Authentic Chicken Marsala Recipe: Italian Elegance
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (Cremini or Portobello)
- 3/4 cup Marsala wine
- 3/4 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter on medium-high heat.
Step 3: Add chicken breasts to the skillet, and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and just cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if necessary, and sauté mushrooms until they are soft and browned, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Pour in Marsala wine to deglaze the pan, scraping off any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow wine to reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Add chicken stock and simmer for a minute to combine flavors, then return the chicken to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is heated through.
Step 7: Stir in remaining butter until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Equipment and Tools
- Large skillet
- Meat mallet (for pounding chicken)
- Plate (for dredging flour)
- Spatula or tongs
Preparation
Gather all ingredients and measure out portions before cooking. Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay tender. Cooking the chicken and mushrooms in the same skillet maximizes flavor by incorporating the fond (browned bits) leftover from the chicken.
Cooking Process
Follow the steps above for sautéing the chicken and mushrooms, deglazing with Marsala wine, and simmering in chicken stock. Ensure the chicken is returned to the skillet to be fully coated in the Marsala sauce, absorbing its rich flavor.
Tips and Tricks
For a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken after cooking and whisk in a tablespoon of flour into the mushrooms before adding the wine and stock.
Be sure to use real Marsala wine, not the cooking-wine version, for the most authentic and rich flavor.
Allow your chicken to rest briefly after cooking for optimal tenderness.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 450-550
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 15-25g
- Protein: 40-50g
Introduction:
Escape to the rolling hills of Italy with this Authentic Chicken Marsala Recipe, where elegance meets comfort in a dish that’s both satisfying and refined. This classic Italian-American meal combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and savory mushroom Marsala wine sauce. It’s a celebration of flavors that creates an unforgettable dining experience.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Authentic Chicken Marsala with a side of buttered pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal. A glass of your favorite wine complements this dish perfectly.
Flavor Profile:
Chicken Marsala boasts a symphony of flavors, anchored by the sweet and nutty profile of the Marsala wine reduction, rich mushrooms, and succulent pan-fried chicken. It is a perfect balance of umami and delicately earthy notes.
Conclusion:
This Authentic Chicken Marsala Recipe offers a taste of Italian elegance and proves that a gourmet meal can be achieved with simplicity and style. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining guests. Buon appetito!
