Classic Italian Chicken Marsala: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 cup Marsala wine
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps and instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour.
  2. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent.
  4. Add the Marsala wine to the skillet and scrape the bottom to deglaze. Let the wine reduce by half.
  5. Add the chicken broth and mushrooms to the skillet. Simmer until the mushrooms are tender.
  6. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer until it is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the chicken and prepare the sauce.
  • Tongs - Tongs are useful for flipping and handling the chicken breasts while cooking.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is necessary for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups are needed to accurately measure the flour, Marsala wine, and chicken broth.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are used to measure salt, pepper, and other spices.
  • Spatula - A spatula can be used for stirring the sauce and scraping the skillet.
  • Wooden Spoon - A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the ingredients in the skillet.

Recipe variations

  • Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
  • Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
  • For a lighter option, use chicken cutlets instead of full chicken breasts.
  • Add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the sauce for added herb flavor.
  • Substitute Marsala wine with a dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
  • Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with tofu or seitan.
  • Add some capers or olives for a tangy twist.
  • For a creamier sauce, stir in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or coconut milk.
  • Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a heartier meal.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe for Chicken Marsala! This classic Italian-American dish features chicken breasts that have been lightly floured and sautéed, then covered in a rich sauce made with Marsala wine, onions, garlic, and mushrooms. The result is a savory, slightly sweet dish that's sure to impress at any dinner table. With just a few simple steps, you'll have a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Chicken Marsala pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or pasta, making it a versatile main course. Delicious and satisfying, this dish promises a delightful culinary journey with each bite. Enjoy the process of creating this masterpiece as much as you will savor every morsel.

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook.
  2. Can I substitute another type of wine for Marsala? While Marsala wine provides a unique flavor to the dish, you can substitute it with a dry sherry or a white wine such as Chardonnay.
  3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the chicken marsala ahead of time. Cook the chicken marsala as directed, then let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stovetop before serving.
  4. What can I serve with chicken marsala? Chicken marsala pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
  5. Can I freeze chicken marsala? While it is possible to freeze chicken marsala, the texture and flavor may be slightly altered upon thawing and reheating. It is best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerate any leftovers for a few days.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed for cooking the chicken and preparing the sauce.
  • Tongs - Tongs are useful for flipping the chicken breasts while cooking.
  • Knife - A knife is needed for chopping the onion, garlic, and parsley.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups are required for accurately measuring the flour, Marsala wine, and chicken broth.
  • Spatula - A spatula can be used for stirring the sauce and transferring the cooked chicken.
  • Plate - A plate is needed for temporarily holding the cooked chicken.
  • Saucepan - A small saucepan can be used for reducing the Marsala wine.
  • Wooden Spoon - A wooden spoon can be used for stirring and scraping the skillet while cooking.

Origin stories

Chicken Marsala hails from Sicily, an island of Italy renowned for its rich culinary history. Marsala wine, the pivotal ingredient that gives this dish its unique character, owes its name to the city of Marsala in Sicily where it was first produced in the late 18th century by an English merchant named John Woodhouse. He recognized that the local fortified wine was very similar to the popular Portuguese port, and a new beloved export was born. Chicken Marsala, famed for its indulgent sauce, is a testament to the Sicilian talent for creating deeply flavored dishes using a few simple, quality ingredients. The pairing of tender chicken with the sweet, fortified Marsala wine produces a balanced and delectable dish that has been enjoyed not just in Sicily, but in kitchens around the world.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.