Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian dish known for its rich, sweet flavor and creamy sauce, making it a perfect choice for special occasions like anniversaries. This recipe typically involves tender chicken breast fillets cooked in a Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms and garlic. Let’s delve into the details and steps to prepare this delightful dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breast fillets
- 1 cup flour
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sweet Marsala wine
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 497.4
- Fat: 24.7g
- Saturated Fat: 15.2g
- Cholesterol: 90.1mg
- Sodium: 64.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 40.5g
- Fiber: 1.3g
- Sugar: 8.3g
- Protein: 7.8g
Recipe Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Place a small amount of olive oil in a large skillet and preheat over medium-high heat.
- In a shallow dish (like a pie pan), place the flour and season it with salt and pepper.
- Pour the milk into a separate bowl.
- Dredge each chicken breast fillet in the flour mixture, coating evenly, then dip into the milk.
- Dredge again in the flour mixture (this is the “dry wet dry” method), ensuring a good coating.
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Cook the Chicken:
- Place the coated chicken breasts in the preheated skillet.
- Cook each side until golden brown and cooked through, typically about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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Prepare the Marsala Sauce:
- Using the same skillet, pour in the sweet Marsala wine to deglaze the pan, stirring to scrape up any browned bits.
- Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet.
- Sauté the mushrooms and garlic until tender, approximately 5 minutes.
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Finish the Sauce:
- Stir in brown sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Pour in cream (or heavy cream, depending on preference) and bring the mixture to a slow simmer.
- Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.
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Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them with the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Serve:
- Plate each chicken breast and generously spoon the Marsala sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Mushroom Variations: Experiment with different types of mushrooms such as cremini or shiitake for varying flavors.
- Cream Options: Substitute heavy cream for a richer sauce, or use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Side Dish Pairings: Serve Chicken Marsala over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad make excellent sides.
Conclusion:
Chicken Marsala is a dish that combines simple ingredients into a flavorful and comforting meal, perfect for both intimate dinners and celebratory occasions. Its creamy Marsala wine sauce, infused with garlic and mushrooms, complements the tender chicken beautifully, making it a favorite for many. Whether you’re cooking for a special date night or preparing a family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress with its savory-sweet balance and elegant presentation.
