Carrabbas Chicken Marsala Recipe

If there’s one restaurant copycat you can always count on to wow family and friends, it’s this Carrabbas Chicken Marsala Recipe. Imagine golden pan-seared chicken breasts nestled under a silky, mushroom-studded Marsala wine sauce, each bite soaking up savory, sweet, and earthy flavors. It’s a dish that makes weeknights instantly feel like a special occasion, yet it’s simple enough for even a beginner cook. Whether you’re satiating a craving for Italian comfort or planning a cozy dinner, this Chicken Marsala absolutely hits the spot!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Carrabbas Chicken Marsala Recipe is in how just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to deliver restaurant-level flavor. Each component plays a delicious role in building the sauce’s deep character, juicy chicken, and that touch of fresh herbal brightness we all crave.

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and pounded to an even thickness so they cook perfectly and stay juicy.
• All-Purpose Flour: The magic that creates a golden crust and helps thicken the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Fruity and rich, it’s your foundation for all that searing flavor.
• Shallots: Sweet, mellow allium flavor brings subtle complexity and balance.
• Mushrooms: Choose cremini or button mushrooms for their tender bite and umami depth.
• Marsala Wine: The star of the show, Marsala’s sweet-nutty profile gives the sauce its signature Italian flair.
• Chicken Stock: Infuses the sauce with savory richness and helps form the perfect consistency.
• Butter: Just a touch at the end for a glossy, decadent finish.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for brightening every bite and balancing all those robust flavors.

How to Make Carrabbas Chicken Marsala Recipe

Step 1: Pound the Chicken

Start by placing each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to about ½ inch thick. This little bit of prep ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays deliciously tender—that classic Carrabbas Chicken Marsala Recipe texture is totally worth it!

Step 2: Season and Dredge

Whisk salt and pepper right into your flour, then dredge each chicken breast. The seasoned coating locks in juiciness and provides the crispy, golden edges that elevate the entire dish. Shake off any excess so the coating stays nice and light.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a large pan until shimmering, then add the chicken. Sear for about 4 minutes per side, or until a beautiful golden crust forms and the chicken’s juices run clear. Once done, transfer them to a platter—don’t worry, they’ll finish in the sauce soon!

Step 4: Sauté Shallots and Mushrooms

In that same pan (don’t wipe it clean, the flavor is gold!), add the shallots and mushrooms. Sauté over medium heat for around 3 minutes, stirring often, until the mushrooms soften and the shallots turn translucent. They soak up those delicious brown bits left behind by the chicken, building incredible flavor.

Step 5: Deglaze and Add Marsala

Time for the Marsala magic! Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken stock, gently scraping the bottom of the pan. This step lifts every caramelized bit, infusing your sauce with a rich, sweet-savory base that’s signature to the Carrabbas Chicken Marsala Recipe.

Step 6: Reduce the Sauce

Let the sauce come to a lively bubble, then lower the heat and let it gently simmer for about 10 minutes. You want the sauce to reduce and thicken, intensifying all those complex flavors. Your kitchen is starting to smell amazing right about now!

Step 7: Finish with Butter and Parsley

Once the sauce has thickened, swirl in the butter and add a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The butter makes everything glossy and rich, and the parsley adds life and vibrant color. Take a quick taste, and season with extra salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, spooning the Marsala sauce over each piece. Let it simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors fully infuse. The chicken gets meltingly tender, soaking up every drop of that gorgeous sauce.

Step 9: Serve It Up

Plate your chicken, making sure to ladle plenty of mushrooms and sauce over the top. The Carrabbas Chicken Marsala Recipe is all about that finishing touch—don’t be shy with the sauce. Serve immediately, and prepare for well-deserved applause!

How to Serve Carrabbas Chicken Marsala Recipe

Garnishes

Scatter a fresh shower of chopped parsley or snipped chives across the top for a burst of color and brightness. A quick grind of black pepper or a squeeze of lemon right before serving can also amp up the flavor and make the Carrabbas Chicken Marsala Recipe look as stunning as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dish loves classic sides! Serve over fluffy mashed potatoes or a bed of buttery fettuccine noodles to soak up all that luscious Marsala sauce. For a lighter touch, try it with steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli. A slice of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up every drop, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the plate! Spoon the Marsala-sauced chicken into warm sandwich rolls for an unforgettable chicken Marsala sandwich, or slice the chicken and serve it family-style over a giant platter of toasted garlic bread. For special dinners, assemble individual portions in shallow pasta bowls, topped with extra sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (good luck!), let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing it in an airtight container. The Carrabbas Chicken Marsala Recipe will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, soaking up more flavor with each passing hour.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Store the cooled chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. It’s best enjoyed within a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick Italian-inspired dinner any night!

Reheating

To keep the chicken juicy, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, spooning the sauce over the top and adding a splash of chicken stock if needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring the sauce occasionally, until hot. This Carrabbas Chicken Marsala Recipe is just as delicious the next day.

FAQs

What type of Marsala wine should I use?

For an authentic flavor, look for dry Marsala wine. Sweet Marsala can work if you prefer extra caramel notes, but dry Marsala keeps the sauce balanced and restaurant-perfect.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend or even cornstarch. The crust may be a bit lighter, but it will still be delicious and the sauce will retain its gorgeous texture.

What mushrooms work best in Carrabbas Chicken Marsala Recipe?

Classic button mushrooms are always a reliable choice, but try baby bella (cremini) or a mix for more depth and variety. Wild mushrooms will upgrade your dish with a wonderful woodsy, earthy flavor.

Can I make Carrabbas Chicken Marsala Recipe without alcohol?

If you need an alcohol-free version, substitute the Marsala wine with extra chicken stock and a splash of balsamic vinegar and a touch of grape juice to mimic the sweet, tangy notes. The flavor profile will be a little different, but still very tasty!

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Juices should run clear, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, slice into the thickest part—the meat should be opaque with no pink remaining.

Final Thoughts

This Carrabbas Chicken Marsala Recipe proves you don’t need to leave home for a five-star Italian dinner. With a few simple steps and honest ingredients, you’ll impress everyone around the table. Give it a try, and you might just discover a new family favorite!

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