Ina Garten Chicken Marsala Recipe

As devout followers of Ina Garten, we admire her effortless style and versatile dishes that kick-start a celebration in our mouths. But why this Ina Garten Chicken Marsala recipe, you might ask? Well, this one is an extraordinary demonstration of simplicity, comfort, and versatility all deliciously bundled into one memorable meal.

From the first time I attempted this recipe, I fell in love with its rich flavor and how it turned a simple weeknight dinner into a memorable culinary experience. What’s enchanting about this dish is its simplicity to prepare and the undeniable prowess to bring smiles to the dinner table. Loaded with pan-seared chicken breasts, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious Marsala wine sauce, it’s no surprise this dish has become a regular in my kitchen and an instant crowd-pleaser.

What is Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala is a delicious Italian-American dish that typically consists of chicken cutlets, mushrooms, and Marsala wine. The chicken is usually coated in flour, sautéed until golden brown, and then cooked with mushrooms in a Marsala wine sauce. The result is a flavorful and savory dish with a hint of sweetness from the wine. It’s often served with pasta or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• All-purpose flour for dredging
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Cups of Marsala wine
• 1 Cup of chopped fresh mushrooms
• 1/4 Cup of Unsalted Butter
• 4 Tablespoons of olive oil
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge it in flour. Shake off the excess.
2. In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and fry each side for about 5 minutes until golden brown, then remove them from the skillet.
4. Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they are nicely browned and their moisture has evaporated.
5. Add the Marsala wine to deglaze the pan, scraping the bottom to loosen any bits; this will add flavor to your sauce.
6. Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Quick Tips to Make Perfect Ina Garten Chicken Marsala

1. Quality of Wine: Choose a good quality Marsala wine for this recipe. Being one of the main ingredients, it defines the flavor of the dish.
2. Chicken Preparation: Make sure your chicken breasts are thin. If they’re too thick, pound them to thin out. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the flavors optimally.
3. Cooking Process: Do not rush the process. Giving enough time to simmer the chicken in the marsala sauce allows the flavors to develop and penetrate the chicken.

Serving

The beauty of Ina Garten Chicken Marsala lies in its versatility. It pairs exquisitely well with numerous sides, allowing us to keep things fresh and exciting each time we serve this delightful dish. Here are some perfect accompaniments to complement your delicious Chicken Marsala:

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich mushroom and Marsala sauce infused with chicken juices makes for a perfect gravy to pour over creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. The contrast in textures and the harmony in flavors make this pair a heavenly treat.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Simple minced garlic and herb-roasted vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts can add a beautifully fresh, crisp, and nutritious element to your meal.
3. Risotto: A creamy parmesan risotto matches aesthetically and is a fantastic companion to Ina Garten Chicken Marsala. The risotto’s creaminess helps balance the wine’s tanginess in the Marsala sauce, giving you a well-rounded flavor profile.
4. Pasta: A bed of spaghetti, linguini, or fettuccine works wonderfully with Ina Garten Chicken Marsala. The Marsala sauce acts as a deliciously light pasta sauce, and the chicken gives it a hearty character.
5. Crusty Bread: A simple crusty Italian or French bread can serve as a great side to your Ina Garten Chicken Marsala. It can be used to sop up the remaining sauce once you have devoured the chicken.
6. Green Salad: Lighten up your meal with a fresh green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. This not only adds a fresh, light side to complement the depth of the marsala sauce but also helps in cleansing the palate.
7. Polenta: Creamy polenta serves as a wonderful base for Ina Garten Chicken Marsala. The corn flavor of the polenta lends a nice, sweet balance to the rich sauce.

Storage And Reheating

Great cooking is not just about creating delicious meals; it’s also about knowing how to store and reuse them. Here’s how you can safely store and reheat your delectable Ina Garten Chicken Marsala to savor the flavors in the following days.

Storing Chicken Marsala

• Cool Down: Once you’re done enjoying your meal, let the leftover Chicken Marsala cool down completely, but don’t leave it out for more than two hours.
• Pack it Right: Transfer the cooled Chicken Marsala into an airtight food-safe container. It’s better to use shallow containers to ensure freshness, as they allow for quicker cooling.
• Refrigerate: Refrigerate the container promptly. Chicken Marsala can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze Chicken Marsala! Cool it and place it in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. Try to freeze the dish in portions, making it easier to defrost only what you need later. Label it with the date of storage. Properly stored, it can remain in good condition for 2 to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Marsala

1. Refrigeration Thawing: If the Chicken Marsala is frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Stovetop Method: For reheating, transfer it to a pan and warm it over medium heat until it’s thoroughly heated. You may add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce seems too thick.
3. Oven Method: Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven. Put the Chicken Marsala in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and heat it at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until hot.
4. Microwave: Heat the Chicken Marsala on high for 1-2 minutes in a microwave-safe dish, stirring in between to ensure even reheating. 

Health Benefits and Nutritional Value of Ina Garten Chicken Marsala

Ina Garten Chicken Marsala is a sumptuous blend of high-quality proteins, antioxidant-rich wine, and nutrient-dense mushrooms, making it a wholesome and nutritious meal. But let’s elucidate in greater detail:

Nutritional Facts

Remember, nutritional value varies depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes. However, a typical serving of Chicken Marsala can provide the following approximate values:

• Calories: 270–300
• Protein: 25–30g
• Carbohydrates: 10–15g
• Fats: 10–15g

Health Benefits of Chicken Marsala

1. Protein Rich: Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and a host of other body functions.
2. Low in Carbohydrates: A traditional Chicken Marsala recipe is relatively low in carbs, making it suitable for low-carb and weight-loss diets.
3. Antioxidant Properties: Marsala wine, a key ingredient, contains flavonoids known for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help counter harmful free radicals in the body, thus promoting overall health.
4. Fiber and Nutrients in Mushrooms: Mushrooms, another primary ingredient, offer a unique nutrient profile. They are low in calories, rich in fiber, and contain B vitamins and Selenium.

Final Thoughts

I’ve tried to encapsulate the essence of this fantastic and delightful dish that showcases the brilliance of Ina Garten’s cooking. I hope this encourages you to try out this recipe and bring the rich Italian flavors of Ina Garten Chicken Marsala to your dinner table.

More Chicken Dishes:

• EASY CHINESE CHICKEN FINGERS RECIPE
• PANDA EXPRESS CHICKEN EGG ROLLS RECIPE
• MAR FAR CHICKEN RECIPE
• TRUFFLE HONEY CHICKEN CHEESECAKE FACTORY RECIPE
• CHICKEN AND BISCUITS CHEESECAKE FACTORY COPYCAT RECIPE

Ina Garten Chicken Marsala

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cooking Time: 40 Minutes 40 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 300 calories 15 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• All-purpose flour for dredging
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Cups of Marsala wine
• 1 Cup of chopped fresh mushrooms
• 1/4 Cup of Unsalted Butter
• 4 Tablespoons of olive oil
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge it in flour. Shake off the excess.
2. In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and fry each side for about 5 minutes until golden brown, then remove them from the skillet.
4. Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they are nicely browned and their moisture has evaporated.
5. Add the Marsala wine to deglaze the pan, scraping the bottom to loosen any bits; this will add flavor to your sauce.
6. Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.