Description
Bring the flavors of Italy to your table with this classic Chicken Marsala recipe. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared to perfection and served with a creamy, rich mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. Easy enough for weeknights and elegant enough for dinner parties, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (10–11 oz each)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Sauce
- 1¼ cups dry Marsala wine
- 1¼ cups chicken broth (plus 1 tbsp, divided)
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms (sliced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (minced)
- 1 tsp fresh oregano (minced)
- 1½ tsp cornstarch
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (minced, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Reduce the Marsala Wine
- Combine 1¼ cups Marsala wine and 1¼ cups chicken broth in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until reduced to 1 cup, about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally, creating four thin pieces.
- Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
- Season both sides with salt and black pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off the excess.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. (Internal temperature should reach 165°F.)
- Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms
- Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter to the skillet.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking and stir until fragrant.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
- Pour in the reduced Marsala wine and broth mixture.
- Stir in the thyme and oregano, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
- In a small bowl, mix 1½ tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp chicken broth to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes, until thickened.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
- Turn off the heat and stir in ⅓ cup heavy cream.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let warm for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with minced parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pound Evenly: Ensure the chicken is of uniform thickness for even cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F.
- Use Dry Marsala: Dry Marsala wine gives the sauce a savory depth, while sweet Marsala is best for desserts.
- Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Italian-American