Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that never fails to impress with its rich flavors and tender texture. By using kosher chicken, we make this beloved recipe accessible for those who follow kosher dietary laws without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. The combination of sautéed chicken breasts and a savory Marsala wine sauce creates a perfect balance that’s both comforting and elegant.
This Kosher Chicken Marsala recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. We’ll guide you through each step to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this recipe will become a go-to favorite that brings a touch of Italian flair to your table.
Ingredients
To create a perfect Kosher Chicken Marsala, gathering the right ingredients is essential. Below we break down each key component for clarity and accuracy.
Kosher Chicken
We use skinless, boneless chicken breasts to keep the dish lean and kosher-friendly. Preparing the chicken properly ensures tender results and perfect flavor absorption.
- 4 skinless, boneless kosher chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
Mushrooms
Mushrooms add the earthy flavor and texture that define Chicken Marsala. We recommend using fresh mushrooms for the best taste.
- 8 ounces cremini or white button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or kosher cooking oil
Marsala Wine
True to the dish’s name, Marsala Wine delivers its signature rich, slightly sweet flavor. We suggest using a dry or semi-dry kosher Marsala wine.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marsala wine | 3/4 cup | Use dry or semi-dry kosher variety |
Other Essential Ingredients
These ingredients build the sauce’s depth and complement the chicken and mushrooms beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted kosher butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium kosher chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
With these precise ingredients, we’re set to create a flavorful and authentic Kosher Chicken Marsala that delights every time.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Kosher Chicken Marsala recipe flawlessly, having the right equipment is essential. Here is a detailed list of tools that ensure precision, ease, and success in every step.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Skillet or Sauté Pan | To brown the chicken breasts evenly and cook the sauce perfectly |
| Tongs | For flipping chicken without piercing the meat, preserving juiciness |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | To measure liquids like kosher Marsala wine and chicken broth accurately |
| Cutting Board | To safely slice mushrooms and trim chicken |
| Sharp Chef’s Knife | For precise, clean cuts of mushrooms and chicken breasts |
| Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula | To stir the sauce gently without scratching cookware |
| Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin | To pound chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking |
| Plate and Paper Towels | For resting and drying the chicken prior to cooking |
| Small Bowl | For holding pre-measured ingredients such as butter or garlic |
Using these tools will help us maintain the authentic texture and rich flavors characteristic of a perfect Kosher Chicken Marsala.
Make sure your skillet is large enough to hold all chicken pieces comfortably without overcrowding — this promotes even cooking and browning.
“Having the right equipment doesn’t just make cooking easier, it elevates the entire culinary experience.”
Let’s gather these essential items so we can seamlessly advance to the cooking process with confidence.
Preparation
To create an authentic and flavorful Kosher Chicken Marsala, precise preparation of each ingredient is essential. Let’s start by preparing the chicken, then move to slicing the mushrooms, and finally measuring the Marsala wine and other key ingredients for a seamless cooking process.
Preparing the Chicken
We begin by taking 4 skinless, boneless kosher chicken breasts. To ensure even cooking and a tender texture, place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet, gently pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm). This step promotes quick cooking and lets the chicken absorb the rich flavors of our Marsala sauce.
Once pounded, season both sides lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set the chicken aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture, helping to achieve a beautiful golden sear.
Slicing the Mushrooms
For this dish, the mushrooms provide the earthy, savory base of the sauce. Use 8 ounces (about 225 grams) of fresh cremini or white button mushrooms.
Rinse the mushrooms briefly under cold water and pat dry thoroughly to avoid water diluting the sauce. Then, with a sharp chef’s knife on a sturdy cutting board, slice the mushrooms into 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) thick pieces. Uniform slices ensure they cook evenly and develop a rich, caramelized flavor.
Measuring the Marsala Wine and Other Ingredients
Measuring ingredients precisely guarantees consistent results in our Kosher Chicken Marsala.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry or semi-dry kosher Marsala wine | 3/4 cup (180 ml) | Essential for authentic flavor |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 1/2 cup (120 ml) | Enhances sauce depth |
| Unsalted kosher butter | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing and sauce richness |
| Garlic cloves | 2 cloves | Minced for aromatic flavor |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons | Chopped, optional garnish |
Having these ingredients measured and ready before cooking helps us stay organized and execute the recipe with confidence.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create Kosher Chicken Marsala with perfect flavor and texture. Each stage builds on the last, ensuring tender chicken and a richly developed sauce.
Searing the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted kosher butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to promote even browning.
- Season both sides lightly with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in the hot pan without crowding.
- Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and the chicken releases easily from the pan.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a warm plate.
Cooking the Mushrooms
- In the same skillet, add an additional 1 tablespoon of unsalted kosher butter.
- Once melted, add 8 ounces of sliced fresh mushrooms evenly.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes until mushrooms are tender and browned.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté briefly, about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic to maintain a clean taste.
Making the Marsala Sauce
- Pour ½ cup of dry kosher Marsala wine into the skillet.
- Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—these hold intense flavor.
- Add ¾ cup of low-sodium chicken broth to the wine and mushroom mixture.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce to medium-low.
- Simmer the sauce for 8-10 minutes until it thickens slightly and concentrates flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt or pepper if needed.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted kosher butter | 3 tablespoons | For sautéing and flavor richness |
| Fresh mushrooms | 8 ounces, sliced | Earthy base of the sauce |
| Garlic cloves | 2, minced | Aromatics |
| Dry kosher Marsala wine | ½ cup | Signature flavor |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | ¾ cup | Adds depth and balances taste |
Combining Chicken and Sauce
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the Marsala sauce.
- Spoon the mushrooms and sauce generously over the chicken.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately with your preferred side dish and enjoy the succulent, aromatic experience of Kosher Chicken Marsala.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate our Kosher Chicken Marsala experience, pairing it with complementary sides and garnishes will bring out the rich flavors and make for a well-rounded meal.
Classic Side Pairings
We recommend serving it alongside these timeless options:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery smoothness balances the savory mushroom sauce.
- Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans: Their crisp texture and subtle bitterness contrast beautifully.
- Risotto: A mushroom or parmesan risotto enhances the earthy notes in the Marsala sauce.
Plating and Garnishing
For an inviting presentation and enhanced taste:
- Spoon a generous portion of the Marsala sauce over the chicken.
- Place the chicken over a bed of mashed potatoes or risotto.
- Add steamed greens on the side to bring color and freshness.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten the flavors.
Wine Pairing Recommendations
To complement the flavors of our dish, choose from this curated list of kosher wines:
| Wine Type | Description | Suggested Option |
|---|---|---|
| Dry White Wine | Light though flavorful | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Medium-Bodied Red | Rich and fruity but not overpowering | Pinot Noir |
| Kosher Marsala Wine | Matches the sauce flavor perfectly | Kosher Dry Marsala |
“Pairing our Kosher Chicken Marsala with a kosher Marsala wine creates a harmonious flavor bridge between the dish and the drink.”
Additional Tips for Serving
- Warm plates before serving to keep the chicken hot longer.
- Offer extra sauce on the side for guests who love an abundance of the iconic Marsala flavor.
- For larger gatherings, serve the chicken sliced for easy helpings.
By combining these serving suggestions with our delicious Kosher Chicken Marsala, we create memorable meals perfect for any occasion.
Make-Ahead Tips
To ensure our Kosher Chicken Marsala shines with rich flavors and tender texture, we recommend preparing some elements ahead of time. This saves us stress on the day of serving and lets the flavors deepen for an even more delicious meal.
1. Prepare and Pound the Chicken in Advance
We can pound the skinless boneless chicken breasts evenly and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This step not only speeds up cooking but also ensures consistent thickness for quick and even searing.
2. Pre-Slice the Mushrooms
Slicing the mushrooms uniformly is key for even cooking. We can slice the mushrooms, place them in a sealed container or bowl, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Keep them uncovered or loosely covered so they don’t become soggy.
3. Mix the Marsala Sauce Base
For the Marsala sauce, we can combine the measured kosher Marsala wine and low-sodium chicken broth in a container and refrigerate up to 48 hours. Before using, bring this mixture to room temperature or warm slightly on the stove to avoid shocking the pan.
4. Cook the Sauce Ahead
We can prepare the Marsala sauce fully by cooking down the mushrooms, garlic, Marsala wine, and chicken broth, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. When ready to serve, gently reheat while searing the chicken fresh to keep the texture crisp and tender.
5. Storing and Reheating Guide
| Preparation Step | Storage Time | Storage Method | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pounded chicken breasts | Up to 24 hours | Airtight container | Cook directly from fridge, no thawing |
| Sliced mushrooms | Up to 24 hours | Loosely covered | Use directly in recipe |
| Marsala sauce base mix | Up to 48 hours | Airtight bottle/jar | Warm gently before adding to skillet |
| Fully cooked sauce | Up to 48 hours | Airtight container | Reheat on low heat before serving |
Additional Tips
- Always label containers with preparation date to ensure freshness.
- Avoid freezing pounded chicken or sliced mushrooms as texture changes may occur.
- If making sauce fully in advance, add fresh parsley just before serving to maintain color and brightness.
Pro Tip: Preparing these components ahead not only streamlines our cooking but also allows the distinctive Marsala wine flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste profile of our Kosher Chicken Marsala.
Conclusion
Kosher Chicken Marsala offers a delicious way to enjoy a classic dish while respecting dietary guidelines. With simple steps and thoughtful preparation, it’s easy to bring rich flavors and tender textures to your table.
By planning ahead and using quality ingredients, we can create a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers consistently great results that everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Chicken Marsala kosher?
Kosher Chicken Marsala uses kosher-certified ingredients like skinless, boneless chicken breasts, kosher Marsala wine, and unsalted kosher butter, adhering to dietary laws while maintaining authentic flavors.
Can I make Chicken Marsala ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare pounded chicken, sliced mushrooms, and Marsala sauce base in advance. Store them properly to enhance flavors and reduce cooking time on serving day.
What equipment do I need to cook Kosher Chicken Marsala?
You’ll need a large skillet, tongs, measuring cups, and a meat mallet. Having the right tools makes the cooking process smoother and more precise.
How do I ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly?
Pound the chicken to an even thickness before searing. This ensures even cooking and tender texture without drying out the meat.
What side dishes pair well with Chicken Marsala?
Classic sides include creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. These complement the rich Marsala sauce and tender chicken nicely.
Can I use any Marsala wine for this recipe?
Use dry or semi-dry kosher Marsala wine to keep the dish kosher and achieve the authentic flavor profile typical of Chicken Marsala.
How should I store leftovers of Kosher Chicken Marsala?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Avoid freezing the sauce and mushrooms to maintain texture and flavor quality.
What is the best way to reheat Kosher Chicken Marsala?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals to preserve tenderness and avoid drying out the dish.
What are some tips to elevate the flavor of Chicken Marsala?
Warm your plates before serving, offer extra sauce on the side, and garnish with fresh parsley to enhance presentation and flavor.
Is Kosher Chicken Marsala suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! Its rich flavors and elegant presentation make it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special celebrations.