Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Sauce
- 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup Marsala wine (dry preferred)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for creamy version)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt and black pepper evenly to enhance the flavor.
- Dredge in Flour: Lightly coat each chicken cutlet in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a thin, even layer that will help achieve a golden crust when cooked.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken cutlets for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden brown color and are cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are browned and have released their moisture.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt, enhancing the mushroom flavor.
- Deglaze with Marsala Wine: Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the pan’s browned bits to incorporate all flavors. Let simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Stir in chicken broth and thyme leaves. If you want a creamy sauce, add heavy cream at this point.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet. Simmer everything together for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving. Serve hot with your choice of mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.
Notes
- Use dry Marsala wine for authentic flavor to balance sweetness and richness.
- Omit heavy cream for a dairy-free or lighter version of the sauce.
- Pair this dish with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a complete meal.
- The sauce will thicken further as it rests, so adjust consistency accordingly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American