Chicken Marsala: A Classic Italian Dish That Will Impress Your Guests

Introduction

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian dish that has become a favorite in many households. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner for two. It features juicy chicken breasts that are coated in a savory flour mixture and cooked to perfection. The chicken is then simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce that is flavored with Marsala wine. The result is a delicious, comforting meal that will impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.

Ingredients

To make Chicken Marsala, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup Marsala wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Dredge chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter with 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and olive oil. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Marsala wine and chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil and let simmer until the sauce has reduced by half, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and let simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes, until fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot with your choice of sides.

Vegetarian/Vegan Version

To make a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute the chicken with sliced portobello mushrooms or tofu. Follow the same instructions for dredging the mushrooms or tofu in the flour mixture and cooking them in the skillet. Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the butter.

To make a vegan version of this dish, substitute the chicken with sliced portobello mushrooms or tofu and the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Omit the butter and use a vegan butter substitute or olive oil instead.

Variations

• Add garlic to the mushroom sauce for extra flavor.
• Substitute the Marsala wine with red wine or white wine.
• Serve the chicken with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
• For a healthier option, use skinless chicken breasts and substitute some of the butter with olive oil.

Conclusion

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian dish that is both delicious and easy to make. With its rich and creamy mushroom sauce, it is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner for two. Impress your guests with this flavorful and comforting meal that will leave them wanting more.

FAQ

What is Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish made with pan-fried chicken cutlets, mushrooms, and Marsala wine sauce.

What ingredients do I need to make Chicken Marsala?

To make Chicken Marsala, you will need chicken cutlets, flour, salt, pepper, olive oil, butter, mushrooms, garlic, chicken broth, Marsala wine, and fresh parsley.

Can I use a different type of wine instead of Marsala wine?

Marsala wine has a unique flavor that is essential to the dish, but if you can’t find it or don’t want to use it, you can substitute it with a dry white wine or sherry.

Do I need to pound the chicken cutlets before cooking?

Yes, you should pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness before cooking. This will help them cook more evenly and prevent them from drying out.

How do I make the Marsala sauce?

To make the Marsala sauce, you will need to sauté mushrooms and garlic in butter, then add chicken broth and Marsala wine, and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly.

Can I use a different type of mushroom?

Yes, you can use any type of mushroom you like or have on hand. However, it’s best to use a variety of mushrooms for a more complex flavor.

Can I make Chicken Marsala ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Chicken Marsala ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. However, the sauce may thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a little bit of chicken broth or water to thin it out.

What should I serve with Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala is traditionally served with pasta or mashed potatoes, but you can also serve it with rice or roasted vegetables.

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of chicken cutlets?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces instead of chicken cutlets. However, the cooking time will be longer, and you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the sauce.

How long does it take to make Chicken Marsala?

It takes about 30-40 minutes to make Chicken Marsala from start to finish.