Chicken Marsala

This Chicken Marsala recipe is a delightful blend of tender chicken cutlets and savory mushrooms, all enveloped in a rich sauce made from marsala apple vinegar. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. The unique flavors of the sauce, combined with the earthy taste of cremini mushrooms, create a meal that is both comforting and elegant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in just 35 minutes.
• Flavorful Sauce: The marsala apple vinegar adds a delightful sweetness and depth to the dish.
• Versatile Serve Options: Pair it with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Impressive Presentation: The golden-brown chicken topped with a luscious sauce makes for an attractive plate.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family meal or a dinner party, Chicken Marsala fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking this Chicken Marsala recipe, gather the essential tools to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Meat mallet

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for searing chicken evenly and creating that beautiful crust.
• Medium saucepan: Perfect for reducing the sauce without burning it, ensuring rich flavors.
• Whisk: Helps mix ingredients thoroughly, especially when combining cornstarch with broth for thickening.

Ingredients

This classic Italian-American chicken recipe includes tender, perfectly pan seared chicken cutlets, and flavor enhancing browned mushrooms, and it’s all covered with a richly seasoned marsala apple vinegar, garlic and herb sauce.

For the Chicken

• 1 1/4 cups dry marsala apple vinegar
• 1 1/4 cups unsalted chicken broth
• 2 (10 – 11 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts, butterflied and halved, pounded to an even thickness
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For Coating

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

For Cooking

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (1 Tbsp)

For Seasoning

• 1 tsp minced fresh thyme (or scant 1/2 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp minced fresh oregano (or scant 1/2 tsp dried)

For Thickening the Sauce

• 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch (whisked with 1 Tbsp chicken broth in a small bowl until well combined)

Finishing Touches

• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley

How to Make Chicken Marsala

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Add marsala apple vinegar and chicken broth to a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until boiling. Reduce heat to medium and let it gently boil until reduced to about 1 cup, which takes around 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Meanwhile, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each side in flour to coat evenly.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), turning once halfway through cooking. This should take about 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Rest the Chicken

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent it with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.

Step 5: Cook the Mushrooms

Lower the burner temperature to medium heat. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter along with another tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet. Add sliced mushrooms.

Step 6: Sauté Mushrooms

Sauté the mushrooms while tossing occasionally. Increase burner temp slightly if needed until they are golden brown—this should take about 8 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last minute of sautéing.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Remove the pan from heat. Pour in your prepared marsala reduction along with thyme and oregano.

Step 8: Thicken Sauce

Return to heat and bring to a simmer while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the cornstarch mixture until well combined.

Step 9: Finish Sauce

Off heat stir in heavy cream. Season your sauce with salt and pepper according to taste. Return cooked chicken breasts back into the pan, spooning sauce over them.

Step 10: Serve

Sprinkle minced parsley on top before serving immediately. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Marsala!

How to Serve Chicken Marsala

Serving Chicken Marsala is not just about the dish itself but also how you present it. This delicious entrée can be paired with various sides and garnishes to elevate your dining experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Parsley: Sprinkle minced fresh parsley over the chicken for a burst of color and freshness.
• Thyme: A few sprigs of fresh thyme can enhance the flavor profile and add an aromatic touch.

Over Pasta

• Fettuccine: Serve Chicken Marsala over fettuccine pasta. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the noodles.
• Penne: Penne pasta provides a delightful texture that complements the chicken and sauce.

Accompanied by Vegetables

• Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds crunch and a pop of color to your plate.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These complement the flavors of Chicken Marsala while adding a caramelized sweetness.

With Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for soaking up every bit of that rich sauce.
• Crusty Baguette: A sliced baguette offers a rustic touch, perfect for dipping into the flavorful sauce.

How to Perfect Chicken Marsala

To achieve the best Chicken Marsala, consider a few essential tips that will enhance the dish’s overall quality and flavor.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts and mushrooms for better flavor and texture.
• Sear Effectively: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding chicken. This helps create a beautiful golden crust.
• Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow your marsala reduction to simmer until it thickens properly for richer flavors.
• Monitor Cooking Times: Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it remains juicy and safe to eat.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and oregano will provide more vibrant flavors than dried herbs, enhancing your dish’s taste.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Marsala

Pairing sides with Chicken Marsala can create a well-rounded meal that satisfies all tastes. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds nutrition and balances the richness of the dish.
3. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs complements the sauce perfectly.
4. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
5. Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots provide a nice flavor balance to the savory chicken.
6. Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter option, serve zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil as a low-carb alternative.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Marsala can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less than perfect results.

• Not pounding the chicken evenly – This can result in uneven cooking. Ensure each piece is pounded to an even thickness for consistent doneness.
• Skipping the flour dredging – This step adds flavor and helps create a nice sear. Always dredge the chicken in flour before cooking to enhance texture.
• Using low-quality wine – The flavor of the marsala sauce depends on the quality of the wine. Opt for a good dry marsala apple vinegar for best results.
• Overcooking the mushrooms – Mushrooms should be sautéed just until golden brown. Avoid overcooking them to prevent a rubbery texture.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments – Taste your sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Don’t hesitate to add salt and pepper to elevate flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chicken Marsala in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken Marsala

• Freeze Chicken Marsala in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• It will maintain quality for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Chicken Marsala

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Heat on low in a skillet with a splash of broth, stirring occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chicken Marsala.

What is Chicken Marsala?

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

Can I make Chicken Marsala ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Just keep it stored properly in the fridge or freezer.

What can I serve with Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala pairs well with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Is Chicken Marsala gluten-free?

To make Chicken Marsala gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Marsala recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different herbs or vegetables based on your preference. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy its wonderful flavors!