Simple Chicken Marsala Recipe: A Delightfully Easy Weeknight Meal
This simple chicken marsala recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's quick, easy, and delicious, making it a go-to meal for busy cooks. This recipe focuses on fresh ingredients and simple techniques to create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves two generously, but can easily be doubled or tripled.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch thick slices. Choosing quality chicken makes a difference in the final flavor!
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: For dredging the chicken and creating a delicious roux.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season the chicken to perfection.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and building flavor.
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms: Sliced. You can substitute button mushrooms if needed.
- 1/2 cup dry Marsala wine: The star of the show! Look for a good quality Marsala for best results.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For richness and shine to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Adds a beautiful herbaceous note. (Dried thyme can be substituted, use about 1 teaspoon).
- Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken slices generously with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, ensuring it's evenly coated. This step is crucial for a golden-brown crust.
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Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they are softened and slightly browned. This releases their natural flavors.
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Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is a crucial step for building flavor in your sauce. Let the wine reduce slightly for about a minute.
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Create the Sauce: Stir in the chicken broth, butter, and thyme leaves. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it slightly thickens.
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Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it in the delicious Marsala sauce. Simmer for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Use good quality Marsala: The flavor of the Marsala wine is key to this dish.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Add more salt, pepper, or thyme to your liking.
- Make it ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. The sauce will thicken slightly upon reheating.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Include other vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use different mushrooms: Experiment with other types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Enjoy your delicious and simple Chicken Marsala! This recipe is a perfect example of how a simple weeknight meal can be both satisfying and sophisticated. Let us know in the comments how yours turns out!
