Pollo al Marsala Recipe Guide
Pollo al Marsala
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Shallow dish for dredging
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Marsala Sauce:
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms optional
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This helps them cook evenly.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the Chicken:
- In a shallow dish, place the flour. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. This will give the chicken a nice crust when cooked.
- Heat the Pan:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. (You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.)
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Marsala Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. If using, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.
- Add the chicken broth and thyme, then return the chicken to the skillet. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is heated through.
- Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with your choice of sides, such as pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Variations
- Mushroom Lovers: Add more mushrooms for a heartier dish or replace chicken with veal for a classic Pollo al Marsala twist.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage for a unique flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Tips and Substitutions
- Marsala Wine: If you don’t have Marsala, you can substitute with dry sherry or white wine, though the flavor will differ slightly.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth can help control the saltiness of the dish.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil for a dairy-free option.
Pollo al Marsala is a delightful Italian dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken with a sweet Marsala wine sauce, creating a comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. The tender chicken paired with the savory, slightly sweet sauce makes this dish a favorite at dinner tables across Italy and beyond. From my own personal experience, this recipe is not only delicious but also surprisingly simple to make. Let me show you how I make Pollo al Marsala in a way that will impress your family and friends.
Notes on What to Expect
When making Pollo al Marsala, you can expect a rich and flavorful dish that is both comforting and elegant. The sweetness of the Marsala wine balances perfectly with the savory chicken, making it a delightful meal for any night of the week or special occasions. The dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a creamy risotto.
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Marsala Sauce:
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pollo al Marsala now.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Shallow dish for dredging
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Tongs or spatula
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pollo al Marsala now.
Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This helps them cook evenly.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the Chicken:
- In a shallow dish, place the flour. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. This will give the chicken a nice crust when cooked.
- Heat the Pan:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. (You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.)
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Marsala Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. If using, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.
- Add the chicken broth and thyme, then return the chicken to the skillet. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is heated through.
- Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with your choice of sides, such as pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
Variations
- Mushroom Lovers: Add more mushrooms for a heartier dish or replace chicken with veal for a classic Pollo al Marsala twist.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage for a unique flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Tips and Substitutions
- Marsala Wine: If you don’t have Marsala, you can substitute with dry sherry or white wine, though the flavor will differ slightly.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth can help control the saltiness of the dish.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pollo al Marsala now.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (Approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
Closing Thoughts
I hope this guide has made making Pollo al Marsala seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment! Happy cooking!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>