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Classic Chicken Marsala

Tender golden chicken cutlets simmered in a rich, creamy Marsala wine and mushroom sauce. A restaurant-quality Italian-American dinner ready in 35 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 490

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 tsp salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper for the chicken
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper for the sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided, European-style preferred
  • 8 oz pre-sliced bella or button mushrooms 1 package
  • 3 tbsp shallots finely chopped, from 1 medium shallot
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2/3 cup dry Marsala wine not cooking wine
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh Italian parsley chopped, optional garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Zip-top bag
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Wooden spoon
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Combine flour, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper in a zip-top bag. Add chicken, seal, and shake until evenly coated.
  2. Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter stops foaming. Shake off excess flour from chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  3. Add remaining 1 tbsp butter to the same skillet without wiping it clean. Add mushrooms and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and moisture has evaporated.
  4. Stir in shallots, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until shallots are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, Marsala wine, heavy cream, thyme, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper. Scrape up browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce to a steady simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until sauce reduces by half and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Return chicken and any resting juices to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce clings to the chicken and everything is heated through.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley if using and serve immediately.

Notes

Use dry Marsala wine from the wine section, not cooking wine. Fresh thyme gives the best flavor. Leftovers keep up to 3 days in the fridge and taste even better the next day.