Ah, Chicken Marsala! What a delightful dish that never fails to take me back to my first Italian dinner with friends. I’ll never forget that cozy restaurant with dim lighting and the aroma of rich sauces wafting through the air. I ordered Chicken Marsala, and the moment I took a bite, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The succulent chicken, the sweet and tangy Marsala wine sauce, and those earthy mushrooms—just heavenly! This dish quickly became a staple in my kitchen, and I’m so excited to share it with you!
What I love most about Chicken Marsala is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a regular weeknight dinner, it fits perfectly. Plus, it looks fancy enough to impress anyone! Let’s dive into the ingredients before we whip up some magic in the kitchen.
What’s in Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Breasts: The foundation of the dish! I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of cooking. They’re tender and cook quickly, making this dish a breeze.
Marsala Wine: This sweet fortified wine is key to achieving that rich flavor. Look for an “Abruzzo” or “Sicilian” type if you can find it!
Mushrooms: I love using cremini or button mushrooms for their earthy taste. Sautéed until golden brown, they add depth to the sauce.
Butter: A must for that rich, silky finish. You can use unsalted butter to control the salt level.
Olive Oil: A little drizzle in the pan helps to sear the chicken perfectly.
Garlic: A couple of cloves minced will add a lovely aromatic flavor.
Chicken Broth: This helps to create a savory base for the sauce. I usually go for low-sodium broth.
Fresh Parsley: For that vibrant pop of color and freshness, a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top just brings the whole dish together.
Is Chicken Marsala Good for You?
If you’re a fan of a well-balanced meal, Chicken Marsala can definitely fit the bill! Here’s a little breakdown of its benefits and considerations:
Chicken: Lean protein that helps to build and repair tissues. Plus, it’s generally lower in calories, especially without the skin!
Mushrooms: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, they’re great for supporting the immune system.
Marsala Wine: In moderation, wine can add depth to a dish and may have health benefits. Just be mindful of alcohol if you’re watching your intake.
However, keep an eye on the butter and oil, since they can add up in calories. A lighter version of Chicken Marsala can be made by using less butter and serving it with steamed vegetables instead of pasta.
Ingredients List
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (serves 4)
– 1 cup Marsala wine
– 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Chicken Marsala?
1. Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch). This helps cook them evenly.
2. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and brown both sides for about 4-5 minutes (cooking in batches if your skillet is too crowded). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Toss in the mushrooms and sauté them until golden brown (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to get all those delicious bits. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it in the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve!
I like to serve my Chicken Marsala over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside some pasta to soak up that divine sauce.
Delicious Tidbits for Chicken Marsala
– If you can find it, feel free to mix up the types of mushrooms for an extra flavor boost (like shiitake or portobello).
– For added richness, finish the sauce with a splash of cream right before serving!
– Want to really wow your guests? Pair with a lovely green salad and a glass of that same Marsala wine. Cheers!
I hope you’re inspired to try making Chicken Marsala at home! It’s truly a dish anyone can master, and I promise it will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly. If you give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Happy cooking!