Delicious Chicken Marsala With Rice Recipe

Chicken Marsala With Rice

If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe, chicken marsala with rice is an excellent choice. This classic Italian-American dish features tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich and flavorful marsala wine sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup marsala wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
4. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter.
5. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
7. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
8. Add the marsala wine to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
9. Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer.
10. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
11. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them.
12. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
13. Serve the chicken marsala over a bed of rice, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Making Perfect Rice

Making perfect rice can be tricky, but with a few tips and tricks, you can achieve fluffy, tender rice every time. Here's how:

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 1 3/4 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water for about 30 seconds.
2. In a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, combine the rice, water, salt, and butter (if using).
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with the lid.
4. Cook the rice for 18-20 minutes, or until all of the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Variations on Chicken Marsala With Rice

While chicken marsala with rice is a delicious classic dish, there are many ways to switch it up and make it your own. Here are some ideas:

Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs

Instead of using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, try using bone-in chicken thighs. They're more flavorful and moist, and they pair well with the rich marsala sauce.

Add Vegetables

For a healthier twist on this indulgent dish, try adding some sautéed vegetables to the mix. Mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions all work well in chicken marsala.

Try Different Herbs

While parsley is a classic garnish for chicken marsala, you could also try using other fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.

Make It Creamier

If you love creamy sauces, try adding more heavy cream to the marsala sauce. You could also stir in some grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

Make It Spicy

For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the marsala sauce. You could also use hot paprika instead of regular paprika in the flour mixture for the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use another type of wine besides marsala?

Yes, you can use another type of wine if you don't have marsala on hand. Sherry or white wine are good substitutes.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the chicken.

3. What's the best way to reheat leftover chicken marsala?

To reheat leftover chicken marsala, place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second increments until warmed through. Alternatively, you could reheat it in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently.

4. Can I freeze leftover chicken marsala?

Yes, you can freeze leftover chicken marsala for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag.

5. What should I serve with chicken marsala?

Chicken marsala pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.