Chicken Marsala Recipe: Simple Steps to a Delicious Dinner

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Chicken Marsala is a beloved Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken, mushrooms, and a rich Marsala wine sauce. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and it’s simpler to make than you might think.

Picture this: golden-brown chicken cutlets nestled in a creamy, savory sauce with just a hint of sweetness from the Marsala wine. The aroma of shallots and sage fills your kitchen, making it hard to wait for dinner. With a few quick steps, you can have this delicious and comforting dish on your table, ready to impress your family or guests.

Cooking Chicken Marsala at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and tailor the flavors to your liking. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find that this recipe is both approachable and rewarding. Dive right in and discover the joy of making this classic dish your own.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Chicken Marsala requires several key ingredients. Below is a list of what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts (4 pieces)
  • Substitute: Chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Flour (for dredging)
  • Substitute: Almond flour for a gluten-free option
• Olive oil (2 tbsp)
  • Substitute: Canola oil
• Butter (2 tbsp)
  • Substitute: Margarine or vegan butter

Sauce Ingredients:

• Marsala wine (½ cup)
  • Substitute: Dry Madeira wine or sherry
• Chicken broth (1 cup)
  • Substitute: Vegetable broth
• Mushrooms (8 oz, sliced)
• Shallots (1, finely chopped)
  • Substitute: Yellow onions or red onions

Seasoning:

• Fresh thyme (1 tsp, finely chopped)
  • Substitute: Dried thyme (use less, about ½ tsp)
• Garlic cloves (3, minced)
  • Substitute: Garlic powder (¼ tsp per clove)

Extra Ingredients (Optional):

• Heavy cream (¼ cup)
  • Substitute: Half-and-half or coconut cream for dairy-free options
• Parsley (for garnish)
  • Substitute: Cilantro or green onions
• Lemon juice (1 tbsp) for a hint of tang
  • Substitute: White wine vinegar or lime juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Ingredients needed: Chicken breasts, flour, salt, pepper.
• In a ziplock bag, mix ¾ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and flour.
• Add the chicken; seal the bag and shake to coat evenly.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken and cook until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Add the Mushrooms:

• Ingredients needed: Mushrooms, Marsala wine, chicken broth.
• In the same skillet, add mushrooms and sauté for a few minutes.
• Pour in Marsala wine and chicken broth; bring to a boil.

4. Simmer the Chicken:

• Return the chicken to the skillet.
• Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Ensure the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Tips:

• Use a stainless steel pan for better browning.
• If you like a thicker sauce, you can reduce it more by simmering longer.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Marsala!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Choosing Your Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cutlets for the best results. Thinner pieces cook more evenly and absorb the flavors better.

Mushrooms: Button mushrooms are a classic choice, but you can also use cremini or portobello for a richer taste.

Wine: Authentic Marsala wine is key. Don’t use sweet Marsala; go for dry Marsala for a more balanced flavor.

Thickening the Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a bit of water and add it to the sauce. Stir well until it thickens.

Cooking: Cook the chicken until it’s just golden brown. Overcooking can make it dry. Cook mushrooms until they are tender and release their juices.

Enhance Flavor: Adding a bit of fresh thyme or a dash of grated nutmeg can elevate the dish. A bit of garlic added with the mushrooms works wonders too.

Storing

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled down completely before storing.

Freezing: You can freeze Chicken Marsala. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave as it can make the chicken rubbery.

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Pro Tip: Serve Chicken Marsala with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

Variations

Heavy Cream: Make your Chicken Marsala creamy by adding ½ cup of heavy cream. It gives a rich texture.

Garlic: For a garlic twist, add 2 minced cloves with the mushrooms. It enhances the flavor.

Prosciutto: Include thin slices of prosciutto after browning the chicken. This adds a salty, savory taste.

Serving Suggestions

Egg Noodles: Serve your Chicken Marsala over egg noodles. The sauce complements the noodles well.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect side. They soak up the Marsala sauce beautifully.

Steamed Vegetables: Healthy and colorful steamed vegetables balance the richness of the dish.

Enjoy your dish with these fun variations and serving ideas!