Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala

Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala is a beloved dish from the famed Italian-American restaurant chain, celebrated for its tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, savory Marsala wine sauce. This dish is the perfect blend of earthy mushrooms, buttery goodness, and sweet yet bold Marsala wine, making it a luxurious yet approachable entrée.

Recreating this iconic recipe at home allows you to enjoy all the flavors of the restaurant in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner or simply indulging in a comforting, flavorful meal, Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala is a dish that’s sure to impress. This recipe captures the essence of the original with simple techniques and ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Flavors: Recreate the restaurant-quality taste of Carrabba’s at home.
Rich and Savory Sauce: The Marsala wine reduction is a showstopper with its earthy, sweet, and savory notes.
Tender Chicken: Perfectly cooked chicken breasts are juicy and flavorful.
Versatile Dish: Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Elegant Presentation: Perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or any special occasion.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Marsala Sauce:

• 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry Marsala wine (not sweet)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even cooking.
2. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dredge the chicken breasts in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

1. In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden brown.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Marsala Sauce

1. Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to deglaze and incorporate the browned bits for extra flavor.
2. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly.
3. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for another 1–2 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reheat the chicken and allow it to absorb the flavors.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter for added richness.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Ingredient Background

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the Marsala sauce. Pounding them ensures even cooking and a tender texture.

Marsala Wine

Marsala wine is a fortified wine from Sicily, offering a complex flavor profile with notes of dried fruit and nuts. Use dry Marsala for a savory dish like this one.

Mushrooms

Cremini or button mushrooms are the classic choice for this dish. Their earthy flavor complements the sweetness of the Marsala wine.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream adds richness and a velvety texture to the sauce, balancing the bold flavors of the wine and mushrooms.

Technique Tips

Pound the Chicken Evenly: Pounding the chicken ensures uniform thickness for even cooking, preventing dry or undercooked spots.

Deglaze the Pan: Scrape the skillet after adding the Marsala wine to incorporate the flavorful browned bits into the sauce.

Simmer, Don’t Boil: When reducing the sauce, maintain a gentle simmer to preserve the cream’s texture and prevent it from curdling.

Adjust Sauce Thickness: If the sauce seems too thin, use a cornstarch slurry for quick thickening.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Over Pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of fettuccine or spaghetti for a classic Italian-American presentation.

With Mashed Potatoes: Pair the dish with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich Marsala sauce.

Family-Style Platter: Arrange the chicken on a large platter, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with parsley for a dinner party-worthy centerpiece.

Additional Tips for Success

Choose the Right Marsala: Use dry Marsala wine for this savory dish. Sweet Marsala is better suited for desserts.

Season the Chicken Well: The seasoned flour adds flavor and helps create a crispy exterior, so don’t skip this step.

Make It Ahead: Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving to avoid overcooking.

Recipe Variations

Creamy Garlic Marsala Chicken: Add an extra clove or two of minced garlic to the sauce for a more garlicky flavor.

Mushroom-Free Marsala: Omit the mushrooms if you prefer a simpler sauce and focus on the wine and cream flavors.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging the chicken to make this dish gluten-free.

Vegetarian Marsala: Substitute the chicken with thick slices of portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks for a hearty vegetarian version.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. When reheating, use the stovetop over low heat to gently warm the chicken and sauce without breaking the cream. Alternatively, microwave the dish in a microwave-safe container, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating. For best results, reheat only the portion you plan to eat, as repeated heating can alter the texture of the sauce.

Freezing: To freeze, allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date for easy tracking. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce appears separated after thawing, whisk it vigorously or add a splash of heavy cream to restore its smooth texture. Freezing in individual portions is ideal for quick and convenient reheating.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Lighter Cream Sauce: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and plain Greek yogurt to reduce the dish’s fat content while retaining its creamy texture. Add the yogurt off the heat to prevent curdling.

Lean Protein: For a leaner option, use skinless chicken breasts or tenderloin. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs also offer great flavor with less fat than bone-in options.

More Veggies: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to add a fresh, colorful twist and boost the dish’s nutritional value. You can sauté the vegetables with the mushrooms or add them to the sauce near the end of cooking for a tender, vibrant addition.

Whole Grains: Serve the dish with whole-grain pasta, quinoa, or brown rice for added fiber and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Elegant Dinner Party: Elevate your presentation by serving the chicken over creamy polenta or Parmesan risotto. Pair it with roasted asparagus or broccolini for a refined meal. Use a large serving platter to arrange the chicken and drizzle the sauce elegantly over the top.

Family Dinner: For a casual, comforting meal, pair the dish with crusty artisan bread and a fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. Serve everything family-style, allowing each person to spoon extra sauce over their portion.

Special Occasion: Create a restaurant-style presentation by individually plating the chicken breasts on warmed plates. Spoon the Marsala sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and add a side of mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables. Garnish with a lemon wedge for a pop of color and flavor.

Special Equipment

Large Skillet: A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet is essential for evenly cooking the chicken and ensuring the sauce reduces properly. A cast-iron skillet is ideal for retaining heat and adding a rustic touch to the dish.

Meat Mallet: Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even thickness, which promotes uniform cooking and prevents overcooked edges. If you don’t have a meat mallet, a rolling pin or heavy skillet can serve as a substitute.

Wooden Spoon: A sturdy wooden spoon is perfect for deglazing the pan and scraping up the flavorful browned bits that form during cooking. These bits enrich the Marsala sauce and add depth to the dish.

Instant-Read Thermometer: An instant-read thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking, keeping it moist and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What can I substitute for Marsala wine?
   Dry sherry or Madeira can be used as a substitute. For a non-alcoholic option, use chicken or beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar.
2. Why is my sauce too thin?
   Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it or use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it quickly.
3. Can I use chicken thighs?
   Yes, boneless or bone-in chicken thighs work well and add extra flavor. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
4. How do I reheat leftovers?
   Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
6. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.
7. What side dishes pair well with Chicken Marsala?
   Mashed potatoes, pasta, risotto, or roasted vegetables are excellent choices.
8. How do I prevent curdling in the sauce?
   Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cream and maintain a gentle simmer.

Conclusion

Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re recreating a restaurant experience at home or preparing a comforting family dinner. The tender chicken, savory Marsala sauce, and earthy mushrooms create a dish that’s both elegant and satisfying.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe brings the magic of Carrabba’s to your kitchen. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Try it today, and let Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala become a star in your dinner repertoire!

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