Ina Garten Chicken Marsala Recipe : A Perfect Family Dinner or Special Occasion Dish

If you’re craving a classic and comforting dish with a rich, savory flavor, Ina Garten’s Chicken Marsala is the recipe you need. With the Chicken Marsala making a return to Olive Garden, there’s no better time to bring this hearty, flavorful meal into your kitchen. Known for her approachable yet elevated recipes, Ina Garten has perfected this classic dish, making it ideal for a family dinner or even a special holiday meal, like Thanksgiving.

This dish, combining tender chicken breasts with a flavorful mushroom and Marsala wine sauce, will be a hit at any dinner table. Whether you’re planning a weeknight meal or preparing for a larger gathering, Ina’s Chicken Marsala will impress.

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Why You’ll Love Ina Garten’s Chicken Marsala

This recipe takes chicken marsala to a whole new level with Ina Garten’s signature touch. The combination of tender chicken breasts, rich mushrooms, and a delicious Marsala wine sauce creates a dish that is both sophisticated and comforting. The sauce is the star, simmering to perfection with a mix of savory and slightly sweet flavors, while the mushrooms add a perfect earthiness to complement the chicken.

Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion like Thanksgiving, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. And the best part? It’s an easy crockpot recipe, making it incredibly simple to prepare.

Who This Recipe Is For

This Chicken Marsala recipe is perfect for anyone who loves rich, comforting dinners with a touch of elegance. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you need a meal that’s quick but still feels special. It’s also great for Thanksgiving or any festive dinner, where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you’re a fan of Ina Garten dinner recipes or just enjoy cooking dishes that feel restaurant-quality but are easy to make, this recipe is for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Ina Garten’s Chicken Marsala, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Marsala:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup flour (for dredging)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 cup Marsala wine (sweet or dry depending on preference)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Ingredient Notes and Variations

• Marsala wine: Marsala wine is a key component in this dish, contributing a deep, sweet flavor. If you don’t have Marsala, you can substitute it with a dry sherry or a sweet red wine, but the flavor won’t be the same.
• Mushrooms: While button mushrooms are commonly used, you can swap them for cremini mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms for a different flavor.
• Crockpot option: If you’re short on time, you can easily make this dish in a crockpot. Simply sear the chicken and cook with the Marsala sauce in your slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Skillet (for searing the chicken)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Crockpot (optional, if making the crockpot version)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Serving plate

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Ina Garten’s Chicken Marsala

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, making sure it’s evenly coated. This will give the chicken a nice crust once it’s seared.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Marsala Sauce

In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until they soften and release their juices. Then pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce and mushrooms over the chicken. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors from the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened, garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite side dish. This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

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Pro Tips for the Best Ina Garten Chicken Marsala

• Sear the chicken until it’s golden brown on both sides, but don’t overcook it. The chicken should still be moist on the inside.
• Reduce the sauce to concentrate the flavors. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook down a little longer.
• Add garlic for an extra punch of flavor. You can sauté garlic with the mushrooms for an additional layer of depth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the dredging step: The flour helps create a nice crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce. Don’t skip this step!
• Overcooking the chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s searing to ensure it remains juicy. Overcooked chicken can dry out quickly.
• Using too much heat: Don’t cook the sauce over high heat, as it can burn the wine and affect the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Ina Garten’s Chicken Marsala pairs wonderfully with a wide range of side dishes. Consider serving it with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a light green salad for a balanced meal. You could also serve it alongside vegetable casserole for a heartier meal.

Creative Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, plate the chicken with some of the sauce and mushrooms spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve on a large platter if you’re serving a crowd, or plate individually for a more refined presentation.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

• Add herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary would complement the earthy flavors of the chicken and mushrooms.
• Add cream: For a richer, creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of the cooking process.
• Spicy twist: If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover Chicken Marsala in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the sauce may thicken, so you may need to add a little liquid.

Make-Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time! You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to 2 hours before serving and store them separately in the fridge. Reheat the sauce and chicken together in the skillet just before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish in a crockpot?
Yes! To make this in a crockpot, sear the chicken and then add it along with the sauce ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
While boneless chicken breasts are best for this recipe, you can use bone-in chicken, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook.

Final Thoughts: Why Ina Garten’s Chicken Marsala Is a Keeper

Ina Garten’s Chicken Marsala is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. With its rich, savory sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dish that will impress at any dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a special Thanksgiving dinner or just a weeknight meal, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Easy to make yet full of flavor, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your dinner repertoire.

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