Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Marsala Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until they are browned and tender.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by about half.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to reheat and absorb some of the flavors from the sauce.
Step 6: Serve
- Transfer the chicken breasts to serving plates.
- Spoon the Marsala sauce and mushrooms over the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Marsala
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from being dry.
- Use High-Quality Marsala Wine: For the best flavor, use a good quality Marsala wine. It’s worth investing in a bottle for this dish.
- Deglaze the Pan: Scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet adds extra flavor to the sauce.
Variations
- Add Onions: For a richer flavor, add thinly sliced onions along with the mushrooms.
- Creamy Marsala Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy variation of the sauce.
- Vegetable Options: Add vegetables like peas or asparagus for added color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Rice or Pasta: Pair with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed vegetables complements the richness of the dish.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Marsala is a delectable dish that brings the flavors of Italian cuisine right to your table. With its rich Marsala wine sauce, tender chicken, and savory mushrooms, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy every bite of this flavorful and classic meal!