Savor the rich and comforting flavors of Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms, a timeless Italian-American dish. Tender chicken breasts are simmered in a luscious Marsala wine sauce, complemented by earthy mushrooms, creating an elegant yet easy-to-make meal perfect for any occasion.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Number of servings: 4
- Serving size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Protein: 37g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 680g/1.5 lbs)
- 60g (½ cup) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt (2.5g)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1g)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30g)
For the sauce:
- 300g (10 oz) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 180ml (¾ cup) Marsala wine
- 120ml (½ cup) chicken broth
- 60ml (¼ cup) heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method of Preparation:
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1.5 cm (½ inch). In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 75°C/165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and softened. Add the minced garlic and shallot, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Marsala sauce: Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet, stirring to deglaze and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream (if using), stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
- Finish the dish: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the mushroom sauce over them. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Use dry Marsala wine: Opt for dry Marsala, which offers the best balance for the savory sauce. Sweet Marsala will change the flavor profile.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Deglaze thoroughly: Scraping up the browned bits from the skillet adds deep flavor to the sauce.
- Control the sauce consistency: For a thinner sauce, add extra chicken broth. For a creamier version, increase the amount of heavy cream.
- Serve over starch: Pair with mashed potatoes, pasta, or risotto to soak up the delicious sauce.
FAQs:
- What is Marsala wine, and can I substitute it? Marsala is a fortified wine from Sicily that adds depth and complexity to this dish. If unavailable, you can substitute it with Madeira wine or dry sherry, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, Chicken Marsala reheats well. You can prepare the dish up to a day in advance and gently reheat it on the stovetop before serving.
- Is heavy cream necessary for the sauce? No, heavy cream is optional. It adds richness to the sauce, but you can omit it for a lighter, more traditional Marsala sauce.
- What kind of mushrooms should I use? Cremini or button mushrooms work well, but you can also use wild mushrooms like shiitake or oyster for a more intense flavor.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative, like rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Chicken Marsala with mushrooms is a dish that brings gourmet flavors to your dinner table without the complexity. Its rich sauce, tender chicken, and earthy mushrooms create a harmony that will impress your family or guests. Serve it with your favorite side dishes and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal in the comfort of your home.