How to Prepare a Classic Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a delicious and flavorful Italian-American dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or even a casual weeknight meal. The combination of tender chicken breast, rich Marsala wine, and mushrooms creates a dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to prepare a classic Chicken Marsala at home using simple steps and everyday ingredients. Let’s get started!
What Is Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-inspired dish made with chicken breast, mushrooms, and Marsala wine—a type of fortified wine from Sicily. The wine gives the dish its signature rich, slightly sweet flavor. The chicken is cooked and then simmered in the Marsala wine sauce, creating a comforting and elegant meal that’s perfect when served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish (serves 4 people):
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup dry Marsala wine (available at most grocery stores)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken breasts. To ensure they cook evenly, place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to about ½-inch thickness. You can use a meat mallet or rolling pin for this step. Once they’re flattened, season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
Next, pour the flour into a shallow bowl or plate. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, coating both sides lightly, and shake off any excess. This step helps create a thin crust and ensures the chicken stays tender while cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook them for about 3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown. You don’t need to fully cook the chicken at this point, as they will finish cooking later in the sauce.
Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook them for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they soften and begin to brown. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
The mushrooms will soak up all the delicious flavors left in the pan after cooking the chicken, so don’t skip this step!
Step 4: Add Marsala Wine and Chicken Broth
Once the mushrooms are ready, pour in 1 cup of Marsala wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan gently, loosening any browned bits (these bits add tons of flavor to your sauce). Let the wine simmer for 1-2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
Afterward, stir in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them in the simmering sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken cook in the sauce for about 10 minutes. This allows the chicken to finish cooking and absorb the rich flavors of the Marsala wine and broth.
Flip the chicken halfway through so it’s evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken up.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking, it’s time to plate up. Transfer the chicken to serving plates and pour the mushroom Marsala sauce generously over the top.
For a final touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on the dish to add color and freshness.
What to Serve with Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Some popular choices include:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture complements the rich sauce perfectly.
- Pasta: Serve over spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice.
- Rice: Fluffy rice helps soak up the delicious Marsala sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Add a healthy, colorful side like broccoli or green beans.
Tips for Success
- Choose Dry Marsala Wine: Sweet Marsala wine can work, but dry Marsala is traditionally used for savory dishes like Chicken Marsala.
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: Flattening the chicken helps it cook uniformly and stay tender.
- Don’t Skip the Brown Bits: Scraping the pan after adding the Marsala wine ensures you capture all the flavor left by the chicken and mushrooms.
- Customize the Sauce: Want a creamier sauce? Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Conclusion
Making classic Chicken Marsala at home is easier than you think. With simple ingredients, a little prep, and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this dish is sure to impress.
Give this recipe a try, and let the rich flavors of Marsala wine and mushrooms transform your dinner into something truly unforgettable. Happy cooking!
