Ina Garten Chicken Marsala Recipe - Ina Garten Eats (2024)

Ina Garten Chicken Marsala is made with chicken, Marsala wine, mushrooms, garlic, olive oil, fresh thyme, and butter. This Chicken Marsala recipe from Ina Garten’s“Barefoot Contessa Foolproof”cookbook creates a savory and elegant dish that takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

More Ina Garten Recipes:

  • Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken Recipe
  • Ina Garten Roast Chicken With Croutons
  • Ina Garten Chicken With Morels
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Ina Garten Chicken Marsala Ingredients

  • Two chickens (about 3.5 to 4 pounds each), cut into pieces
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Flour
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 8 garlic cloves, whole
  • 1 1/2 pounds mixed wild mushrooms (like porcini and cremini), chopped into big pieces
  • 8 sprigs of fresh thyme, tied together
  • 1/4 cup dry sherry (a type of wine)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic (about 3 cloves)
  • 2 cups white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (better if homemade)
  • 3 tablespoons butter, soft

How To Make Ina Garten Chicken Marsala

  1. Prep Oven:Turn on your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (about 160 degrees Celsius).
  2. Prepare Chicken:Dry the chicken pieces with paper towels. Sprinkle them with a lot of salt and pepper. Put some flour in a bowl and coat each piece of chicken with flour.
  3. Brown Chicken:In a big oven-safe pot (like a Le Creuset), heat the olive oil. Cook the chicken in batches (don’t put too many in at once) over medium-high heat until lightly browned, about 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Take the chicken out and put it on a plate.
  4. Cook Mushrooms:In the same pot, add the whole garlic cloves, chopped mushrooms, and thyme. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring now and then. Add the dry sherry and cook for another minute, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot. Then add the chopped garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
  5. Make Sauce:Pour in the white wine, chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Let it simmer. Put the chicken back in the pot, with the bigger pieces first. Cover the pot and put it in the oven. Cook for 30 to 35 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit).
  6. Finish Sauce:Take the chicken out of the pot and throw away the thyme. Mix the butter with 1/4 cup of flour and add this mixture to the sauce in the pot. Cook it over medium heat, stirring all the time, for about 5 minutes, until the sauce gets a bit thicker. Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper if you like. Put the chicken back in the sauce.
Ina Garten Chicken Marsala Recipe - Ina Garten Eats (1)

Recipe Tips

  • Dry Chicken Well:Make sure to pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning and flouring. This helps them brown better and get a nice crust.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:When browning the chicken, cook it in batches if needed. If the pan is too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of browning.
  • Fresh Mushrooms:Use fresh wild mushrooms for the best flavor. A mix of porcini and cremini mushrooms adds depth, but you can use any wild mushrooms available to you.
  • Simmer Gently:When you add the wine and broth to make the sauce, let it simmer gently. This will cook off the alcohol and concentrate the flavors.
  • Check Chicken’s Doneness:Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Thicken Sauce to Your Liking:When thickening the sauce, start with the butter and flour mixture recommended. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more, but do it gradually to avoid making it too thick.
  • Let It Rest:Once the chicken is back in the sauce, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the chicken absorb more sauce, making it even more delicious.

What To Serve With Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala goes well with Pastas like Fettuccine or Linguine, which are perfect for soaking up its delicious sauce. Vegetables like roasted asparagus or garlic spinach are good too. You can also eat Chicken Marsala with risotto or a green salad on the side. Don’t forget to serve some wine like Marsala wine or Pinot Noir with it.

How To Store Chicken Marsala

  • In The Fridge:First, allow the Chicken Marsala to cool down. Then, either wrap it carefully with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
  • In The Freezer:Make sure the Chicken Marsala is cool. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Remember to label it with the date. Stored like this, it can be frozen for up to 4 months.

How To Reheat Chicken Marsala

  • In the Oven:Wrap Chicken Marsala in foil and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure it’s evenly hot by checking the temperature in the middle.
  • In the Air Fryer:Place it in the basket without wrapping. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for 8 to 10 minutes. Ensure it’s warmed through before serving.
  • In the Microwave:Put the Chicken Marsala on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a lid or damp paper towel, and heat on medium for 1 to 2 minutes. If needed, heat more in 30-second intervals until hot.

FAQ’s

What Kind Of Mushrooms For Chicken Marsala

Cremini mushrooms are often recommended because they have a deeper flavor than button mushrooms but still blend well with the Marsala wine sauce. However, you can also use porcini mushrooms or shiitake.

Can You Make Chicken Marsala With Chicken Thighs

Yes, you can use chicken thighs in Chicken Marsala instead of chicken breasts. Ina Garten’s recipe calls for whole chickens cut into pieces, but you can substitute with about 8 chicken thighs. Make sure to cook them a little longer to ensure they’re fully cooked.

How To Thicken Chicken Marsala Sauce

To thicken Chicken Marsala sauce, mix 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to make a smooth paste. Stir this mixture into the sauce while cooking over medium heat. Keep stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

More Ina Garten Recipes:

  • Ina Garten Chicken Satay
  • Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad
  • Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello

Ina Garten Chicken Marsala Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 of 6 servings

  • Calories: 1183 kcal
  • Total Fat: 83 g
  • Saturated Fat: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Protein: 75 g
  • Cholesterol: 307 mg
  • Sodium: 1805 mg
Ina Garten Chicken Marsala Recipe - Ina Garten Eats (3)

Ina Garten Chicken Marsala Recipe

Author: Hamdi Saidani Cooking Method:Stir-frying,Baking Cuisine:American Courses:Dinner

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 30 minutesCook time:1 hour 20 minutesRest time: 10 minutesTotal time:2 hours Servings:6 servingsCalories:1183 kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

Ina Garten Chicken Marsala is made with chicken, Marsala wine, mushrooms, garlic, olive oil, fresh thyme, and butter. This Chicken Marsala recipe from Ina Garten’s“Barefoot Contessa Foolproof”cookbook creates a savory and elegant dish that takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Prep Oven:Turn on your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (about 160 degrees Celsius).
  2. Prepare Chicken:Dry the chicken pieces with paper towels. Sprinkle them with a lot of salt and pepper. Put some flour in a bowl and coat each piece of chicken with flour.
  3. Brown Chicken:In a big oven-safe pot (like a Le Creuset), heat the olive oil. Cook the chicken in batches (don’t put too many in at once) over medium-high heat until lightly browned, about 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Take the chicken out and put it on a plate.
  4. Cook Mushrooms:In the same pot, add the whole garlic cloves, chopped mushrooms, and thyme. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring now and then. Add the dry sherry and cook for another minute, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot. Then add the chopped garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
  5. Make Sauce:Pour in the white wine, chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Let it simmer. Put the chicken back in the pot, with the bigger pieces first. Cover the pot and put it in the oven. Cook for 30 to 35 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit).
  6. Finish Sauce:Take the chicken out of the pot and throw away the thyme. Mix the butter with 1/4 cup of flour and add this mixture to the sauce in the pot. Cook it over medium heat, stirring all the time, for about 5 minutes, until the sauce gets a bit thicker. Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper if you like. Put the chicken back in the sauce.
  7. Serve the chicken hot, with the sauce. Enjoy your meal!

Keywords:Ina Garten Chicken Marsala Recipe, Ina Garten Chicken Marsala

Ina Garten Chicken Marsala Recipe - Ina Garten Eats (2024)

FAQs

Is sweet or dry Marsala wine better for chicken Marsala? ›

Should you use sweet or dry Marsala in your Chicken Marsala recipe? It doesn't make a huge difference, and either option will produce delicious results, but I would go for dry because the sweet Marsala has a bit too much sugar for such a savory dish.

What's the difference between chicken piccata and chicken marsala? ›

While both chicken piccata and chicken Marsala are cooked in the same way, there are a few key differences between the two dishes. Chicken piccata isn't creamy. It's cooked with white wine, chicken broth, capers, and lemon juice. It's tangy and bright instead of rich and creamy.

How do you thicken chicken marsala sauce? ›

The best ratio for a cornstarch slurry is 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to 1 tablespoon of very cold water, then whisk to combine. The secret to getting a slurry to work is to make sure your sauce is boiling as you add the slurry. Add the slurry in stages, thickening as you go.

How long does it take to reduce Marsala? ›

Deglaze the pan by pouring in the marsala, and cook for about 2 minutes. Increase heat to medium, stir in beef broth and port, and cook until sauce starts to reduce and thicken to your preference, 10 to 12 minutes.

Can I use red wine instead of Marsala for chicken Marsala? ›

You could even try a potent dry red tossed in with a bit of sugar and an orange peel as a comparable substitute. “As long as the wine has a little bit of sugar and falls in the 15% to 20% alcohol range, it's going to work in the dish,” Ziata says.

What is the best wine for making chicken marsala? ›

For cooking savory dishes like this one, use a secco (dry), fine (aged one year) ambra or oro Marsala.

What is traditionally served with chicken Marsala? ›

Rice. Rice is a classic, gluten-free side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken Marsala.

Is chicken Marsala eaten in Italy? ›

Chicken marsala (Italian: pollo al marsala or scaloppine al marsala) is an Italian-American dish of chicken escalopes in a Marsala wine sauce. It is a variation of traditional Italian scaloppina dishes, of which there are many varieties throughout Italy.

How long will Marsala wine last after opening? ›

Due to the fortifying process, Marsala wine lasts 4-6 months after opening. Although it won't go bad if you keep it in the cupboard longer than six months after opening, it will start to lose its flavor and fragrance. It's best to store Marsala in a cool, dry place much like you would olive oil.

How do you thicken chicken masala sauce? ›

Mix cornstarch, tapioca starch, or arrowroot with cold water or a cup of liquid from the curry sauce to make a slurry. Add this at the end of the cooking process—the sauce should thicken as soon as it returns to a boil.

How do you fix broken Marsala sauce? ›

The Fix Is Simple—Add Water Back.

A generous splash of water is all it takes. Here's how fix a broken sauce: Add about ¼ cup of water to the pan and reheat the sauce to a vigorous simmer, whisking constantly. The bubbling action will help re-emulsify the butter and bring back that thick, glossy sauce.

What starch goes with Chicken Marsala? ›

For a balanced meal, pair it with starchy sides like Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Italian pasta such as Fettuccine. Add color with vegetables like Steamed Asparagus or Roasted Brussels Sprouts, and don't forget bread like Garlic Knots or Cheesy Garlic Bread to mop up the sauce.

Is it better to cook with dry or sweet Marsala? ›

A Guide to Buying Marsala

It is sweet, even at its driest. If you intend to bake with it, the dolce (sweet) is generally recommended, while the secco (dry) is best for savory cooking. Either makes for a successful dessert or cheese pairing.

Does the alcohol cook out of Chicken Marsala? ›

And in case you're worried, no, the sauce doesn't taste “alcoholic” at all. The Marsala wine is simmered rapidly to cook out most of the alcohol, leaving behind just the flavour.

Can you drink Marsala cooking wine? ›

Obviously by now you know that yes, you can drink Marsala wine. Remember, for cooking, you can use the younger, much less expensive variety. But for the best Marsala wine for drinking, you can splurge on the more expensive, aged stuff.

What kind of Marsala is best for cooking? ›

The Best for Cooking

Florio Marsala Superiore Dry will deglaze your pan beautifully, but while you're at it, take a sip. Gorelli says this bottling is a great point of entry for those new to Marsala.

Can I use sweet marsala wine instead of dry? ›

Marsala wine is a versatile ingredient in Italian cuisine, utilized in both savory and sweet dishes. Dry Marsala is usually used in savory recipes like chicken Marsala and veal Marsala. Sweet Marsala, on the other hand, is often employed in desserts such as tiramisu and zabaglione.

Is Holland House Marsala cooking wine dry or sweet? ›

Made from specially selected grapes, Holland House Marsala Cooking Wine has a dried fruit and caramel flavor and sweet aroma.

Can you use Moscato wine for chicken marsala? ›

This version is something I've adapted over the years using Moscato wine instead of Marsala (since it's more commonly what I have on hand) and topping the chicken breasts with the cheese mixture instead of stuffing them — which makes the preparation, cooking, and clean up so much simpler!

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