Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala Recipe: A classic Italian dish with tender chicken and rich marsala sauce

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that features tender chicken breasts cooked in a savory Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms. This dish is known for its rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken. It is a popular choice for a delicious and elegant meal that is sure to impress.

History

Chicken Marsala originated in Sicily, Italy, where Marsala wine is produced. The dish was created as a way to showcase the rich and complex flavors of Marsala wine in a savory sauce. Over time, the recipe made its way to America, where it became a staple in Italian-American cuisine. Today, Chicken Marsala is a beloved dish that is enjoyed by many for its delicious taste and comforting flavors.

Ingredients

4 skinless and boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 lb or 454 g)
4 tsp vegetable oil
3 cups mushrooms, sliced (such as button, portobello, cremini, or porcini)
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
0.75 cup dry marsala wine
0.5 cup green onions, sliced
0.5 tsp dried sage, crushed
1 tbsp water
1 tsp cornstarch

How to prepare

To tenderize the chicken breast halves, place each between two sheets of plastic wrap and lightly pound using the flat side of a meat mallet until they are about 0.13 inches thick.
Heat 2 tsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the mushrooms for 4 minutes or until they are tender.
Remove the mushrooms from heat and set them aside.
Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken.
Using the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tsp of oil over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and cook for about 2–3 minutes, turning once, until it is no longer pink inside (cook longer if necessary to ensure doneness).
Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, stir in the marsala wine to the leftover pan drippings, scraping up any browned bits, then bring it to a boil and reduce the heat to medium.
Stir in the cooked mushrooms, green onions, and sage.
In a small bowl, combine water and cornstarch, and mix thoroughly with a fork, then add it to the marsala sauce.
Cook and stir until the sauce slightly thickens, for about 1 minute.
Serve the chicken topped with the marsala sauce and mushrooms.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs or pork chops for the chicken breasts for a different twist on the dish.
Add in additional vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure tender and juicy chicken, be sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.

- Use a meat mallet or the flat side of a heavy knife to pound the chicken breasts.

- Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become tough and dry.

- Use a good quality Marsala wine for the best flavor in the sauce.

- Be sure to deglaze the pan with the Marsala wine to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Marsala over cooked pasta or with a side of mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

- Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked.

- Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken before serving to ensure a rich and flavorful sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use sherry or white wine as a substitute for Marsala wine if needed.

- Use any variety of mushrooms you prefer in place of the suggested mushrooms.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the sauce and cook the chicken when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chicken Marsala on a bed of cooked pasta or rice for an elegant presentation. - Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Marsala with a side salad and a glass of red wine for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the Chicken Marsala in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 5% DV

- Vitamin C: 8% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and iron, while being relatively low in calories and carbohydrates. It is a well-balanced meal that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Chicken Marsala is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night at home. With its tender chicken, savory Marsala wine sauce, and earthy mushrooms, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the rich flavors and elegant presentation of Chicken Marsala for a meal that is both satisfying and impressive.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I sifted through my old recipe box. As I flipped through the yellowed index cards and tattered scraps of paper, my eyes landed on a small, faded piece of parchment tucked away in the back of the box. It was a handwritten recipe for Chicken Marsala, a dish I had always wanted to try but had never attempted to make.

I smiled as I read over the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watering at the thought of the rich, savory flavors of the dish. I could almost taste the tender chicken, cooked to perfection in a velvety Marsala wine sauce. I knew I had to give it a try.

As I gathered the ingredients and prepped the kitchen, memories of my own grandmother flooded my mind. She was the one who had instilled in me a love of cooking and a passion for trying new recipes. I could still hear her voice, guiding me through the steps of each dish, teaching me the importance of patience and precision in the kitchen.

I remembered the first time she had shown me how to make her famous Meatloaf, a recipe passed down through generations in our family. I had been just a young girl, eager to learn the secrets of her delicious creations. She had taken me under her wing, showing me how to mix the ingredients just so, how to shape the loaf with care, and how to bake it to golden perfection.

I smiled to myself as I thought of her now, no longer with us but forever a presence in my kitchen. I knew she would have been pleased to see me trying out a new recipe, adding my own twist to a classic dish.

As I began to cook, the familiar scents of garlic and onions filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the Marsala wine. I could feel my grandmother's spirit guiding me as I sautéed the chicken, taking care to brown it just right before adding in the wine and broth.

I stirred the sauce gently, watching as it thickened and reduced to a glossy glaze, coating the chicken in a rich, flavorful bath. I couldn't help but smile as I tasted a spoonful, the flavors exploding on my tongue in a symphony of herbs and spices.

As I plated the dish and took my first bite, I knew I had captured something special in that moment. The Chicken Marsala was everything I had hoped for and more, a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, of old memories and new beginnings.

I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own repertoire, a dish to be shared with loved ones and passed down to future generations. And as I sat down to enjoy my meal, I silently thanked my grandmother for all she had taught me, for the love and passion she had instilled in me for the art of cooking.

In that moment, with a full heart and a satisfied stomach, I knew that cooking would always be more than just a hobby for me. It was a connection to my past, a way to honor those who had come before me, and a joy to be shared with those I held dear.

And so, as the sun set outside my kitchen window and the last traces of the delicious Chicken Marsala disappeared from my plate, I knew that my love affair with cooking would continue, fueled by the memories of those who had inspired me along the way. And for that, I was forever grateful.