rich, savory sauce made with Marsala wine, mushrooms, and a touch of cream. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

What is Marsala Wine?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about Marsala. Marsala is a fortified wine from Sicily, Italy. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a slightly higher alcohol content than most table wines. You can find Marsala wine in most grocery stores and wine shops.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced

1 large shallot, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup Marsala wine

1/4 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper.

Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, making sure they are evenly coated.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

Add the mushrooms and shallot to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are softened and lightly browned.

Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Pour in the Marsala wine and bring to a simmer.

Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the alcohol has evaporated.

Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer again.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Stir in the heavy cream and butter.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Finish and Serve:

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes more, or until heated through.

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips and Variations:

For extra flavor: Use a combination of cremini and shiitake mushrooms.

Make it richer: Add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet with the chicken before cooking.

Add some heat: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.

Use different protein: Try this recipe with chicken thighs or even pork chops.

Serve with: This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Wine pairing: Enjoy a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc with your Chicken Marsala.

Troubleshooting:

If the sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to reduce it slightly. You can also thicken it with a small amount of cornstarch slurry.

If the sauce is too thick: Add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.

If the chicken is dry: Cover the skillet loosely with foil while the chicken is resting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Easy to make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients.

Quick and satisfying: It’s a perfect weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking.

Impressive: This dish is elegant enough to serve to guests.

Choosing the Right Marsala Wine

Marsala wine comes in various levels of sweetness and dryness. For Chicken Marsala, you’ll want to use a dry Marsala. Look for Marsala wine labeled “Fine” or “Superiore.” These wines have a more robust flavor that complements the richness of the dish.

Substituting Marsala Wine

If you don’t have Marsala wine on hand, you can substitute with another fortified wine such as Madeira or Sherry. However, the flavor will be slightly different. You can also use a combination of dry white wine and chicken broth.

Serving Suggestions

Pasta: Serve Chicken Marsala over a bed of pasta, such as fettuccine or spaghetti.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to this dish.

Rice: Serve with a side of steamed rice or risotto.

Vegetables: Pair with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs take longer to cook than breasts.

Q: Can I use frozen mushrooms?

A: Yes, you can use frozen mushrooms. Thaw them completely before adding them to the skillet.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: You can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently before adding the chicken. However, it’s best to cook the chicken fresh.

Q: Can I substitute heavy cream?

A: You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. However, the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Conclusion

Chicken Marsala is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a little practice, you’ll be making this classic Italian dish like a pro in no time.