Enjoy this delicious and comforting Ina Garten Chicken Marsala with family and friends!

Growing up, I spent countless hours glued to the television screen, watching Ina Garten work her magic in the kitchen on her cooking show, “Barefoot Contessa.” Her soothing voice and effortless cooking style made me feel like I was right there in her cozy kitchen, learning alongside her.

One recipe that always stood out to me was her Chicken Marsala. The way she effortlessly cooked the chicken to golden perfection and created a rich, savory sauce with Marsala wine and mushrooms was mesmerizing. It became a dish that I couldn’t get out of my head.

As I grew older, I decided it was time to try my hand at recreating Ina’s famous Chicken Marsala recipe. With a sense of excitement and anticipation, I gathered all the ingredients and followed her instructions step by step. The aroma that filled my kitchen as the chicken cooked and the sauce simmered was intoxicating.

When I finally took my first bite of the finished dish, I was transported back to those days of watching Ina Garten on TV. The flavors were exquisite, just as I remembered from her show. It was perfect – a delicious blend of savory, sweet, and comforting.

Now, I want to share this Ina Garten Chicken Marsala recipe with you. It’s a dish that holds a special place in my heart, and I hope it brings you as much joy and culinary delight as it has brought me. Let’s cook together and savor every delicious bite!

Ina Garten Chicken Marsala Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• All-purpose flour, for dredging
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup Marsala wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step1:

Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness—season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.

Step2:

Dredge the chicken breasts in flour, shaking off any excess.

Step3:

Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step4:

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown and softened about 5 minutes.

Step5:

Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet and deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.

Step6:

Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has slightly thickened.

Step7:

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serve:

Garnish the Chicken Marsala with chopped parsley before serving. and Serve the Chicken Marsala hot with your favorite side dishes, such as pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Additional Tips

Pound the Chicken Evenly: For uniform cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This ensures that they cook evenly and prevents dryness in thinner parts.

Use Quality Marsala Wine: Invest in a good-quality Marsala wine for the best flavor in your sauce. A dry Marsala wine works well for a more savory sauce, while a sweet Marsala wine adds a touch of sweetness.

Sauté Mushrooms Properly: When sautéing mushrooms, make sure to cook them until they are golden brown and all the moisture has evaporated. This enhances their flavor and prevents them from becoming soggy in the sauce.

Deglaze the Pan: After cooking the chicken, deglaze the pan with Marsala wine to release all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

Adjust Seasoning Carefully: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavors and make the dish truly sing.

By following these additional tips, you’ll elevate your Ina Garten Chicken Marsala to new heights of deliciousness!

Serving Suggestion

These serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal with Ina Garten’s Chicken Marsala as the star. Enjoy!

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Serve the Chicken Marsala over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The velvety potatoes complement the rich and savory flavors of the dish.

Buttery Egg Noodles: Pair the Chicken Marsala with buttery egg noodles. The noodles soak up the luscious sauce, creating a delightful combination of textures.

Garlic Parmesan Risotto: Accompany the chicken with a side of garlic parmesan risotto. The creamy, cheesy risotto enhances the overall indulgence of the meal.

Roasted Vegetables: Add a healthy touch by serving the Chicken Marsala alongside a medley of roasted vegetables. The caramelized flavors of the veggies provide a perfect contrast.

Fresh Arugula Salad: Balance the richness of the dish with a simple arugula salad. Tossed with a lemon vinaigrette, the peppery arugula adds a refreshing element.

Crusty Garlic Bread: Complete the meal with slices of crusty garlic bread. The crispy exterior and garlic-infused butter complement the saucy chicken.

Variations of Ina Garten Chicken Marsala

Creamy Mushroom Marsala: Add extra mushrooms to the sauce and stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamy twist on the classic Chicken Marsala.

Vegetarian Marsala: Replace the chicken with thick slices of portobello mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish. Follow the same cooking process, allowing the mushrooms or tofu to absorb the flavors of the Marsala wine sauce.

Spicy Marsala: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely diced jalapeños to the sauce. The subtle spice will complement the sweet Marsala wine and add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Non-Alcoholic Marsala: Create a non-alcoholic version of the sauce by replacing the Marsala wine with a combination of grape juice and chicken broth in equal parts. Simmer the mixture until it reduces slightly and develops a rich flavor, similar to traditional Marsala sauce. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity, if desired. This mock Marsala sauce retains the depth of flavor without the alcohol content, making it suitable for those who prefer non-alcoholic options.

Conclusion

Ina Garten’s Chicken Marsala recipe is a timeless classic that captures the essence of comforting Italian cuisine. With its tender chicken, flavorful Marsala wine sauce, and savory mushrooms, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Whether enjoyed on a cozy weeknight at home or served at a special dinner gathering, this Chicken Marsala recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite. With variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to delight any palate.

FAQ

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

• While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are traditionally used for Chicken Marsala, you can certainly use bone-in chicken if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken cooks through.

Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later?

• Yes, you can prepare Chicken Marsala ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the oven. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken upon reheating, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.

Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts before cooking?

• Pounding the chicken breasts ensures even thickness, resulting in uniform cooking. This step also tenderizes the meat and helps it cook faster. However, if you prefer thicker chicken breasts, you can skip this step.

Can I make a dairy-free version of Ina Garten Chicken Marsala?

• Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of Chicken Marsala by omitting the butter and cheese. Use olive oil for cooking and skip the cheese garnish. The dish will still be flavorful and delicious.

What side dishes pair well with Chicken Marsala?

• Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Choose sides that complement the rich and savory flavors of the dish.