Chicken Marsala is one of those dishes that instantly makes you feel like a professional chef. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how such a simple combination of ingredients could create such a rich, complex flavor. Juicy chicken nestled in a creamy mushroom and Marsala wine sauce? You bet I was hooked! The best part? It’s surprisingly quick and easy to whip up, whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Credit: saltandlavender
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that beautiful harmony of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts (2 large): Cut into four thinner cutlets to cook evenly and fast.
- Salt and pepper: To season the chicken and enhance its flavor. Don’t skimp here!
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- Flour (enough for coating): This creates a golden crust on the chicken and helps thicken the sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For an initial sear that locks in the chicken’s juices.
- Butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Gives the dish a lush, velvety finish.
- Cremini mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced): Earthy and meaty, they pair beautifully with the Marsala wine.
- Fresh garlic (1 large clove, minced): Brings a punch of brightness to the dish.
- Marsala wine (¾ cup): The star ingredient, adding a nutty, caramel flavor. Use dry or semi-sweet Marsala.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Makes the sauce irresistibly smooth and creamy.
Note: This recipe yields four servings. Adjust the ingredients if you’re cooking for more!
Variations
Want to make this dish suit your dietary needs or taste preferences? Here are some alternatives!
- Gluten-free: Use cassava flour or almond flour for dredging instead of regular flour.
- Dairy-free: Replace butter with vegan margarine and swap heavy cream for coconut cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still creamy.
- Extra creamy: If you adore indulgent sauces, increase the heavy cream to 1 cup.
- Vegetarian twist: Replace the chicken with thick cauliflower steaks or portobello mushroom caps.
For a different take on chicken, you might enjoy this General Tso’s Chicken Recipe, which offers a sweet and spicy twist.
Cooking Time
This recipe shines for being quick and efficient. Here’s the breakdown:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to cook your Chicken Marsala to perfection:
- Cutting board: For preparing the chicken.
- Sharp knife: To cut chicken into cutlets.
- Large skillet (preferably cast iron): Perfect for searing chicken and building the sauce.
- Tongs: For flipping the chicken easily without tearing it.
- Measurement cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
- Wooden spoon: To stir the sauce and scrape up any flavorful bits!
How to Make Chicken Marsala?
Cooking this dish is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating your perfect Chicken Marsala:
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. Season both sides of each cutlet with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Lightly dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess. This ensures a golden crust that locks in the juices.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, place the chicken cutlets in and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side. They should turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove and set aside; they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
Add the remaining butter to the skillet, followed by the sliced mushrooms. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they brown and release their moisture. This step builds the earthy base for your sauce.
Step 4: Build the Marsala Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic and Marsala wine, letting it simmer and reduce for about 2-3 minutes. This step intensifies the flavors, creating a nutty and slightly sweet aroma.
Step 5: Add Cream and Final Touches
Pour in the heavy cream and give the sauce a good stir. Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, allowing them to cook through as the sauce thickens for around 4-5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of freshness.
Credit: simplejoy
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Even Better
Here are a few tweaks and tricks I’ve discovered while perfecting this dish:
- Warm your Marsala wine: Adding room-temperature wine to the pan prevents the sauce from cooling down too quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd your skillet: Brown the chicken in batches if needed for an even sear.
- Use fresh garlic: It dramatically enhances the flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
- For thicker sauce: Add a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch slurry during the simmering step.
- Experiment with mushrooms: Substitute half the cremini mushrooms with shiitake for a more complex flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Marsala?
The best thing about Chicken Marsala is how versatile it is in serving. Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Serve it over buttery mashed potatoes for a cozy, hearty meal.
- Pair it with pasta like fettuccine or angel hair to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Include steamed greens like asparagus or green beans as lighter, vibrant sides.
- For something simple, crusty garlic bread works wonders to mop up the sauce.
- Top with a sprinkle of parsley and grated Parmesan for an elegant finishing touch.
For another creamy chicken dish, check out this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe that’s equally delightful.
Nutritional Information
For one serving of Chicken Marsala, the approximate nutritional content is:
- Calories: 428
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fat: 26g
This combination of healthy proteins, moderate carbs, and indulgent fats creates a balanced, satisfying meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Here’s how to store and reheat your leftovers:
- Storage: Keep the dish in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Freezing: Avoid freezing this dish, as the dairy in the sauce can separate when thawed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There are so many things to adore about Chicken Marsala! Here’s why it deserves a spot on your dinner table:
- Quick and easy: It’s on the table in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Restaurant-quality: Tastes so gourmet, your family and guests will think you’ve spent hours cooking.
- Flexible: Easily adaptable to different dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup without compromising flavor.
- Heavenly sauce: The creamy Marsala sauce is so good, you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful.
Chicken Marsala strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this is one recipe that never fails to impress. Now it’s your turn to cook, savor, and fall in love with this timeless classic! You can also enjoy similar chicken recipes for more inspiration.