If you’re craving a flavorful, comforting dish that’s sure to impress, this chicken marsala recipe is exactly what you need. With tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich mushroom and marsala wine sauce, it offers the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking to treat yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this dish is easy to make yet feels indulgent. It’s the perfect recipe for beginner cooks to master, with a luxurious taste that’s sure to wow anyone at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Marsala Recipe
There are many reasons to adore this chicken marsala recipe, but here are the top four:
- Delicious Flavor: The savory chicken combined with the sweet, earthy marsala wine sauce creates an irresistible taste.
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: You can serve it with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to pasta or a fresh salad.
- Impressive Presentation: This dish looks as amazing as it tastes, making it perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
A Peek Into Chicken Marsala’s Story
The chicken marsala recipe has roots worth savoring. Here’s the scoop:
- Sicilian Origins: Marsala wine, the star of this dish, hails from Sicily, where it’s been crafted since the 18th century.
- Italian-American Twist: Italian immigrants in the U.S. paired it with chicken, creating this beloved classic in the 20th century.
- Wine’s Magic: Marsala’s sweet or dry notes give the sauce its signature depth, making it a restaurant staple.
- Homey Appeal: It’s a dish that feels gourmet but thrives in home kitchens, perfect for beginners like you.
Ingredients
To make this chicken marsala recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup (60 g) flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 small shallots, chopped
- 1 cup (100 g) chestnut mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) marsala wine
- 1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock
- Flat leaf parsley for garnish
How to Make Chicken Marsala
Follow these 6 simple steps to create your chicken marsala masterpiece:
- Prepare the Chicken: Cover the chicken breasts with cling wrap and pound them with a meat mallet until they are no thicker than 1/2 inch. Season with salt and pepper on both sides, then dredge in flour.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken breasts until golden, about 5 minutes on each side. Be careful not to overcook, as the chicken will cook quickly due to its thinness. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Shallots and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the chopped shallots and cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle 1 tbsp of flour over the mushrooms and shallots, stirring and cooking for 1 more minute. Add the marsala wine, turn the heat up to medium, and let the wine reduce for a minute. Then, add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the pan, ensuring they’re coated in the sauce. Let the chicken heat through in the sauce and simmer for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with your choice of side dish.
Chicken Marsala Tips and Twists
Chicken marsala is a classic, but here are some helpful tips and twists to elevate your dish:
Tips:
- Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, consider pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
- Use Dry Marsala Wine: Dry marsala will give you a richer, less sweet sauce, while sweet marsala adds more sweetness.
- Cook on Medium Heat: To avoid burning the chicken, make sure to cook it over medium heat.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: Adding butter at the end ensures a silky smooth sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the flavor of the dish.
Variations:
- Swap for Veal: Try veal instead of chicken for a more traditional version of the dish.
- Add Fresh Herbs: For extra flavor, add thyme or rosemary to the sauce as it simmers.
- Go Dairy-Free: Skip the cream and butter for a lighter, dairy-free version, and use olive oil instead.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Here’s how to store, reheat, and prepare your chicken marsala in advance:
Storage:
- Store leftover chicken marsala in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Make-Ahead:
- You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately, storing them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Simply combine and heat before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your chicken marsala with these delicious sides:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy potatoes soak up the rich marsala sauce perfectly.
- Pasta: Serve with a simple pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine for a hearty meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, or asparagus provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the sauce.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up the leftover sauce on your plate.
FAQ About Chicken Marsala
Here are some common questions about chicken marsala:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully in this dish and provide extra juiciness. - Can I make this recipe without marsala wine?
You can substitute marsala wine with a mix of dry sherry and a splash of grape juice for a similar flavor. - Is chicken marsala gluten-free?
Traditional recipes contain flour, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free. - Can I freeze chicken marsala?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce and chicken separately, though the texture may change slightly upon reheating. - What should I serve with chicken marsala?
Try serving with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Enjoy Your Chicken Marsala
Your homemade chicken marsala is now ready to enjoy! With tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a rich, flavorful sauce, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, you’ll find that this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Chicken Marsala Recipe
This easy chicken marsala recipe offers a delicious and beginner-friendly way to prepare a classic Italian dish. With tender chicken breasts and a rich marsala wine sauce, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort. Try it today for a quick, flavorful meal!
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320kcal
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup (60 g) flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 small shallots, chopped
- 1 cup (100 g) chestnut mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) marsala wine
- 1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock
- Flat leaf parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts to 1/2 inch thickness, season with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and fry the chicken for 5 minutes on each side until golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté shallots for 2-3 minutes, then add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle 1 tbsp of flour over the mushrooms and stir. Add marsala wine and chicken stock, bringing the sauce to a boil.
- Lower the heat and return the chicken to the pan. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with a side dish of your choice.
Notes
For an even cook, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before frying. Variation: Try using veal instead of chicken for a more traditional version of chicken marsala.
Nutrition:
Calories: 320, Protein: 38g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 15g, Fiber: 2g
Calories: 320, Protein: 38g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 15g, Fiber: 2g
Explore More Delicious Recipes
Love Italian-inspired dishes? Try these next:
- Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna – A decadent twist on two classics.
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Another rich, flavorful favorite.
- Easy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Artichokes – A perfect appetizer to pair with Marsala.
Happy cooking!