Light Chicken Marsala
Light Chicken Marsala offers tender chicken in a flavorful mushroom and Marsala wine sauce, perfect for elegant dinners or weeknight meals that impress with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 9-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon margarine until bubbly and hot.
- Add the thinly sliced chicken and quickly sauté on both sides until cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, combine sliced mushrooms and minced garlic; cook over high heat, stirring constantly, until the liquid evaporates.
- Add dry Marsala wine and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine canned chicken broth and all-purpose flour, stirring to dissolve the flour.
- Add the broth mixture to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Return the cooked chicken and any juices to the skillet, add salt and freshly ground pepper, and cook until heated through.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, use a non-stick cooking spray instead of margarine. You can substitute the dry Marsala wine with white wine or chicken broth for a different flavor profile. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten the dish. If you prefer more vegetables, consider adding spinach or asparagus, which pair well with chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Light Chicken Marsala over a bed of whole grain pasta or alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing side. This dish also pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Stuffed Potatoes Cacciatore for a complete Italian-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture, and heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Light Chicken Marsala contains roughly 422 calories, with 10g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 757mg per serving (33% 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 different types of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While thinly sliced chicken breast is recommended, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly. For a vegetarian twist, try using firm tofu or portobello mushrooms as a substitute.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the Marsala wine?
Yes, you can use a mixture of grape juice and a tablespoon of vinegar to mimic the sweetness and acidity of Marsala wine. Alternatively, chicken broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar can also work well to add depth to the sauce without the alcohol.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the mushroom and broth sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, add the cooked chicken, and heat through. This saves time and allows the flavors to meld.
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).