Learn how to make the perfect Chicken Marsala with this easy recipe from Barefoot Contessa. From preparing the ingredients to serving tips, we’ve got you covered!
Ingredients for Chicken Marsala
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When making Chicken Marsala, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients before you start. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, having everything you need laid out and ready to go will make the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable.
First and foremost, you’ll need chicken breasts, as the main ingredient of this delicious dish. Choose high-quality, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. Additionally, you’ll need all-purpose flour to coat the chicken before cooking, as well as salt and pepper to season it.
Another essential ingredient in Chicken Marsala is olive oil, which is used to cook the chicken and impart a rich, flavorful taste. Butter is also used in the recipe to add richness and depth to the dish.
Finally, the star of the show – Marsala wine. This sweet, fortified wine from Sicily gives Chicken Marsala its signature flavor. Make sure to choose a high-quality Marsala wine for the best results.
As you gather these ingredients, you’ll be one step closer to creating a memorable and delicious Chicken Marsala dish for yourself and your loved ones to enjoy.
Preparing the Chicken Marsala
Before you begin preparing the Chicken Marsala, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. This includes chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, unsalted butter, olive oil, mushrooms, Marsala wine, chicken stock, and fresh parsley.
First, set up a large plate with a layer of all-purpose flour and season it with salt and black pepper. This will be used to dredge the chicken breasts, so make sure it’s easily accessible from your work area.
Next, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. This can be done with a meat tenderizer or by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and using a rolling pin.
Once the chicken breasts are prepped, heat a combination of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter is melted and bubbly, add the chicken breasts and cook them for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
When the chicken is finished cooking, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a clean plate. In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and cook them until they are golden and tender. Then, pour in Marsala wine and chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate extra flavor into the sauce.
Cooking the Chicken Marsala
Once you have prepared all the ingredients for the Chicken Marsala, it’s time to start cooking. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add some olive oil. Take the seasoned chicken breasts and place them in the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
Next, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add some more olive oil and sauté the sliced mushrooms until they are golden brown and all the liquid has evaporated. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Once the mushrooms are cooked, pour in the Marsala wine and chicken stock, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer and reduce for a few minutes until it has thickened slightly.
Finally, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb all the delicious flavors. Once the chicken is heated through and the sauce has reached the desired consistency, it’s ready to be served.
Serving Chicken Marsala
Now that you have prepared and cooked your delicious Chicken Marsala, it’s time to serve it and enjoy the fruits of your labor. There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to serving this flavorful dish.
First and foremost, make sure to plate the Chicken Marsala in a visually appealing manner. You can choose to serve it on a large platter or individual plates, depending on the occasion. Garnish the dish with a sprig of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of chopped chives for a pop of color.
Next, consider what sides you will be serving with the Chicken Marsala. A classic choice is to pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. The rich and savory flavors of the Chicken Marsala work well with starchy sides that can soak up the delicious sauce.
Don’t forget to pour a generous portion of the Marsala wine sauce over the chicken and sides. This is the highlight of the dish, so be sure to have enough sauce to go around. Additionally, have some extra sauce on the table for guests to add more to their liking.
Finally, when serving Chicken Marsala, be sure to provide your guests with a good quality wine to accompany the meal. A full-bodied red wine such as a Chianti or Merlot will complement the flavors of the dish perfectly. Set the table with wine glasses and let the meal be enjoyed with good company and conversation.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Marsala
When it comes to making Chicken Marsala, there are a few important tips to keep in mind to ensure the dish turns out perfectly. First and foremost, it’s crucial to use high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture. Additionally, pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness will ensure that they cook evenly and stay tender.
Another important tip for making perfect Chicken Marsala is to use a good quality dry Marsala wine. This will give the dish its signature flavor and depth. It’s also important to let the Marsala wine reduce and concentrate in flavor as it cooks with the chicken and other ingredients.
One common mistake when making Chicken Marsala is overcooking the chicken, which can result in a dry and tough texture. To avoid this, it’s important to cook the chicken just until it’s done and then remove it from the pan to rest while the sauce finishes cooking.
In addition, fresh mushrooms are key to achieving the best flavor in Chicken Marsala. Slicing them thinly and cooking them until they are golden brown will enhance the overall taste and texture of the dish.
Lastly, remember that it’s all about balance. Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the seasoning as needed to ensure a perfectly balanced flavor profile. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a delicious and perfect Chicken Marsala every time.
