creamy chicken marsala

Amanda Recipes January 25, 2025January 25, 2025

Creamy Chicken Marsala

When you think about weeknight dinners, Creamy Chicken Marsala often stands out as a practical yet sophisticated choice. You’ve got tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious sauce, and the balance of Marsala wine with heavy cream creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. As you consider the ease of preparing this dish in just one skillet, you might wonder about its origins and how it became a beloved staple in Italian-American cuisine. The story behind this dish is as rich as its sauce, and it might change how you approach your next dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Why will you love this Creamy Chicken Marsala recipe? First, it’s quick and easy, taking only about 30-40 minutes from prep to plate.

You’ll use simple, common ingredients like chicken breasts, Marsala wine, and heavy cream, all cooked in one skillet to save you cleanup time. The delicious recipe serves 4 people, making it ideal for both family dinners and entertaining guests.

The steps are straightforward: brown the chicken, sauté the mushrooms, and create a creamy sauce. This dish serves four, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

You’ll also enjoy the rich flavors that come from the combination of Marsala wine, garlic, and thyme, giving you a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Plus, it’s versatile, allowing you to customize ingredients or pair it with your favorite sides.

History

Although Chicken Marsala is a beloved dish today, its history is rich and intertwined with the evolution of Marsala wine itself. This wine originates from Marsala, a city in Sicily, and was developed by British merchant John Woodhouse in the late 1700s. He fortified it with brandy to make it seaworthy.

The dish itself emerged during the Napoleonic wars, created by a Sicilian chef for French families. Italian immigrants later helped popularize Chicken Marsala around the world. This dish symbolizes Italian-American culture and is frequently featured in movies and TV shows, representing family gatherings.

Marsala wine is essential for this dish, adding its unique flavor. Over time, Marsala production evolved, initially influenced by British merchants, then embraced by Italians, with efforts to highlight its quality and culinary uses.

Recipe

Creamy Chicken Marsala

Creamy Chicken Marsala is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and flavorful sauce made from earthy mushrooms and sweet Marsala wine. This comforting meal is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for impressing guests at a gathering. The dish offers restaurant-quality flavor that is sure to impress your family and friends.

The creamy texture of the sauce, paired with the savory notes from the chicken and mushrooms, creates a delicious harmony that will leave everyone asking for seconds. To achieve the best flavor and texture, it’s important to utilize high-quality ingredients and follow the cooking instructions carefully.

This recipe not only offers a satisfying main course but also pairs beautifully with various sides, making it a versatile option for any occasion. Let’s get started on this creamy delight that will surely become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 8-12 oz mushrooms (cremini or baby bella)
– ½-¾ cup dry Marsala wine
– 1 cup heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
– 1 cup chicken stock
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil
– Butter
– Garlic (optional)
– Fresh thyme (for flavor)
– Fresh parsley (for garnish)
– Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any desired spices. If needed, butterfly cut the chicken breasts to guarantee even cooking.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add a mix of olive oil and butter.
Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and brown them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm.
In the same pan, add more butter if necessary and sauté the sliced mushrooms until they’re tender. If you like, you can add minced garlic at this stage for added flavor.
Pour in the Marsala wine and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by half. This will concentrate the flavors and add depth to the sauce.
Next, add chicken stock and heavy cream to the pan, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Add fresh thyme for extra flavor during the simmering process.
Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the pan and let it simmer for a few more minutes to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
To serve, plate the chicken and spoon the creamy Marsala sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated parmesan, and enjoy with your choice of sides.

Extra Tips:

For the best results, make sure to not overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken, as this can affect browning. If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Additionally, feel free to customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color. Leftover Chicken Marsala can be refrigerated for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep!

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Marsala recipe not only offers a delicious dining experience but also allows for flexibility in how you serve it.

You can pair it with various options, like angel hair pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles to accommodate different diets. Keep in mind the nutritional aspects, as one serving can be high in calories and saturated fat, but it’s also a good source of protein and essential vitamins. Additionally, it provides 15g of protein, which can support muscle repair and overall health. Remember, you can adjust the recipe to your liking, perhaps by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

Experimenting with flavors, like adding shallots, can elevate your dish.

Enjoy this versatile meal that’s sure to impress!

FAQ

Have questions about making Creamy Chicken Marsala? Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, and any spices you like.

Coat the chicken in flour for a crispy texture, then pan-fry it in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. After cooking, remove the chicken and tent it with foil.

For the Marsala sauce, you’ll need dry Marsala wine, chicken broth, heavy cream, mushrooms, garlic, and shallots. Marsala wine is an essential ingredient that adds a nutty, smoky flavor to the dish.

When cooking, brown the chicken to create flavorful bits, and scrape these up when adding mushrooms. Simmer the sauce until it thickens, coating the back of a spoon.

Finally, garnish with parsley and parmesan, serve hot, and enjoy your delicious meal!