Elegant Chicken Marsala with Sautéed Mushrooms
This delightful Chicken Marsala recipe is a beloved classic that brings a taste of Italian bistros to your home. With its rich combination of tender chicken breasts, savory prosciutto, and fresh mushrooms simmered in a luscious Marsala wine sauce, this dish is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner. The careful balance of spices and the addition of heavy cream create a creamy, flavorful sauce that beautifully complements the grilled chicken. Serve it with a side of pasta or crusty bread for a complete meal that will impress your guests and please your palate.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/3 cup (Melted)
Prosciutto
1 slice (Diced)
Shallots
2 teaspoons (Minced)
Garlic
2 teaspoons (Minced)
Fresh Mushrooms
8 ounces (Sliced)
Lombardo Dry Marsala Wine
1/4 cup (N/A)
Chicken Stock
1 cup (N/A)
Cornstarch
2 teaspoons (Dissolved in stock)
Fresh Parsley
1 teaspoon (Minced)
Heavy Cream
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Salt
1 1/4 teaspoons (N/A)
Ground Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Dried Thyme
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Dried Parsley
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Marjoram
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Chicken Breasts
4 (Boneless and skinless)
Olive Oil
As needed (For brushing)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Increase the heat to medium-high and sauté the diced prosciutto in the melted butter for about 2 to 3 minutes, taking care not to burn the butter. Add the minced shallots and fresh mushrooms, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
2
Pour in the dry Marsala wine and allow it to simmer for about 30 seconds, then add black pepper to taste. Continue simmering over medium-high heat for 5 minutes.
3
In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the chicken stock. Pour the stock into the saucepan and simmer for another 5 minutes. Add the minced parsley and heavy cream, stirring gently. Simmer for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
4
Preheat your barbecue grill to high heat. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried parsley, marjoram, and garlic powder, mixing well to create a spice blend. Use your fingers to crush the spices slightly for enhanced flavor.
5
Brush both sides of the chicken breasts generously with olive oil. Sprinkle the spice blend evenly over the chicken. Grill the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), turning each piece a quarter turn on each side to create attractive grill marks.
6
To serve, place each grilled chicken breast on a plate and generously spoon a quarter of the Marsala sauce over the top. Enjoy with your choice of sides, such as pasta or sautéed vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elegant Chicken Marsala with Sautéed Mushrooms?
It is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring grilled chicken breasts topped with a savory sauce made of mushrooms, prosciutto, and dry Marsala wine.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What kind of Marsala wine is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using a dry Marsala wine, such as Lombardo Dry Marsala, for a sophisticated flavor profile.
How is the chicken cooked in this version of the recipe?
Unlike some versions where chicken is pan-fried, this recipe calls for the chicken to be seasoned and grilled on a barbecue.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should be grilled until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What role does prosciutto play in the sauce?
Diced prosciutto is sautéed in butter to add a salty, savory depth of flavor to the mushroom sauce.
How much butter is used to make the Marsala sauce?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of melted butter as the base for sautéing the prosciutto and vegetables.
Can I substitute the mushrooms?
While fresh mushrooms are recommended, you can use button, cremini, or portobello mushrooms depending on your preference.
How long should I sauté the mushrooms and shallots?
Sauté the shallots and mushrooms for approximately 4 to 5 minutes until they are tender.
When should I add the garlic to the sauce?
Minced garlic should be added after the mushrooms and shallots are tender and sautéed for just 30 seconds to prevent burning.
How is the Marsala sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened using 2 teaspoons of cornstarch dissolved in chicken stock, which is then simmered with heavy cream.
What are the key ingredients in the spice blend for the chicken?
The spice blend consists of salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried parsley, marjoram, and garlic powder.
How can I enhance the flavor of the dried spices?
The recipe suggests using your fingers to crush the spices slightly while mixing to release their oils and enhance the flavor.
Is heavy cream required for this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of heavy cream are added to the sauce to give it a rich, creamy consistency.
What type of chicken cut is used?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts.
How do I prepare the chicken for the grill?
Brush both sides of the chicken generously with olive oil and then evenly sprinkle the prepared spice blend over them.
How long does the chicken need to grill on each side?
The chicken typically takes 6 to 8 minutes per side on high heat, depending on the thickness of the breasts.
How do I create attractive grill marks?
Turn each piece of chicken a quarter turn on each side during the grilling process to create a crosshatch pattern.
What should I do if I don't have a barbecue grill?
You can use a stovetop grill pan or a heavy skillet to sear the chicken if an outdoor barbecue is not available.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home cooking and family dinners.
What are the recommended side dishes for Chicken Marsala?
It pairs beautifully with pasta, crusty bread, or sautéed vegetables to soak up the extra sauce.
Can I use chicken stock from a carton?
Yes, 1 cup of standard chicken stock is perfect for creating the base of the sauce.
How much prosciutto is needed?
Only one slice of prosciutto, finely diced, is needed to provide significant flavor to the dish.
How long should the wine simmer?
The Marsala wine should simmer for about 30 seconds initially, and then continue simmering for 5 minutes after adding pepper.
When do I add the fresh parsley?
The minced parsley is stirred into the sauce along with the heavy cream during the final simmering stages.
Is the sauce served on the side or over the chicken?
To serve, you should generously spoon a quarter of the Marsala sauce over each grilled chicken breast.
Can I substitute shallots with something else?
If you don't have shallots, you can use finely minced yellow onion or the white parts of green onions.
Does the recipe require salt in the sauce?
While the spice rub for the chicken contains salt, the sauce relies on the prosciutto and chicken stock for saltiness, with black pepper added to taste.
How do I keep the sauce warm while grilling?
Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and cover the saucepan to retain warmth.
What makes this recipe 'elegant'?
The combination of high-quality ingredients like prosciutto and dry Marsala wine, along with professional grill marks, makes it suitable for special occasions.