Chicken Marsala: A Delectable Italian-American Classic

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Chicken Marsala is a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece that beautifully blends tender chicken with a rich, creamy Marsala wine sauce. This elegant dish originated from the fusion of Italian cooking techniques and American ingredients, creating a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home. Perfect for a special dinner or a sophisticated weeknight meal, Chicken Marsala offers a delightful combination of golden-crusted chicken and a luxurious mushroom sauce that will transport your taste buds to culinary heaven.

Ingredients

  • Chicken:
    • 2 large chicken breasts (300g/10oz each), horizontally cut in half
    • 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
    • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Marsala Sauce:
    • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
    • 2 shallots, peeled and diced
    • 1 garlic clove, finely minced
    • 2 cups white mushrooms, sliced
    • 1 cup dry Marsala wine
    • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock
    • 1/2 cup heavy cream
    • 1/4 tsp cooking salt
    • 1/8 tsp black pepper
    • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Preparation Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

  1. Tenderize the Chicken: Cut each chicken breast horizontally to create two thin steaks. Cover with a freezer bag or plastic wrap and pound to 1 cm (0.4″) thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking and tender meat.
  2. Season and Flour: Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken. Dust each piece with flour, lightly rubbing it across the surface. Shake off any excess flour before cooking.
  3. Golden Searing: Heat half the butter and olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Creating the Marsala Sauce

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add remaining butter and oil. Once melted, add shallots and garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Mushroom Magic: Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes, stirring regularly to ensure even cooking.
  3. Wine Reduction: Pour in Marsala wine, increase heat to high, and boil for 3 minutes or until the liquid reduces by half.
  4. Sauce Development: Add chicken stock, cream, salt, and pepper. Stir and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
  5. Final Touch: Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Warm for 30 seconds.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve over your preferred side dish like mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Cooking Details

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 425
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 145mg
  • Sodium: 480mg

Pro Tips

  • Use a dry Marsala wine for the most authentic flavor
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken
  • The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools
  • Pair with a crisp white wine for the perfect meal

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Marsala, a dish that brings restaurant-quality elegance right to your dining table!