Ina Garten Chicken Marsala: Easy Copycat Recipe

Ina Garten Chicken Marsala recipe (Barefoot Contessa) embodies a cherished Italian-American culinary tradition and delights every palate it graces.

The succulent chicken breasts, seared to perfection, are brilliantly enhanced by the delightful combination of sweet earthy cremini mushrooms and the opulent essence of Marsala wine, resulting in an irresistible symphony of flavors.

This dish stands as the epitome of crowd-pleasing excellence.

Other Chicken recipes to try include: Chicken Dinner Recipes or Air Fryer chicken thighs

What is Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala stands as a beloved scallopini dish hailing from Italian-American cuisine. The term “scallopini” denotes thinly sliced meat (chicken pieces, veal, etc.) sautéed and accompanied by a flavorsome pan sauce.

Take, for instance, veal piccata, another scallopini dish, where the name “piccata” signifies the lemon-butter-caper sauce served alongside the tender veal cutlets. In the context of Chicken Marsala, it involves a delectable reduction of wine and mushrooms that accompany the succulent chicken cutlets.

With scallopini dishes, an uncomplicated yet impressive feast awaits on your dining table. Preparing a scrumptious Chicken Marsala takes less than an hour, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal without any hassle.

Chicken Marsala Ingredients

Cooking utensils: Skillet, Shallow Dish, and Wooden Spoon

Chicken: In this Ina Garten recipe, you begin with two boneless and skinless chicken breasts, sliced into four smaller cutlets, which will be the star of this main course.

Garlic Powder, Salt & Black Pepper, and All Purpose Flour: Enhance the taste and achieve a delightful crispy exterior on the cutlets by dredging them in a mixture of garlic powder, salt, pepper, and flour before cooking. The flour also serves to thicken the sauce, creating a perfect texture.

Olive Oil And Butter: Use a combination of olive oil and butter to prepare the mushrooms for sautéing, imparting a rich and savory flavor.

Mushrooms: Opt for cremini mushrooms to add an earthy and deep taste that beautifully complements the marsala wine’s flavor profile.

Garlic: If you adore garlic, feel free to use it even more. For easy minced garlic, employ a garlic press, saving you from peeling the cloves.

Marsala Wine: The key ingredient that imparts the sauce with its distinctive and unmistakable flavor.

Heavy Cream: Unveil the dish’s luxurious side with a touch of heavy cream, elevating the overall taste to new heights of this classic Italian-American dish.

How to Make Ina Garten Chicken Marsala

Begin by halving the chicken breasts or chicken thighs lengthwise and ensure any excess fat is removed. In a shallow bowl, season the chicken with kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then lightly coat each piece with flour.

In a large skillet over medium heat to medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and one tablespoon of unsalted butter.

Once heated, add the chicken and sear it for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. This helps create juicy chicken breasts.

Set the chicken aside at room temperature; it will finish the cooking process in the flavorful sauce to become tender chicken.

In the same skillet, add the mushrooms and the remaining butter. Cook for an additional three to five minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until the mushrooms are beautifully brown bits.

Stir in the minced garlic and then pour in the dry marsala wine, allowing it to boil for about two to three minutes.

Return the chicken to the pan, and pour in the cream. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes  over low heat until the chicken is fully cooked, and the sauce has slightly thickened. 

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley for a finishing touch or even some parmesan cheese. 

Chicken Marsala Wine Pairing

For the ideal chicken marsala wine pairing, consider lighter red wine varieties or full-bodied white wines. Excellent red wine options include Malbec and Pinot Noir, while for white wine, you can opt for Riesling or Chardonnay. 

These wine choices beautifully complement the flavors of chicken marsala and enhance the overall dining experience of this chicken dish.

Any of these are perfect for the Ina Garten Chicken Marsalarecipe.

Side Dishes for Chicken Marsala

Chicken marsala is a versatile and delightful dish that pairs perfectly with various accompaniments. You can serve it over spaghetti or garlic butter noodles, both offering a fantastic combination of flavors. 

They both fit well with this Ina Garten Chicken Marsala recipe. Check out our 13 side dishes for Chicken Marsala

For a heartier side dish option, garlic mashed potatoes or rice make excellent complements to the rich sauce.

To add a burst of freshness, serve the dish alongside a simple asparagus preparation, creating a wonderful combination of vegetables.

For a complete and satisfying meal, consider adding garlic bread, crusty bread, or a side salad drizzled with a light Italian dressing. These additions will elevate the dining experience and create a well-rounded and delicious feast.

Can You Freeze Chicken Marsala?

You absolutely can. I like to freeze the meat separately from the sauce.  If you have freezer bags that remove the air, your leftovers will last longer. Simply reheat when ready in a microwave. 

You can also store leftovers of this Ina Garten Marsala Chicken recipe for around 3 days in an airtight container if you want leftovers of this cozy dish. 

This classic dish of Ina Garten Marsala Chicken recipe is one  the whole family will love. With delicious ingredients yet simple ingredients, this is a straightforward dish. It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and has a delicious Marsala sauce.  It’s a great recipe for a dinner party or a weeknight dinner. 

You definitely don’t need to be a professional chef to make this main entrée. It’s a good choice no matter your cooking skills.  

Let us know below if you make this Ina Garten Marsala Chicken recipe.