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October 27, 2024
Chicken Marsala is a delicious Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich marsala wine sauce. It is a classic dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner. The dish originated in the region of Sicily in Italy and has since become a staple in many Italian-American households.
To make chicken marsala, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, marsala wine, mushrooms, flour, butter, and chicken broth. The chicken breasts are first coated in flour and then sautéed until golden brown. The mushrooms are then cooked in butter until tender and golden. The chicken is then added back to the pan with the mushrooms, and the marsala wine and chicken broth are added to create a flavorful sauce. The dish is simmered until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
The result is a mouthwatering dish with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, savory sauce. Chicken marsala is often served with pasta, rice, or potatoes and a side of vegetables. It pairs well with a glass of marsala wine or a light red wine such as pinot noir.
Whether you are cooking for a special occasion or just want to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal, chicken marsala is a dish that is sure to impress. Follow this simple recipe and savor the flavors of Italy in your own kitchen.
Preparation for Cooking Chicken Marsala
Before you start cooking chicken marsala, it is important to properly prepare the ingredients and equipment. Follow these steps to ensure a successful and delicious dish:
1. Gather your ingredients:
Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients before you begin. You will need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
2. Prepare the chicken:
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This will ensure that they cook evenly and faster. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
3. Dredge the chicken:
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. This will create a crispy coating on the chicken when cooked.
4. Heat the oil:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken breasts.
5. Cook the chicken:
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
6. Saute the mushrooms:
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they are golden brown and all the liquid has evaporated. This will take about 5 minutes.
7. Deglaze the pan:
Add the Marsala wine to the skillet and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for a few minutes until the wine has reduced by half.
8. Add the sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
9. Finish the sauce:
Stir in the heavy cream and butter until they are fully incorporated into the sauce. This will add richness and velvety texture to the dish.
10. Serve:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the chicken is heated through. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
By following these preparation steps, you will be ready to cook a delicious chicken marsala that will impress your family and friends.
Get the Ingredients
Before you start cooking chicken marsala, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:
For the chicken:
| 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts |
| 1/2 cup all-purpose flour |
| 1 teaspoon salt |
| 1/2 teaspoon black pepper |
| 2 tablespoons olive oil |
For the sauce:
| 2 tablespoons butter |
| 1 cup sliced mushrooms |
| 2 garlic cloves, minced |
| 1 cup Marsala wine |
| 1 cup chicken broth |
| 1/2 cup heavy cream |
Make sure to check your pantry and fridge to see if you already have these ingredients or if you need to add them to your shopping list. Having all the ingredients ready before you start cooking will make the process much smoother.
Pound the Chicken Breasts
Before you begin cooking chicken marsala, you need to tenderize the chicken breasts to ensure they cook evenly and stay moist. You can easily do this by pounding the chicken breasts with a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet.
To start, place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using the flat side of a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about half an inch thick. Be sure to pound the thickest parts of the chicken breasts more than the thinner parts, being careful not to tear the meat.
Pounding the chicken helps to break down the muscle fibers, making the meat more tender. It also helps to create a uniform thickness, ensuring even cooking. Once you’re finished pounding the chicken, you’re ready to move on to the next step in our delicious chicken marsala recipe.
Cooking the Chicken Marsala
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients and prepared them, it’s time to start cooking the chicken marsala. Follow these steps to create a delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Saute the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook them until they are tender. This should take about 5 minutes. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Marsala Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Then, pour in the marsala wine and chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by half.
| Ingredients | Measurements |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken breasts | 4 |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
| Sliced mushrooms | 8 ounces |
| Minced garlic | 2 cloves |
| Marsala wine | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Fresh parsley | for garnish |
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Add the cooked mushrooms back to the skillet and stir them into the marsala sauce. Place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the mushroom mixture. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
Step 5: Serve the Chicken Marsala
Transfer the chicken marsala to plates and garnish with fresh parsley. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or pasta. Enjoy!
Heat the Pan
Before you start cooking the chicken marsala, it is important to heat the pan properly. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly and develops the desired golden brown crust.
Choose a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan that can accommodate all the chicken pieces in a single layer. This will help in preventing overcrowding, allowing each piece to cook evenly.
Place the skillet or pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes until it is hot but not smoking.
Tips for Heating the Pan:
- Make sure the pan is completely dry before heating it.
- Avoid using non-stick pans for this recipe as they may not provide the same level of browning.
- Select a pan with a good heat-conducting material, such as stainless steel or cast iron.
Once the pan is hot, add a tablespoon or two of cooking oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil. Swirl the oil around to coat the bottom of the pan.
Table: Different Types of Pans for Cooking Chicken Marsala
| Pan Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Durable, distributes heat evenly | May require more oil for cooking |
| Cast Iron | Retains heat well, creates a crispy crust | Requires regular seasoning and care |
Allow the oil to heat up for a minute or two until it shimmers or starts to lightly smoke. This indicates that the pan is properly heated and ready for the chicken.
Now that the pan is hot, you can proceed to cook the chicken marsala according to the rest of the recipe instructions.
Q&A
What is chicken marsala?
Chicken marsala is an Italian-American dish made with chicken cutlets, mushrooms, Marsala wine, and various seasonings.
How do I make chicken marsala?
To make chicken marsala, start by pounding the chicken cutlets to an even thickness. Then, season them with salt, pepper, and flour. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet and cook the chicken until browned on both sides. Transfer the chicken to a plate and add mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until they are tender. Pour in Marsala wine and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens. Serve chicken marsala over pasta or with mashed potatoes.
Can I use a different type of wine instead of Marsala?
Yes, you can use a different type of wine if you don’t have Marsala. However, Marsala wine has a unique flavor that adds depth to the dish. If you choose to use a different wine, try to pick one that is similar in taste, such as a dry sherry or a sweet white wine.
What can I serve with chicken marsala?
Chicken marsala pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with pasta, such as fettuccine or spaghetti, to soak up the delicious Marsala sauce.