Chicken Marsala recipe is a classic Italian dish that has gained popularity around the world due to its rich flavors and simplicity. This savory meal typically features tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious Marsala wine sauce combined with mushrooms and fresh herbs. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner or for impressing guests at a dinner party. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ease of preparation while delivering restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Four boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total), pounded to even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Marsala Wine: One cup of dry Marsala wine for depth and sweetness; sweet Marsala can be substituted with adjustments.
• Mushrooms: Eight ounces of cremini or button mushrooms, cleaned with a damp cloth and sliced evenly.
• Olive Oil and Butter: Two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and two tablespoons of unsalted butter for richness.
• Garlic: One minced clove for aromatic flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Fresh Herbs: Two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for garnish and added freshness.

How to Prepare Chicken Marsala Recipe

• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound to ½-inch thickness.
  • Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted and bubbling.
  • Cook chicken for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
  • Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels while preparing the sauce.

• Step 2: Make the Sauce

  • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp butter.
  • Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 30 seconds before adding minced garlic.
  • Cook mushrooms until browned (about 5 minutes), stirring occasionally.
  • Pour in 1 cup of dry Marsala wine while scraping the pan to release browned bits.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  • Return chicken to the skillet and let it cook in the sauce for 3 more minutes.

• Step 3: Finish Cooking & Serve

  • Use tongs or a spatula to plate the chicken.
  • Drizzle sauce generously over each serving.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.
  • Serve immediately with mashed potatoes or buttery noodles.

• Storage Tips

  • Freeze leftovers in airtight freezer-safe bags for up to 6 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on medium-low heat until warmed through.

Suggestions for chicken marsala recipe

For an outstanding chicken marsala recipe, consider marinating your chicken breasts beforehand in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking. This technique infuses additional flavor into the meat while also tenderizing it, resulting in juicier and more aromatic chicken once cooked.

In addition to marinating, pay attention to how you cut your chicken. Slicing against the grain into thinner pieces not only helps reduce cooking time but also ensures each piece remains tender when served. This technique is especially beneficial if you’re using thicker cuts of chicken breast.

FAQs

• What type of wine should I use for Chicken Marsala?
  Stick with dry Marsala wine for cooking rather than sweet varieties, which are better suited for desserts.

• Can I substitute anything if I don’t have Marsala wine?
  Yes! A mix of dry sherry and grape juice works well as a substitute, providing similar sweet notes and balanced acidity.

• How do I store leftover Chicken Marsala?
  Allow leftovers to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate.

• Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
  Yes! Simply use gluten-free flour for dredging the chicken and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

• What sides pair best with Chicken Marsala?
  Great side options include mashed potatoes, baked polenta, roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, and rice pilaf to complement the rich sauce.

• How long does it take to make this dish from start to finish?
  Expect 30-40 minutes, including ingredient prep, cooking, and plating.

chicken marsala recipe

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich and savory mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. It’s a flavorful, comforting meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
• 3/4 cup Marsala wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge them lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
• Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and add the sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the mushrooms are browned and softened.
• Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the thyme and bring to a simmer.
• Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, reducing slightly.
• Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

Notes

• For a lighter version, you can skip the flour dredging and use less butter.
• If you prefer a deeper flavor, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
• For a richer sauce, try using a combination of Marsala wine and dry red wine.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes