Skip to content
Home » Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala





Delicious Chicken Marsala Recipe

Description of the Recipe

Discover the perfect Chicken Marsala recipe! Tender chicken, rich mushroom Marsala sauce, and simple steps for a restaurant-quality dish. Chicken Marsala is an Italian-American dish that brings together tender chicken cutlets and a rich, flavorful mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. This dish is a perfect combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors, making it a delightful addition to any meal. It’s easy to prepare and sophisticated enough to impress guests at a dinner party. With this recipe, you’ll achieve a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients – Chicken Marsala

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 pound cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup Marsala wine
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Marsala

1. Prepare the Chicken

  1. Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
  2. Season and Coat: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

2. Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and bubbling.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

3. Prepare the Mushroom Marsala Sauce

  1. Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and have released their moisture, about 8 minutes.
  2. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Deglaze with Marsala Wine: Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let the wine reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the Broth: Stir in the chicken broth and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Optional Cream: For a richer sauce, you can stir in the heavy cream at this stage. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is well combined and slightly thickened.

4. Combine and Serve

  1. Return the Chicken: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the mushroom Marsala sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and sauce.
  3. Serve: Serve the Chicken Marsala hot, with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, tangy contrast. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a side of steamed vegetables.

Tips and Variations for Chicken Marsala

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh mushrooms and high-quality Marsala wine make a significant difference in the flavor of this dish. Opt for cremini mushrooms for a deeper flavor, but button mushrooms work well too.

Gluten-Free Option

To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging the chicken.

Low-Fat Version – Chicken Marsala

For a lighter version, skip the heavy cream and use a light chicken broth. You can also reduce the amount of butter and olive oil used for cooking.

Add Herbs

Enhance the flavor profile by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce. These herbs complement the earthy taste of the mushrooms and the sweetness of the Marsala wine.

Vegetarian Variation

For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with thick slices of portobello mushrooms or tofu. The mushroom Marsala sauce works wonderfully with these alternatives.

Make-Ahead Tips

Chicken Marsala can be made ahead and reheated before serving. Prepare the dish as directed, then let it cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Preparation and Cooking Time – Chicken Marsala

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 450-500 (varies depending on specific ingredients and quantities)
  • Total Fat: 25-30 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 10-12 grams
  • Cholesterol: 120-140 milligrams
  • Sodium: 500-600 milligrams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12-15 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
  • Sugars: 3-4 grams
  • Protein: 35-40 grams

Historical Tidbits about Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala has its origins in Italian cuisine, specifically from the region of Sicily, where Marsala wine is produced. Marsala wine, a fortified wine, was introduced to the island by English trader John Woodhouse in the late 18th century. The wine became popular in cooking, especially in creating rich, flavorful sauces.

The dish itself is a product of Italian-American fusion, combining traditional Italian flavors with the American preference for chicken dishes. It gained popularity in the United States in the mid-20th century, especially in Italian-American restaurants. The combination of tender chicken cutlets with a savory mushroom and wine sauce appealed to American palates, and it quickly became a favorite.

Today, Chicken Marsala is a staple in many households and a popular choice on restaurant menus. Its rich history and delicious flavor make it a dish worth savoring.