Sweet and Savory: Chicken Marsala Recipe
As I sat down to prepare this recipe, I couldn’t help but think about all the wonderful times I’ve shared with my loved ones over a delicious meal. There’s something incredibly special about bringing people together around a table to share a meal, and that’s exactly what inspired me to create this dish.
Today, I’m sharing a recipe for Johnny Carino’s Sweet Chicken Marsala with Garlic Wilted Spinach. This dish is a staple on the menu at Carino’s Italian Grill, but now you can recreate it right in your own home.
One of the things that makes this recipe so special is its ability to transport your taste buds straight to Italy. With its incredible blend of flavors – the sweetness of the marsala wine, the earthiness of the mushrooms, and the savory taste of sauteed chicken breast – each bite is like a little slice of heaven.
But don’t be intimidated by the idea of making an Italian restaurant-quality dish at home. This recipe is easy to follow, and I promise that you will impress both yourself and your guests with its incredible flavor. So let’s journey together into Italian cuisine and get started on this delicious recipe that will leave your tastebuds in absolute awe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Attention all food enthusiasts, I’m about to introduce you to an entrancing dish that is sure to leave you wanting more. The Johnny Carino’s Sweet Chicken Marsala with Garlic Wilted Spinach is the kind of meal that will make you feel like a gourmet chef in your own kitchen. Trust me; this recipe is the real deal.
Firstly, let’s talk about the chicken marsala itself. The tender chicken breasts are pan-sautéed and smothered in a delectable marsala wine sauce, which is just sweet enough to tantalize your taste buds without being overly sugary. Plus, the mushroom reduction combined with demi-glace brings out a deep and rich flavor in the dish, giving it an incomparable comforting taste.
Now, let’s talk about the spinach. This iron-packed veggie isn’t just good for your health; it works wonders with this chicken marsala recipe too! The spinach is wilted hot in garlic-infused oil before being served up on a bed of soft chicken breast mushroom spooning up the sauce. It adds texture to the dish and gives it a bit of zing that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
One other thing I must mention – this recipe is versatile! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just making a healthy weeknight dinner for yourself, this delicious meal can cater to your desires and meet your needs.
So why should you choose this marvelous plate as your go-to? For starters, it’s uncomplicated and quick to cook. Furthermore, no one can resist satisfaction on real homemade meal since using fresh ingredients such as fresh mushrooms and roma tomatoes gives amazing taste we all love.
Trust me, one bite of this recipe and you’ll be hooked! Give it a try today and soon enough it’ll become a regular on your dinner table.
Ingredient List
Here are all the ingredients you will need to prepare Johnny Carino’s Sweet Chicken Marsala with Garlic Wilted Spinach:
For the Chicken Marsala:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup sweet marsala wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup demi-glace
For the Garlic Wilted Spinach:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 10 ounces fresh spinach leaves, stemmed and washed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped parsley
Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you know what makes Johnny Carino’s Sweet Chicken Marsala with Garlic Wilted Spinach recipe so special, let’s dive in and learn how to make it. I’ve broken down the steps into four main parts for you to follow along easily.
Part 1: Preparing the Chicken
Step 1: Start by seasoning 4 chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Tip: For the best flavor, use fresh chicken from your local butcher or farm stand.
Step 2: In a shallow dish, coat each breast with all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 3: In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until hot.
Step 4: Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Part 2: Making the Wine Sauce
Step 5: In the same pan used to cook the chicken, add sliced mushrooms and allow them to sauté until they release their moisture and start to brown.
Step 6: Pour in 1 cup of sweet marsala wine and use a spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to low and allow the wine to simmer until it reduces slightly.
Step 7: Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1/2 cup of beef broth, and 1/4 cup of demi-glace to the pan. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer until it thickens slightly.
Part 3: Preparing the Spinach
Step 8: Wash a few handfuls of fresh spinach leaves and set them aside.
Step 9: In another skillet, heat up some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in some minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Step 10: Next, add in the spinach leaves and sauté them until they wilt down completely. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Part 4: Completing & Serving the Dish
Step 11: Slice up one large Roma tomato into thin slices. Tip: Make sure you are using high-quality tomatoes as they can make a big difference here!
Step 12: Return cooked chicken breasts back into the pan with mushroom-wine sauce. Spoon some sauce over each breast and top each breast with sliced tomatoes. Allow everything to simmer for an additional minute or two.
Step13: Serve the sweet chicken marsala on a bed of wilted spinach topped with sliced red onions for an extra zing!
Enjoy this deliciously rich meal with your friends and family!
Substitutions and Variations
For this Sweet Chicken Marsala with Garlic Wilted Spinach recipe, there are a number of substitutions and variations you can try if you want to switch things up or accommodate different dietary needs.
– Gluten-free: To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. You can also use a gluten-free pasta like brown rice pasta or zucchini noodles instead of angel hair.
– Vegetarian: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with meatless chicken patties or tofu cutlets. Replace the chicken broth, beef broth, and demi-glace with vegetable broth or mushroom broth. Instead of wilted spinach, sauté some chopped kale or Swiss chard.
– Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, follow the vegetarian substitutions above but also replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Use marsala wine that is known to be vegan and replace the cream sauce with nutritional yeast used to create cream texture.
– Low Sodium: If you’re trying to reduce sodium intake in your diet, use low-sodium chicken broth and beef broth. Omit the added salt in the seasoning process of the dish.
– Wine Variations: You can experiment with different wines if you don’t have sweet marsala on hand. Try using dry marsala wine; however, it will add more acidity to your dish. Or use white cooking wine, red cooking wine or dry sherry as an alternative option.
Whatever substitutions and variations you choose to make in the recipe just ensure they are well-balanced and complementary to each other. Don’t be afraid of improvising and spicing things up by keeping these variations in mind encouraging diversity yet making one delicious meal!
Serving and Pairing
Let me tell you, my friend. This Sweet Chicken Marsala with Garlic Wilted Spinach is one hell of a meal. You’re going to want to have a nice bottle of red wine to accompany it, something like a hearty cabernet sauvignon or a delicious zinfandel.
Now, I personally like to serve this dish family-style, right in the center of the table. It just looks impressive and inviting. Make sure you include plenty of the sauce, served fresh on top of the chicken breast and mushrooms. For good measure, put a little sprinkle of extra parsley on each serving.
To finish it off, I highly recommend pairing the dish with garlic bread or toasted baguette slices so you can soak up every last bit of the sauce that you can.
If you do need to stretch this recipe out farther, consider serving this dish over whipped potatoes or putting some angel hair pasta underneath. Either one will work beautifully and bring out the rich, savory flavors of our marsala sauce recipe.
So invite your friends over, pour yourself a glass of red wine and get ready for a feast fit for a king- or queen!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re planning on hosting a dinner party or simply want to save time during meal prep, you’ll be glad to know that Johnny Carino’s Sweet Chicken Marsala With Garlic Wilted Spinach can be made ahead of time. The dish is a great option for meal prepping and enjoying at your convenience without sacrificing any of its delicious flavors.
To make this meal ahead of time, follow the same cooking steps as outlined in the recipe how-to section. Once cooked, allow it to cool completely then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheating couldn’t be easier as well. Simply use the microwave or reheat over low heat on the stove until it reaches your desired temperature. If your sauce became too thick during storage, try adding small amounts of chicken broth or sweet marsala wine while reheating until you achieve your desired consistency.
We don’t recommend freezing this dish because the cream sauce may not hold up as well during freezing and thawing process. However, you could still give it a try but expect some change in texture though.
Now you know that with minimal effort and advanced preparation, this dish can keep perfectly fine for few days just like any other tasty leftovers.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients and know how to make Johnny Carino’s Sweet Chicken Marsala with Garlic Wilted Spinach, let me share some tips for perfect results.
1. Pound Your Chicken Breasts Evenly: When making this dish, it is important to have evenly pounded chicken breasts for even cooking. Cover each chicken breast with wax paper or plastic wrap and pound them gently with a meat hammer.
2. Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the pan will result in steaming the chicken instead of sautéing it. Cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your pan.
3. Use Fresh Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add more depth to the sauce compared to canned mushrooms or dried mushrooms that often have a rubbery texture and lack flavor.
4. Let Them Sit Before Slicing: After cooking the chicken, let it rest on a plate for at least five minutes before slicing it. This will help retain its juices, making the chicken tender and juicy.
5. Don’t Skip the Butter and Olive Oil: The combination of butter and olive oil adds richness to the dish and gives a nice brown color while cooking.
6. Wilt the Spinach Just Right: Do not wilt spinach too much; otherwise, it will turn out mushy and release water into your dish. Cook spinach in hot olive oil and garlic just until wilted but still bright green.
By following these tips, you’ll have an amazingly delicious Sweet Chicken Marsala with Garlic Wilted Spinach. Happy Cooking!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Johnny Carino’s Sweet Chicken Marsala with Garlic Wilted Spinach Recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys Italian cuisine. This delicious recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. The tender chicken breasts, mushrooms, and sweet marsala wine create a rich and savory flavor that will impress any dinner guest.
To elevate the dish even further, pair it with some of Johnny Carino’s other menu items like fettuccine alfredo or pasta tossed in asiago cream sauce. You can also enjoy it with a glass of sweet marsala wine for the ultimate dining experience.
Furthermore, this recipe is versatile enough for you to make substitutions and variations to fit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer more garlic, mushrooms, or spinach, this recipe can be adjusted accordingly.
Lastly, don’t forget the tips for perfect results. From sautéing the chicken breast to reducing the marsala wine sauce, following these tips will ensure that you have a perfect meal every time.
Overall, Johnny Carino’s Sweet Chicken Marsala with Garlic Wilted Spinach Recipe is a fantastic addition to any home chef’s kitchen. So why not give it a try? Order online or visit your nearest Johnny Carino’s Italian restaurant to taste this unforgettable dish fully prepared by professionals!
Johnny Carino’s Sweet Chicken Marsala With Garlic Wilted Spinach Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 (8 ounce) chicken breasts, butterflied
- 2 ounces butter, Melted
- all-purpose flour, as needed
- 2 cups mushrooms, Sliced
- salt and pepper
- 6 fluid ounces sweet marsala wine
- 4 4 fluid ounces demi-glace or 4 fluid ounces beef broth
- 1/8 cup butter, Room Temperature
- 2 ounces olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic, Fresh Chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Work area and utensils should be clean and sanitary.
- Cut butterflied chicken breasts into half, yielding a total of four chicken breast medllions. Place on sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees F. Chicken medallions should be fully cooked, set aside.
- To a heated saute pan, add melted butter. Dredge chicken medallions in flour, shake off excess flour and add to saute pan. Add mushrooms, salt and pepper.
- Saute chicken and mushrooms until thoroughy heated and golden brown. Add marsala wine and broth/demi-glace. Reduce by 50% and then add room temperature butter, let butter reduce into the wine/broth reduction until a thickened sauce forms.
- To prepare Wilted Spinach: Add olive oil and garlic to a heated saute pan. Once oil is hot and garlic starts to turn golden brown, turn off heat and add spinach salt and pepper. Toss with olive oil until it becomes warm and starts to wilt.
- Place wilted spinach on the side of a plate. Using tongs, remove the chicken medallions from saute pan and place next to spinach. Pour marsala sauce and mushrooms over chicken. Serve and enjoy!
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!