Classic Chicken Marsala: A Savory Italian-American Delight
Chicken Marsala is a beloved Italian-American dish known for its tender chicken cutlets enveloped in a rich, savory sauce made with Marsala wine and mushrooms. This dish is often served over pasta or alongside garlic mashed potatoes, making it a perfect comforting meal for any occasion. The sauce’s depth of flavor, enriched with onions, garlic, and butter, elevates simple ingredients to a gourmet experience.
Ingredients###
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms
– 3/4 cup Marsala wine
– 3/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a richer sauce)
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions###
1. Prepare the Chicken:
– Place a piece of plastic wrap over each chicken breast and pound with a meat mallet until 1/4 inch thick.
– Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge the Chicken:
– Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess.
3. Cook the Chicken:
– Heat oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
– In the same skillet, add the remaining butter.
– Sauté the onions until translucent, then add the garlic and mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are browned.
– Pour in the Marsala wine and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
– Add the chicken broth and simmer until the sauce reduces slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Finish the Dish:
– Stir in the heavy cream (if using).
– Return the chicken to the skillet and cook until heated through and the sauce has thickened.
6. Serve:
– Garnish with chopped parsley.
– Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside steamed vegetables.
Enjoy your Classic Chicken Marsala, a dish that brings together the robust flavors of Italian cuisine with the comfort of a home-cooked meal.