Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe: A Delicious & Simple Weeknight Meal
Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or hassle? Then look no further than this easy Chicken Marsala recipe! This dish is surprisingly simple to make, yet bursting with rich, savory flavors that will impress your family and friends. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
What is Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish featuring pan-fried chicken breasts in a creamy Marsala wine sauce. The Marsala wine, a fortified wine from Sicily, adds a unique depth of flavor that elevates this dish beyond the ordinary. While restaurant versions can be complex, our recipe focuses on simplicity and maximizing flavor.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous weeknight dinner. You'll need:
- Chicken Breasts: About 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch thick slices.
- All-Purpose Flour: For dredging the chicken.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken.
- Mushrooms: About 8 oz, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms work well).
- Shallots: 2, minced (or 1 small onion, finely chopped).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Dry Marsala Wine: 1 cup (look for a dry Marsala for the best flavor balance).
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (helps create a luscious sauce).
- Heavy Cream: 1/4 cup (adds creaminess and richness).
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish (optional, but highly recommended!).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for a flawlessly delicious Chicken Marsala:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in all-purpose flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the minced shallots (or onion) and sauté for about 2 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they're tender and have released their moisture.
4. Create the Sauce:
- Pour in the dry Marsala wine and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce slightly, for about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken broth and bring back to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another minute, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them in the Marsala sauce.
- Simmer for a minute or two, allowing the chicken to heat through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Tips for the Best Chicken Marsala:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Use good quality Marsala wine: The wine is a key ingredient, so choose a dry Marsala for the best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Cook until it's just cooked through.
This easy Chicken Marsala recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Its simple preparation and incredible taste make it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner repertoire. Enjoy!
