History of Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that is believed to have originated in the 19th century. It is said that the dish was created by a chef in Palermo, Sicily, who was trying to impress a visiting British general. The general was so impressed with the dish that he asked for the recipe, and it soon became popular throughout Italy and the United States.
Preparation of Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a relatively easy dish to prepare, and it can be made with a variety of ingredients. The most common ingredients include:
- Chicken breasts
- Marsala wine
- Mushrooms
- Onion
- Garlic
- Butter
- Flour
- Chicken broth
- Salt and pepper
To prepare Chicken Marsala, first, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Then, season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Add the mushrooms and onion to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and Marsala wine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, or until cooked through. Serve Chicken Marsala over pasta or rice.
Tips for Making Chicken Marsala
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so that they cook evenly.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
- Use a good quality Marsala wine for the best flavor.
- Cook the mushrooms and onions until they are softened, but not browned.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to help thicken the sauce.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and Marsala wine to prevent the sauce from curdling.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Serve Chicken Marsala over pasta or rice.
