Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal but don't want the restaurant prices or the hassle? Then look no further! This Chicken Marsala recipe, inspired by the beloved Barefoot Contessa, is the perfect solution. It's surprisingly easy to make, delivers incredible flavor, and is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This delicious dish is a fantastic example of how simple, homemade cooking can produce truly spectacular results. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup dry Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Sauté the Chicken and Mushrooms:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they are softened and lightly browned.
Create the Marsala Sauce:
- Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce slightly, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter until it's melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- If desired, stir in the heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
- Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and the flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve:
- Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve the Chicken Marsala immediately over your favorite pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Marsala:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken breasts in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Use quality Marsala: The flavor of the Marsala wine is crucial to this dish. Opt for a good quality dry Marsala.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Variations:
- Add some spice: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Use different mushrooms: Experiment with other types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
- Add vegetables: Sauté some onions or garlic with the mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The rich, flavorful sauce and tender chicken make it a truly satisfying and delicious meal. Enjoy!