Flavorful Chicken Marsala Recipe for a Delicious Dinner
Are you ready to indulge in a meal that is rich, creamy and oh-so-satisfying? Look no further than this Chicken Marsala recipe. This classic Italian-American dish is a crowd pleaser and perfect for any occasion, from a dinner party with friends to a cozy weeknight dinner with family.
With succulent chicken cutlets dredged in flour and pan-fried until tender, then topped with a luxurious mushroom sauce infused with the flavors of aged Marsala wine, this recipe made its way into our family’s heart and onto our table time and time again. The aroma of earthy mushrooms, butter, and Marsala lingers in the air like an invitation to dig in and savor every bite.
In this recipe article, I’ll guide you through the steps to make this creamy Chicken Marsala dish. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner, don’t be intimidated by the seemingly fancy ingredients or techniques. With my tips and tricks along the way, you’ll have great success with this delicious recipe. So let’s grab our aprons and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old boring chicken dinners? Or perhaps you are looking for a dish that is both elegant and easy to make? Look no further than this rich and creamy Chicken Marsala recipe.
Made with tender pan-fried chicken, button mushrooms, and flavorful marsala wine sauce, this dish is perfect for a weekend dinner party or a quiet evening at home. The combination of earthy mushrooms, tangy wine, and rich cream creates a complex flavor profile that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it is also incredibly versatile. It can be served over pasta or rice or paired with your favorite vegetables for a complete meal. And if you dare to experiment, it can also be made with chicken thighs or even as a slow cooker dish!
So whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this Chicken Marsala recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and see for yourself why it’s become a classic Italian-American dish that has stood the test of time.
Ingredient List
If you are looking for a rich and creamy chicken marsala recipe that is perfect for your next dinner party, then look no further! This marsala recipe will give you a succulent and tender pan-fried chicken covered in a mushroom sauce made with marsala wine, heavy cream, and sliced mushrooms. With these ingredients, you can create an Italian-American classic that will have your guests talking about it for days. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1 minced green onion white part only (optional)
- 3/4 cup sweet Marsala wine
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Sliced ripe olives
Be sure to get these ingredients fresh from the market to make this famous chicken marsala recipe truly special.
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to get cooking! Gather all the ingredients (refer to section 3 for the ingredient list) and let’s dive into making this easy creamy chicken Marsala recipe.
Steps
1. Prepare the Chicken
Begin by slicing 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin, even cutlets. Then, season them with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Dredge each cutlet in a mixture of 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp paprika, and an additional pinch of kosher salt and black pepper.
2. Sear Chicken Cutlets
In a large skillet, heat 3 tbsp olive oil and 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium-high heat until the butter has melted and begins to foam slightly. Once heated, add the dredged chicken cutlets to the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown, crispy and cooked through. Remove from skillet onto a plate and keep warm.
3. Cook Mushrooms
In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, add an additional tablespoon of butter if needed along with sliced 8 oz button mushrooms, stirring occasionally until lightly browned (approximately 5-7 minutes).
4. Marsala Wine Sauce
Deglaze pan with 1 cup Marsala wine and scrape up any brown bits from bottom of skillet. Allow wine to cook down for approximately 3-5 minutes, then add 1 cup of chicken stock and any accumulated juices from cooked chicken cutlets.
5. Finish with Heavy Cream
Allow mixture to come to a simmer while continuously whisking in 1 cup heavy cream until fully incorporated and sauce begins to thicken.
6. Add Finishing Touches
Return cooked chicken cutlets back into the skillet with the mushroom marsala sauce, turning them over once or twice in sauce so they are fully coated with sauce. Simmer for another minute or two until chicken is fully heated through.
Finally, sprinkle diced fresh parsley, sliced green onions and sliced ripe olives as finishing touches across top of creamy marsala sauce before serving.
Enjoy your homemade version of this classic Italian-American dish! Serve on a bed of pasta or with some crusty bread on the side to soak up all that deliciously creamy mushroom sauce.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of mushrooms or swap out chicken breast for your favourite protein like grilled chicken or even slow-cooked crockpot chicken thighs!
Yield:
This recipe made tested 4 famous chicken marsala recipes, enough for 4 servings.
Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe for Rich Chicken Marsala is already delicious as is, there are several substitutions and variations that you can try to customize the dish according to your taste preferences. Here are some ideas you can experiment with:
– Mushrooms: If you’re not fond of button mushrooms, you can substitute them with cremini mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms for a slightly different flavor. You can also use a combination of different mushroom varieties for added depth.
– Wine: For this recipe, it is recommended to use Marsala wine as it gives the dish its distinct flavor. However, you can substitute it with dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, if Marsala wine isn’t available.
– Protein: While this recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts, you can also use bone-in chicken breasts or chicken thighs for added flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can swap the chicken with portobello mushrooms or tofu.
– Cream: Heavy cream gives this recipe its rich and creamy sauce. However, if you want a lighter version, you can replace it with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
– Spices: Paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor to this dish but if spice isn’t your thing, you may skip it altogether.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment and find your own version of chicken marsala that suits your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
This rich and creamy Chicken Marsala is the perfect main dish to serve up for a special dinner party or a romantic date night in. It pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, and if you want to go all out, you could even serve it over a bed of pasta or creamy mashed potatoes.
When it comes to pairing this dish with wine, the obvious choice is a nice glass of Marsala wine. The sweetness of the wine pairs perfectly with the savory flavors in the dish. If you prefer red wine, opt for a light-bodied Pinot Noir or Chianti to complement the rich flavors of the mushroom sauce.
For those who don’t drink alcohol, a sparkling lemonade or iced tea can be a refreshing beverage to pair with this dish. As for dessert, you can’t go wrong with something light and fruity like a lemon sorbet or a berry tart to balance out the richness of the Chicken Marsala.
Remember, presentation is everything when it comes to impressing your guests. Serve this chicken on stylish plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sliced ripe olives to add color and freshness to your plate. Your guests won’t be able to resist digging into this delicious and decadent Chicken Marsala!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a home chef who loves to entertain, I know how important it is to have dishes that can be made ahead of time. This rich and creamy Chicken Marsala recipe is perfect for meal prep and can even be frozen for later use.
To make ahead, simply cook the chicken and mushroom sauce as instructed in the recipe. Then, transfer everything to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.
If you want to freeze the Chicken Marsala, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge and then reheat on the stove over medium heat until hot.
One thing to keep in mind is that when reheating the Chicken Marsala, you may need to add a little extra liquid like chicken broth or cream to get the sauce back to its original creamy texture.
Although this dish can be made ahead and reheated, it’s always best served fresh. For optimal flavor and texture, enjoy this Chicken Marsala soon after cooking.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to create a dish that truly wows your guests, try out Chicken Marsala recipe. Here are some helpful tips to make sure your Rich Chicken Marsala turns out perfect every time.
Firstly, use a meat mallet or the back of a heavy skillet to pound the chicken breasts until they are uniform in thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly. Secondly, season your chicken adequately with salt and freshly ground black pepper before dredging it in flour. This step will add flavor to the chicken and give it a nice crust when fried.
When pan-frying the chicken, use a combination of butter and olive oil. The butter adds flavor while the olive oil increases the smoke point, preventing the butter from burning. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary to avoid steaming rather than frying the chicken.
Once the chicken is pan-fried, set it aside while you prepare the mushroom sauce. Make sure to use cremini mushrooms sliced not too thick or too thin as they can easily overpower or get lost in the sauce.
To add richness to your creamy chicken marsala, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half or milk. If you prefer tangy flavors to rich ones, use sour cream in place of heavy cream for an equally tasty version.
Finally, don’t forget to let your chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices in your chicken to reabsorb into its flesh, making it more tender, juicy, and appetizing.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this rich and creamy chicken marsala recipe is perfect for those who want to impress their guests or just want to indulge in a delicious meal. Its heavenly aroma will surely make an impression in your home and become a new household favorite.
Its versatility allows you to tailor it to your liking with simple ingredient substitutions and variations. You can serve it with your preferred side dishes, be it vegetables or pasta, and pair it with your favorite wine.
Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to make this recipe your own. And don’t forget the most important ingredient of all: love. Pour your heart into the dish as you cook, and you’ll be sure to create a meal that will leave everyone wanting more.
So what are you waiting for? Make this creamy chicken marsala recipe for your next dinner party or family gathering and let its aroma fill your home while its taste warms your soul. Trust me, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Rich Chicken Marsala Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 3 -4 green onions, chopped (include green part)
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 8 chicken breast halves)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup marsala wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 (4 ounce) cans button mushrooms (or 1 cup fresh mushrooms)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 ounces sliced ripe olives
- chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet, saute green onion in butter.
- Add chicken and cook on medium heat until meat is slightly brown, turning once; about 10 minutes total. (Note: chicken breasts may be cut in half for smaller servings).
- Add wine, cream, mushrooms, paprika and olives.
- On low heat, cook covered until chicken is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh snipped parsley. Great served with rice pilaf and asparagus spears.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
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!