Ah, Chicken Marsala—a classic Italian-American dish that’s rich, savory, and slightly sweet from Marsala wine. 🍷🍗 It’s pan-seared chicken cutlets in a flavorful mushroom and wine sauce, often served over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Here’s a detailed recipe:
Chicken Marsala Recipe
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- ¾ cup Marsala wine (dry or sweet, based on preference)
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1–2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: 1 small shallot or 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (~½ inch).
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Sear the chicken
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Cook the mushrooms
- Add mushrooms (and shallots/garlic if using) to the same pan.
- Sauté until tender and lightly browned (~5 minutes).
4. Make the sauce
- Pour in Marsala wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits.
- Add chicken broth and simmer for 3–5 minutes, until slightly reduced.
- Stir in remaining butter to finish the sauce.
5. Combine and serve
- Return chicken to the pan and simmer 2–3 minutes to coat in sauce.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Marsala
- Use dry Marsala wine for a more authentic, less sweet sauce.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken; cook in batches if needed.
- Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- The sauce can be thickened slightly with a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water if desired.
💡 Fun variation: Add a splash of heavy cream for a richer, creamier Marsala sauce.
If you want, I can make a quick guide pairing sides with Chicken Marsala to create a complete restaurant-style meal at home.
Do you want me to do that?