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Recipe for Chicken Marsala: A Savoury Meal with Wine Sauce

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish celebrated for its rich, savoury flavours and elegant presentation. Featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a delicious Marsala wine sauce, this dish feels luxurious yet is surprisingly straightforward to make. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal at home, Chicken Marsala is the perfect choice. Let’s dive into this delectable recipe!

Ingredients

For this Chicken Marsala recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour, for dredging
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional)
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (cremini or button mushrooms work well)
• 3/4 cup of Marsala wine (sweet or dry, to your preference)
• 1 cup of chicken stock
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pound the Chicken Breasts: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of cling film or baking parchment. Using a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1.5 cm. This ensures they cook evenly and remain tender.

2. Season and Dredge: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. This will give the chicken a lovely crust when sautéed.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and begins to bubble, it’s time to add the chicken.

2. Sauté the Chicken: Add the coated chicken breasts to the pan, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a warm plate.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and tender. If necessary, add a bit more olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

2. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds depth to the sauce. Allow the wine to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.

3. Add Chicken Stock: Stir in the chicken stock and let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes to blend the flavours. The sauce should thicken slightly.

4. Combine with Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce and mushrooms over them. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Step 4: Serve

1. Final Touches: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter for a glossy finish. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.

2. Garnish and Serve: Plate the chicken, ladle over the rich Marsala sauce, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of colour.

Pairing Suggestions

Chicken Marsala pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. You could also opt for sautéed green beans or a fresh salad for a lighter touch.

Conclusion

Chicken Marsala is a delightful dish that showcases the delightful combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and the sweet complexity of Marsala wine. With its simple preparation and luxurious outcome, it’s a meal that promises to impress every time. Whether for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favourite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy your cooking, and buon appetito!