Chicken Marsala Recipe
Chicken Marsala is an exquisite dish that marries the rich flavors of Marsala wine with the subtle earthiness of mushrooms, all complemented by tender chicken breasts. This dish is not only a staple in Italian cuisine but also a favorite in many homes around the world due to its robust flavor and straightforward preparation. It’s a must-try recipe for any home cook looking to impress at the dinner table or simply expand their culinary repertoire.
Ingredients Breakdown
To begin, you’ll need the following key ingredients: ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ cup all-purpose flour for coating, 4 tablespoons olive oil, 4 tablespoons butter, 4 medium skinless, boneless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4 inch thickness, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, ½ cup Marsala wine, and ¼ cup cooking sherry. While these ingredients are generally available, you can substitute the Marsala wine with Madeira if needed, and for a non-alcoholic version, a mix of white grape juice with a splash of vanilla extract and sherry vinegar can be used instead.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Begin by preparing your workspace with all the necessary ingredients. Mix the flour, salt, pepper, and oregano in a shallow bowl. Coat each chicken breast evenly with this mixture. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken until golden on each side. After flipping the chicken, add the mushrooms and pour over the Marsala wine and cooking sherry. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes. The key to perfectly browned chicken is a hot pan before you start cooking, and controlling the heat to avoid burning the coating.
Recipe Tips
- Selecting and Using Marsala Wine: Opt for a dry or semi-sweet Marsala for the best flavor in this dish. The wine should be added after browning the chicken to deglaze the pan and capture all the flavorful bits.
- Ensuring Tender and Juicy Chicken: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly without drying out. Simmering it in the wine and sherry mixture helps to tenderize the meat.
- Cooking with Sherry: Sherry adds a depth of flavor. Make sure it complements the Marsala wine without overpowering it.
What to Serve with This Recipe
Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a light, fresh salad. For wine enthusiasts, a glass of medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or a dry Riesling, enhances the flavors of the dish, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Perfecting the Technique
- Troubleshooting Common Issues: If the sauce is too thin, a quick mix of cornstarch and water can be added to thicken it. Ensure the mushrooms are sautéed until golden before adding to the dish to avoid them becoming soggy.
- Sautéing Mushrooms to Perfection: Cook mushrooms in a separate pan to achieve the right texture and add them to the dish at the end of cooking to maintain their firmness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Make Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with any gluten-free flour of your choice.
- Storing and Reheating Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a splash of Marsala wine for moisture.
Mastering Chicken Marsala at home is an achievable goal for any aspiring chef. The simplicity of the ingredients and the cooking process allows for variations and personal tweaks. This dish not only offers a delectable taste experience but also the satisfaction of bringing a piece of Italian culinary tradition into your kitchen. Experiment with different mushrooms or wines to personalize your Chicken Marsala and make it a signature dish in your cooking collection.
Ingredients:
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup all-purpose flour for coating
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
4 medium skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
1 cup sliced mushrooms
½ cup Marsala wine
¼ cup cooking sherry
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare all the necessary ingredients before starting.
Step 2: Combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and oregano in a shallow dish or bowl to create the coating for the chicken.
Step 3: Thoroughly coat each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even layer.
Step 4: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts and cook until they are golden brown on each side.
Step 5: Flip the chicken breasts over, add the mushrooms around them, and then pour the Marsala wine and cooking sherry over the top.
Step 6: Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer for about 10 minutes, turning the chicken once halfway through, until it is thoroughly cooked and the juices run clear.
Step 7: Serve the Chicken Marsala hot, spooning some of the mushrooms and sauce over the top of each breast.
Chicken Marsala Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour for coating
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 medium skinless boneless chicken breast halves, pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup Marsala wine
- ¼ cup cooking sherry
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare all the necessary ingredients before starting.
- Step 2: Combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and oregano in a shallow dish or bowl to create the coating for the chicken.
- Step 3: Thoroughly coat each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even layer.
- Step 4: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts and cook until they are golden brown on each side.
- Step 5: Flip the chicken breasts over, add the mushrooms around them, and then pour the Marsala wine and cooking sherry over the top.
- Step 6: Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer for about 10 minutes, turning the chicken once halfway through, until it is thoroughly cooked and the juices run clear.
- Step 7: Serve the Chicken Marsala hot, spooning some of the mushrooms and sauce over the top of each breast.