Chicken Scallopini Marsala(Makes 4 Servings)
Juicy chicken scallopini cooked in rich Marsala wine with zucchini and tomatoes, offering a flavorful, elegant dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/4 c. dry Marsala wine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. heavy cream ⓘ
- 3 medium zucchini
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 medium tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. fresh chopped basil ⓘ
- fresh basil sprigs (for garnish) ⓘ
Instructions
- Using a meat pounder or rolling pin, pound each chicken breast in a plastic bag until 1/4-inch thick.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1/2 teaspoon of all-purpose flour. Stir to make a roux.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1/4 cup of dry Marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of heavy cream.
- Add the sliced zucchini, crushed garlic, and tomato chunks to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top, and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil sprigs before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For even cooking, ensure the chicken breasts are pounded evenly to 1/4-inch thickness. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian twist. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also be wonderful additions to enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Scallopini Marsala pairs beautifully with a side of creamy risotto or garlic mashed potatoes. A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette complements the dish well. For a complete Italian meal, serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Browse more Italian recipes for additional pairing ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Scallopini Marsala(Makes 4 Servings) contains roughly 899 calories, with 15g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (33% of the Daily Value) and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 514mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of wine for this recipe?
Yes, while dry Marsala wine is traditional, you can substitute with dry sherry or white wine. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but all will work well in creating a rich sauce.
What if I can't find fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn't available, you can use dried basil as a substitute. Use about a third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh parsley can also add a nice flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then store separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently and add the vegetables just before serving to ensure they remain vibrant and tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).