Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala Recipe

Craving the delicious, savory flavors of Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala? This classic Italian dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich Marsala wine sauce, infused with earthy mushrooms and a hint of sweetness. Now, you can recreate this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen with this simple, yet mouthwatering recipe.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup flour (for dredging)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup Marsala wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (preferably cremini or button mushrooms)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

How To Make Carrabbas Chicken Marsala

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick). This ensures they cook evenly.
   • Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge the Chicken:
   • Lightly dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. The flour will help create a nice crust and thicken the sauce.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
   • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Prepare the Marsala Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they soften and become golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth, stirring to combine and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
   • Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly.
5. Finish the Sauce:
   • Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce and mushrooms over the top. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve:
   • Transfer the chicken to plates, spoon the sauce over the top, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with a side of mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

• Substitutions:
  • If you don’t have Marsala wine, you can substitute with a sweet sherry or Madeira wine, though the flavor will slightly differ.
  • For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream or skip the cream entirely and increase the broth for a more broth-based sauce.
• Variations:
  • For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end of cooking or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken before serving.
  • If you prefer more mushrooms, feel free to add more to the sauce.

Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

• Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook faster and more evenly.
• Let the sauce simmer long enough for it to reduce and thicken; this makes the sauce rich and flavorful.
• Serve this dish with a simple side like roasted vegetables or pasta to balance out the richness of the Marsala sauce.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce and chicken in advance, store them separately in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve. Just ensure the chicken is heated through before serving.

Q: What can I serve with Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala?
A: This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or a fresh salad. You could also serve it with some sautéed vegetables for a lighter option.

Q: Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
A: You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 50g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 6g

Conclusion

Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala is a comforting and flavorful dish that can easily be made at home. With tender chicken breasts, savory Marsala wine sauce, and earthy mushrooms, this recipe will transport your taste buds to Italy. Try it for your next family dinner or special occasion, and don’t forget to share your results in the comments!