Your mom's Chicken Marsala is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce made from authentic Marsala wine. Paired with the best almond green beans, sautéed to perfection with garlic and butter, this meal is a comfort food classic. The crunch of toasted almonds adds a lovely contrast, making it even more enjoyable. If you want to discover how to prepare this scrumptious combination, keep exploring the details!
History
Chicken Marsala, though rooted in Sicilian tradition, has a fascinating backstory influenced by English settlers who brought their culinary practices to the region.
This dish combines the best of Italian and English cuisines, showcasing rich reduction sauces that require your attention as the sauce thickens. The key ingredients include tender chicken, mushrooms, and, of course, Marsala wine, which is essential for achieving that authentic flavor.
While true Marsala is preferred for quality, some might opt for cooking Marsala in a pinch. You can find variations of Chicken Marsala in many favorite recipes, sometimes omitting mushrooms based on personal taste.
Drizzled with olive oil and enriched with chicken broth, this dish has become a staple in Italian-American dining. Additionally, the importance of water efficiency features in modern cooking appliances reflects a growing trend toward sustainability in the kitchen.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 shallots, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by seasoning the flour with salt and pepper in a shallow dish, then dredge the chicken tenders in the flour, shaking off any excess.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken tenders for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the shallots and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened, then return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the sauce.
Extra Tips:
For an even more flavorful sauce, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard while the sauce simmers.
If desired, you can also add fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for a burst of freshness.
When preparing the almond green beans, toasting the almonds in a dry skillet before adding them to the sautéed beans will enhance their nutty flavor. Quinoa can be a great base for salads to complement this dish.
Serve the Chicken Marsala over egg noodles or rice for a complete meal that's sure to impress!
Cooking Steps
To start making your Chicken Marsala, you'll need to prepare the chicken breasts by pounding them to an even thickness and dredging them in seasoned flour.
Next, sauté the mushrooms until they're golden brown, setting the stage for a rich Marsala wine sauce.
As the sauce simmers and thickens, don't forget to add sliced almonds for that perfect crunch! Additionally, consider incorporating essential oils for toothache relief to enhance your cooking experience and promote overall wellness in your kitchen.
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Before you start cooking, slice the chicken breasts into even cutlets to guarantee they cook uniformly.
Gently pound the cutlets to about ½ inch thick for consistent results.
Next, season the flour with salt, pepper, and oregano to add flavor.
Dredge each cutlet in the seasoned flour, creating a light coating that'll help you achieve a golden-brown crust.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken cutlets for about 3 minutes on each side, until they're golden and cooked through.
Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
This step sets you up perfectly for the next phase, where Marsala is easy to incorporate into your dish.
Step 2. Sauté Mushrooms Until Golden Brown
Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat, then add the sliced mushrooms.
Sauté mushrooms undisturbed for a few minutes to allow them to develop a golden brown color, which will enhance their flavor.
Stir occasionally, but not too often, as you want to promote proper caramelization and avoid rubbery texture.
Continue to cook the mushrooms until all moisture has evaporated, typically taking about 5-7 minutes.
This step concentrates their flavor, making them even more delicious.
For added depth, consider seasoning with a pinch of salt while you cook the mushrooms.
This simple addition will enhance their natural umami taste and elevate your chicken marsala dish to new heights.
Enjoy that fragrant aroma! To achieve the best results, ensure you use high-fat content butter, which can further enrich the flavor of the dish.
Step 3. Add Marsala Wine Sauce
Once the mushrooms are sautéed to perfection, you'll want to create a rich Marsala wine sauce that complements the dish beautifully.
Start by sautéing minced garlic and shallots in a mix of butter and olive oil until tender and fragrant.
After you've browned the chicken tenders on both sides, remove them from the pan.
Now, add Marsala wine and scrape the bottom to deglaze, incorporating all those tasty bits.
Pour in chicken stock to deepen the flavor, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Return the browned chicken to the pan, allowing it to simmer in the sauce for about 15 minutes.
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Step 4. Simmer Until Sauce Thickens
As you continue cooking, let the sauce simmer gently to thicken and develop its flavors.
After browning the chicken, remove it from the pan and sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant.
Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth, stirring well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Stir occasionally and let it simmer until the sauce thickens, which usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
If you find the sauce is too thin, you can easily thicken it by adding a bit of flour or making a roux with flour and butter.
Don't forget to add mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor!
Step 5. Add Almonds for Crunch
To add a delightful crunch to your Chicken Marsala, start by toasting sliced almonds in a skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until they turn golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Once toasted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to infuse the oil with flavor.
Meanwhile, blanch your green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to keep their vibrant color and crunch.
After that, toss the blanched green beans in the skillet with the almond-garlic mixture, ensuring they're well-coated and heated through.
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of salt and fresh parsley for an extra touch, making your almond green beans a perfect complement to the chicken breast.
Final Thoughts
Even if you're new to cooking, you'll find that My Mom's Chicken Marsala is a dish that impresses without overwhelming you. This recipe features the best chicken, tender and flavorful, paired with a rich sauce that's easy to make.
You'll love how simple it's to prepare, making it perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests. Serve this dish alongside almond green beans for a delightful contrast; just blanch the beans, toss them in a large saucepan with garlic and toasted almonds, and finish with a splash of lemon juice.
Incorporating a protein-rich start to your meal with a side like the Egg Rollup can enhance your breakfast options as well.
Feedback from those who've tried this recipe highlights its comforting flavor, securing its place as a beloved family favorite. Enjoy creating lasting memories around the dinner table!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Good Side Dishes to Serve With Chicken Marsala?
When you think of Chicken Marsala, what sides can truly elevate the experience?
Consider buttery egg noodles or rice to soak up that rich sauce, enhancing every bite.
Roasted garlic parmesan green beans or sautéed Italian kale add vibrant color and nutrition.
For a heartier option, crispy garlic parmesan potatoes contrast beautifully with the tender chicken.
Finally, a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette can refresh your palate, balancing the dish's richness perfectly.
What's the Difference Between Chicken Piccata and Chicken Marsala?
When you compare Chicken Piccata and Chicken Marsala, you'll notice distinct differences in flavor and preparation.
Chicken Piccata features a bright, tangy lemon and caper sauce, while Chicken Marsala boasts a rich, sweet Marsala wine sauce often with shallots and mushrooms.
You sauté Chicken Piccata quickly in butter and olive oil, but you brown Chicken Marsala and let it simmer.
Each dish offers unique Italian flavors, making them both delicious choices for dinner.
What Is the Best Wine to Use for Chicken Marsala?
When it comes to Chicken Marsala, choosing the right wine is like picking the perfect partner for a dance—everything needs to harmonize.
You'll want to use a sweet Marsala wine, as it enhances the dish's rich flavors beautifully. If you're in a pinch, cooking sherry works, but it mightn't have that depth you crave.
For a non-alcoholic option, chicken broth can substitute, though it'll change the dish's signature taste.
What Is Better for Chicken Marsala, Dry or Sweet?
When deciding between dry or sweet Marsala for your Chicken Marsala, it really comes down to your taste.
Sweet Marsala enhances the dish with rich flavors and a hint of caramelization, making it a popular choice for many.
On the other hand, dry Marsala offers a more robust, acidic profile that some people prefer.
Experiment with both to see which one you enjoy most, and let your palate guide your decision!
