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.