Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe: Authentic & Delicious

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Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal with tender chicken cutlets and a rich, savory Marsala wine sauce. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this flavorful dish!

What is Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala is characterized by its golden-brown pan-fried chicken cutlets and a luscious sauce made from Marsala wine, mushrooms, and butter. The Marsala wine imparts a unique sweetness and depth that elevates the dish to something truly special.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup Marsala wine
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to about 1/4-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Dredge the Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off any excess.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Make the Marsala Sauce: Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
  6. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the butter until melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the Marsala sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Marsala

  • Pound the Chicken: Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and helps to tenderize the meat.
  • Use Dry Marsala Wine: While sweet Marsala exists, dry Marsala is preferred for this recipe to balance the richness of the sauce.
  • Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature and result in uneven browning.
  • Deglaze the Pan: Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet when adding the Marsala wine – this adds tons of flavor to the sauce!

Variations and Additions

  • Creamy Chicken Marsala: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for extra richness.
  • Chicken Marsala with Prosciutto: Add crispy prosciutto to the dish for a salty, savory element.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with thick slices of portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Marsala pairs well with a variety of sides:

  • Pasta: Serve over linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich sauce perfectly.
  • Rice: Fluffy white rice or risotto makes a great base for the dish.
  • Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, green beans, or broccoli are excellent choices.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is designed to be accessible for home cooks while delivering authentic flavors. The key to success is using high-quality ingredients, especially the Marsala wine. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to create a restaurant-worthy Chicken Marsala that everyone will love. Enjoy!