Easy And Delicious – How To Make Chicken Marsala From Scratch
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Italy with this comprehensive guide on how to make chicken marsala from scratch. This classic dish combines tender chicken, rich Marsala wine, and a velvety mushroom sauce for an unforgettable culinary experience. Follow our step-by-step instructions and elevate your home cooking to new heights.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Sauté the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions
- Add the mushrooms and onions to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the Garlic
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
5. Deglaze the Pan with Marsala Wine
- Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet and bring to a boil.
- Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the wine has reduced by half.
6. Add the Chicken Broth
- Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
7. Whisk in the Heavy Cream
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch.
- Gradually whisk the mixture into the sauce until smooth.
- Simmer for 2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
8. Return the Chicken to the Skillet
- Add the cooked chicken breasts back to the skillet.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
9. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, use a dry Marsala wine.
- If you don’t have Marsala wine, you can substitute with dry Sherry or Madeira wine.
- Add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Serve the chicken marsala over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Leftover chicken marsala can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations
- Chicken Marsala with Prosciutto: Wrap each chicken breast with a slice of prosciutto before dredging in flour.
- Chicken Marsala with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
- Chicken Marsala with Spinach: Stir in 1 cup of fresh baby spinach to the sauce.
Health Benefits of Chicken Marsala
Chicken marsala is a relatively healthy dish, providing a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins.
- Protein: Chicken is a lean protein source, essential for building and repairing tissues.
- Carbohydrates: The Marsala wine and flour contribute complex carbohydrates, providing energy.
- Vitamins: Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, which are essential for energy metabolism.
Final Note: Elevate Your Home Cooking
With this comprehensive guide, you now have the tools to create an unforgettable chicken marsala from scratch. Experiment with variations and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. However, they may take longer to cook.
Q: How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
A: You can thicken the sauce by adding more cornstarch mixed with water. Whisk the mixture into the sauce and simmer until thickened.
Q: What can I serve with chicken marsala?
A: Chicken marsala pairs well with various sides, such as pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.