What To Know
- Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that is typically made with chicken breasts that are coated in flour and sautéed in butter, then simmered in a Marsala wine sauce.
- To add a bit of sweetness to the dish, add a teaspoon of sugar to the sauce.
- To add a bit of heat to the dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that is typically made with chicken breasts that are coated in flour and sautéed in butter, then simmered in a Marsala wine sauce. But what if you don’t have Marsala wine on hand? Can you still make Chicken Marsala?
The answer is yes, you can make Chicken Marsala with sherry. Sherry is a type of fortified wine that has a similar flavor profile to Marsala wine. It is made from white grapes and has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. When used in Chicken Marsala, sherry will give the dish a similar flavor to Marsala wine, but it will be slightly less sweet.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup dry sherry
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Dredge the chicken breasts in flour.
4. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides.
6. Add the sherry to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, or until the sherry has reduced by half.
7. Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a boil.
8. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
9. Stir in the heavy cream, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
10. Cook for 5 minutes more, or until the sauce has thickened.
11. Serve the Chicken Marsala over pasta or rice.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, use a dry sherry that has been aged for at least 5 years.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute milk or half-and-half.
- To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free flour.
- To make the dish dairy-free, use dairy-free milk and cheese.
- To add a bit of sweetness to the dish, add a teaspoon of sugar to the sauce.
- To add a bit of heat to the dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variations
- Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the chicken breasts.
- Chicken Marsala with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet along with the chicken breasts.
- Chicken Marsala with Artichoke Hearts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped artichoke hearts to the skillet along with the chicken breasts.
- Chicken Marsala with Bacon: Add 1/4 cup of cooked bacon to the skillet along with the chicken breasts.
- Chicken Marsala with Spinach: Add 1 cup of fresh spinach to the skillet along with the heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Marsala can be served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. It can also be served with a side of vegetables, such as roasted broccoli or asparagus.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! You can definitely make Chicken Marsala with sherry. The flavor will be slightly different from Chicken Marsala made with Marsala wine, but it will still be delicious. So, next time you’re in a pinch and don’t have Marsala wine on hand, don’t worry! You can still make your favorite Chicken Marsala dish with sherry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use white wine instead of sherry?
A: Yes, you can use white wine instead of sherry. However, the flavor of the dish will be slightly different. White wine will give the dish a more acidic flavor.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. However, the cooking time may need to be adjusted. Chicken thighs take longer to cook than chicken breasts.
Q: Can I make Chicken Marsala in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can make Chicken Marsala in a slow cooker. Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q: Can I make Chicken Marsala ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make Chicken Marsala ahead of time. Cook the chicken according to the instructions and then let it cool completely. Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Marsala?
A: Yes, you can freeze Chicken Marsala. Let the chicken cool completely and then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
