Savory Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe Youll Love in Minutes
Picture this: a cozy evening, rain lightly tapping on the window, and the smell of something delicious wafting through the air. That, my friends, is the magic of cooking Chicken Marsala! This dish holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of evenings spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. She would whip up a creamy, savory Chicken Marsala, and I’d stand on tiptoes, craning my neck just to steal a peek at her culinary skills.
Today, I’m excited to share my version of this classic dish—EASY CHICKEN MARSALA. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but fancy enough to impress your dinner guests. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: a simple weeknight dinner ready in under 30 minutes!
- Budget-friendly: uses everyday ingredients without breaking the bank.
- Comforting flavors: rich, savory, and oh-so-delicious with a touch of sweetness from the Marsala wine.
- Customizable: you can easily tweak ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (because butter makes everything better!)
- 8 oz. cremini or button mushrooms, sliced (fresh is best for flavor)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced (fresh garlic packs a serious punch!)
- ¾ cup Marsala wine (You can find this near the cooking wines; a sweet or dry version works.)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for a pop of color)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to dive into making your own EASY CHICKEN MARSALA? Here we go!
- Prep the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry and then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Dredge in Flour: On a plate, spread out the flour. Coat each chicken breast lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess. This helps get that lovely golden crust while cooking.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want hot oil to achieve that golden sear!
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are browned and tender. The aroma will be heavenly!
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant. Don’t let that garlic burn—keep an eye on it!
- Deglaze with Marsala: Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release all those delicious bits. Bring it to a simmer and let it reduce for about 3 minutes.
- Add Chicken Broth: Stir in the chicken broth and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Return the Chicken: Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the mushroom sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for another minute to combine the flavors.
- Finish with Butter: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the sauce. This is where the magic happens—finishing the sauce will give it a silky texture.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh touch.
Pro Tips & Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, here are a few fun twists to consider for your Chicken Marsala:
- Different Mushrooms: Try using shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a heartier taste.
- Herbs & Spices: Add a pinch of thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist. A dash of red pepper flakes can bring some heat!
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for an ultra-rich sauce.
- Serve over Pasta or Rice: While this dish is fabulous on its own, pairing it with fettuccine or fluffy rice can soak up that delicious sauce perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
To serve your EASY CHICKEN MARSALA, I suggest plating it up with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to soak up that delectable sauce. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully for a pop of freshness. And let’s not forget a nice glass of that Marsala wine to complement your meal—why not treat yourself?
Oh, and if you’re feeling extra cozy, a piece of crusty bread for wiping up your plate at the end is a must! It’s such a comforting meal that really warms the soul.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freeze: You can freeze the Chicken Marsala for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: To avoid drying out the chicken, heat it slowly over low-medium heat, adding a splash more broth or wine if the sauce is too thick.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and can add a bit more flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
What if I don’t have Marsala wine?
No worries! You can substitute with a dry sherry or even a combination of grape juice and vinegar. It may change the flavor a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to dredge the chicken.
How can I make it dairy-free?
You can replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine. Just be sure to check the labels for hidden dairy ingredients in your broth and Marsala wine!
What sides go best with Chicken Marsala?
Besides mashed potatoes or pasta, roasted or steamed veggies, like green beans or asparagus, make excellent companions to balance out the richness of the dish.
Conclusion
And there you have it, my friends! A simple yet elegant recipe for EASY CHICKEN MARSALA that you can whip up any night of the week. I can already imagine the delightful aroma filling your kitchen and the smiles at the dinner table. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Feel free to drop a note in the comments or share your unique twists on this classic recipe. Happy cooking!
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Savory Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe Youll Love in Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Discover a quick savory marsala dish with our easy chicken recipe Perfect for busy nights its both delicious and simple to prepare
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A quick and easy Chicken Marsala recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights yet fancy enough to impress your dinner guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 calories
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Fat: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
Keywords: chicken marsala, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, Italian cuisine