Classic Chicken Marsala Recipes for a Fancy Dinner

Introduction

When you hear the word “Marsala,” the first thing that comes to mind is probably “Wine.” It’s a sweet wine that originated in Sicily, Italy. But have you ever thought of using Marsala wine as an ingredient in your cooking? If you haven’t yet, you’re missing out! Marsala is an excellent addition to many dishes, especially Classic Chicken Marsala. This article will introduce you to this mouthwatering dish, different ways of cooking it, and some tips to make it fancy for your dinner party.

Recipe 1: Classic Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms

This recipe is a classic take on Chicken Marsala. It’s simple, elegant, and delicious. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
4 tbsp olive oil, divided
8 oz sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup Marsala wine
1/4 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions:

Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
In a shallow dish or pie plate, mix the flour with the salt and pepper. Coat the chicken lightly in the flour.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of butter with 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. When the butter is melted and hot, add the chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden and crispy on the outside. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Add the mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes or until they are soft and tender.
Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken stock into the skillet, bring it to a boil, and cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce is slightly reduced.
Add the chicken back into the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top and serve!

This dish is perfect for dinner parties or when you’re craving some fancy comfort food. Serve it with steamed vegetables, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Recipe 2: Flambé Chicken Marsala

If you’re feeling extra fancy and adventurous, you can try this Flambé Chicken Marsala recipe. It involves lighting the sauce on fire, creating a dramatic effect that will impress your guests. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
4 tbsp olive oil, divided
8 oz sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup Marsala wine
1/4 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions:

Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
In a shallow dish or pie plate, mix the flour with the salt and pepper. Coat the chicken lightly in the flour.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of butter with 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. When the butter is melted and hot, add the chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden and crispy on the outside. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Add the mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes or until they are soft and tender.
Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken stock into the skillet, bring it to a boil, and cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce is slightly reduced.
Add the brandy to the skillet and heat it for a few seconds until it starts to steam. Light it with a match or lighter, and let the flames burn the alcohol. Be cautious and keep children and flammable objects away from the stove.
After the flames die down, reduce the heat to low, and add the heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add the chicken back into the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top and serve!

This dish is perfect for elegant dinners or romantic evenings. Flambéing the sauce adds a wow factor that will impress your guests or your partner. Serve it with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the flavorful sauce.

Recipe 3: Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

If you don’t have time to cook, or you want to free up your oven and stove for other dishes, this Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala recipe is perfect for you. It’s effortless, convenient, and yields tender and juicy chicken in a rich and savory sauce. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 cup Marsala wine
1/2 cup chicken stock
8 oz sliced mushrooms
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions:

Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
In a shallow dish or pie plate, mix the flour with the salt and pepper. Coat the chicken lightly in the flour.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the mushrooms for about 5 minutes or until they are soft and tender.
Place the chicken in the slow cooker, add the sautéed mushrooms over the top, and pour in the Marsala wine and chicken stock.
Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top and serve!

This dish is perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. The slow cooker does all the work for you, and you can come home to a house filled with tempting aromas. Serve it with rice, pasta, or garlic bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Tips for a Fancy Chicken Marsala Dinner

Chicken Marsala is already a fancy dish, but if you want to take it up a notch, here are some tips that will impress your guests:

Use high-quality ingredients. Choose fresh chicken, organic if possible, and fresh herbs and vegetables. It will enhance the flavors and appearance of the dish.
Plate it beautifully. Use a large white plate or platter, arrange the chicken and side dishes artistically, and garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers.
Pair it with excellent wine. Since Marsala is a type of wine, it only makes sense to serve it with a glass of your favorite red or white wine.
Set the mood. Dim the lights, light some candles, play soft music, and use fancy tableware and cloth napkins. It will create a romantic and intimate ambiance.
Take lots of pictures. A fancy dinner like this deserves to be remembered. Don’t forget to snap some photos and share them on social media or with your friends and family.

Conclusion

Classic Chicken Marsala is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose to make it in a skillet, slow cooker, or flambé it, you’ll love its savory flavors and tender texture. With some creativity and a few tips, you can make it fancy and impressive for your next dinner party or date night. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques! Bon appétit