Chicken Marsala Over White Rice: A Savory, Elegant Dinner in Minutes
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Discover how to make this homemade Chicken Marsala recipe that’s both quick and easy to prepare. This savory Italian-American classic features tender chicken breasts in a rich mushroom and Marsala wine sauce served over fluffy white rice. A perfect weeknight dinner solution from www.dailymeatrecipe.com.
Chicken Marsala Over White Rice
There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of tender chicken smothered in a rich, savory sauce served over perfectly cooked rice. Chicken Marsala is one of those timeless recipes that manages to be simultaneously elegant and approachable, impressive yet simple to prepare. This Italian-American classic transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality meal in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
What sets this chicken recipe apart is the distinctive flavor of Marsala wine, which creates a complex sauce with notes of nuttiness and caramel that perfectly complement the earthy mushrooms and tender meat. When served over a bed of fluffy white rice that soaks up every drop of the delicious sauce, this meat dish becomes a complete and satisfying dinner that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this Chicken Marsala recipe offers an impressive return on your effort. Let’s dive into how to create this classic meat recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 (about 1.5 pounds) | Pounded to ¼-inch thickness |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup | For dredging |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Divided |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | Freshly ground |
| Dried oregano | ½ teaspoon | |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon | |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons | Divided |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons | Divided |
| Cremini mushrooms | 8 ounces | Sliced |
| Shallots | 2 medium | Finely diced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Marsala wine | ¾ cup | Dry variety preferred |
| Chicken broth | ¾ cup | Low-sodium |
| Heavy cream | ¼ cup | Optional, for a richer sauce |
| Fresh thyme | 1 tablespoon | Chopped |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons | Chopped, for garnish |
| White rice | 2 cups | Cooked according to package directions |
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 425 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 115mg |
| Sodium | 620mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Note: Nutrition values are based on one serving (¼ of the recipe) including the rice.
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet or heavy pan.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, ½ teaspoon salt, black pepper, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. This ensures the meat will develop a beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the dredged chicken pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Prepare the Marsala Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and butter.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop color, then stir and cook for another 3 minutes until golden.
- Add the diced shallots and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the Marsala wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (these add amazing flavor to your recipe).
- Let the wine reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes, then add the chicken broth and remaining ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- If using, stir in the heavy cream and fresh thyme, then simmer for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the meat and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reheat the chicken and allow it to absorb some of the flavors.
- While the chicken is finishing, ensure your white rice is hot and ready to serve.
- Place a portion of rice on each plate, top with a chicken breast, and generously spoon the mushroom Marsala sauce over both.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Marsala recipe is perfectly complete served over white rice, but there are several ways to elevate this classic dish even further:
- For a lower-carb option, serve the meat and sauce over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Add a side of roasted asparagus or green beans for added color and nutrition to your meal.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of this chicken dish.
- For special occasions, consider serving this recipe with a side of garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious Marsala sauce.
- A glass of dry white wine or even a small glass of Marsala makes an excellent pairing for this Italian-American dish.
Pro Tips
Follow these professional tips to ensure your Chicken Marsala recipe turns out perfectly every time:
- Pound the chicken evenly: Ensuring your chicken breasts are uniformly thin helps them cook quickly and evenly, preventing dry meat.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding creates steam instead of the golden crust that makes this meat recipe so delicious.
- Use dry Marsala: Sweet Marsala will work in a pinch, but dry Marsala wine creates a more complex sauce that balances better with the savory elements of this recipe.
- Let the mushrooms brown: Resist the urge to constantly stir the mushrooms. Letting them sit undisturbed allows them to develop a deeper flavor that enhances the entire dish.
- Quality matters: Since this is a simple recipe with few ingredients, use the best quality chicken, mushrooms, and Marsala wine you can afford for the most flavorful results.
- Make ahead: This chicken recipe actually improves with time as the flavors meld. You can prepare it up to a day ahead and gently reheat before serving.
Variations
Customize this classic Chicken Marsala recipe to suit your preferences:
1. Chicken Marsala with Prosciutto
Add thin slices of prosciutto on top of each chicken breast before returning them to the sauce for an extra layer of savory flavor in this meat recipe.
2. Creamy Mushroom Chicken Marsala
Double the amount of heavy cream in the sauce for an extra rich and luxurious version of this chicken dish.
3. Chicken and Bacon Marsala
Add 4 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon to the sauce for a smoky twist on this classic recipe.
4. Herbed Chicken Marsala
Enhance the flavor profile by adding 1 teaspoon of Italian herb blend to the flour mixture when dredging the meat.
5. Vegetarian Marsala
Substitute the chicken with portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly version of this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chicken Marsala without wine?
Yes, you can substitute the Marsala wine with beef broth mixed with 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sugar, though the flavor will be different from the traditional recipe.
What kind of mushrooms work best in this dish?
Cremini mushrooms are ideal for this chicken recipe, but white button mushrooms, portobello, or even a mix of wild mushrooms can be used to create a more complex flavor profile.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make an excellent substitute in this meat recipe and often result in even juicier meat.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Chicken Marsala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, this dish freezes well without the rice. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce needs thinning.
What can I serve instead of white rice?
This versatile chicken recipe also pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, polenta, pasta, or crusty bread as alternatives to white rice.
Conclusion
This Chicken Marsala over White Rice transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that tastes like it came from a fine Italian restaurant. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and rich Marsala sauce creates a dish that’s sophisticated yet accessible, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
What makes this recipe truly special is how it balances elegant flavor with practical preparation. In just about 30 minutes, you can create a meal that looks and tastes like it required hours of culinary expertise. This efficiency without sacrificing quality is exactly what makes this chicken dish a standout addition to any home cook’s repertoire.
We’d love to hear how your Chicken Marsala turned out! Leave a comment on our website sharing your experience or any creative variations you tried. And don’t forget to explore our extensive collection of other delicious meat recipes that combine exceptional flavor with practical preparation.
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