Elaine GordonBefore diving into the details of this scrumptious recipe, let’s discuss what you can pair with Chicken Marsala. A fresh garden salad made with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette is a fantastic sidekick. Or, if you’re in the mood for something heartier, buttery mashed potatoes take the cake. You can also opt for a side of garlic bread, which helps soak up the delightful sauce.
Want to get fancy? Consider serving it over a bed of creamy polenta or buttered egg noodles. Each option enhances the meal, creating a delightful dining experience. So, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these pairings will make your Chicken Marsala shine.
Why This Recipe is Great for You
As a registered dietitian and a self-proclaimed food enthusiast, I thumbs-up this recipe. The great thing about Trader Joe’s Chicken Marsala is its simplicity. The ingredients are wholesome, and the cooking process is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
I love that I can have this dish ready and on the table in about thirty minutes, leaving time for more important things, like enjoying it with my family.
Moreover, it’s loaded with flavor without sacrificing nutritional value. Chicken provides lean protein. The mushrooms and shallots bring in vitamins and minerals. Even the Marsala wine adds a certain flare that elevates this dish from plain to delectable.
Now, let’s dive into those ingredients I’ve come to adore. Each plays a role in that magical transformation from raw to ready-to-eat.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you need to craft your own Chicken Marsala:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – This is for cooking the chicken and adds a rich flavor.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Dredging the chicken gives it a nice light coating, creating that perfect golden crust. You can substitute it with rice flour for a gluten-free option.
- 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided) – Essential to bring out the flavors.
- 2 boneless chicken breasts – Butterflied and halved, these are the stars of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing vegetables) – Another splash of flavor to enhance the veggies.
- 2 medium shallots – Their sweetness balances the dish perfectly.
- 2 to 4 garlic cloves – Because honestly, garlic makes everything better!
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme – You can’t beat that fresh herb flavor.
- 5 ounces cremini mushrooms – They add earthiness and texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – For a hint of depth and complexity.
- 1/2 cup sweet Marsala wine – This is key to achieving that sweet, rich sauce.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth – It keeps the dish moist and flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – A touch of luxury to finish off the sauce.
How to Make Trader Joe’s Chicken Marsala
Ready to get cooking? Buckle up, because it’s about to get delicious in your kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by washing those chicken breasts. Pat them dry and then butterfly them. Make two horizontal cuts on each breast, creating four pieces in total. This allows them to cook faster and stay juicy. Sprinkle the chicken with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and set them aside.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
In a shallow dish, place the flour. Dredging is simple: coat each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. This step is pivotal because it makes for a crunchy, golden exterior. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that perfect golden-brown color. Once done, transfer them to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes until soft. Then, add the garlic cloves and thyme, cooking for another minute. Your kitchen should smell divine by now!
Step 4: Introduce the Mushrooms
Next up, add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the pan. They’ll absorb all those glorious flavors. Sauté them until they soften, usually around 4 minutes. Assume a rich brown color as they soak in what’s in the pan.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
It’s time to add a touch of sweetness. Pour in the Marsala wine and let the mixture come to a simmer. Scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan—they’re flavor gold. After about 2 minutes, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a light boil.
Step 6: Bring Back the Chicken
Add the chicken back to the pan and cook until the chicken is heated through—about 3 minutes. You want it to mingle in that beautiful sauce. Finally, stir in a tablespoon of butter to bring everything together and enhance richness.
Nutrition Information
Recipe Notes
Each ingredient serves a unique purpose in this Chicken Marsala dish:
- Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that adds depth.
- Flour: Creates that wonderful crust on the chicken, enhancing texture.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, elevating all the flavors.
- Shallots: Sweet and delicate, they’re a perfect substitute for onions.
- Garlic: A must-have in any savory dish for added flavor.
- Thyme: Fresh herbs really make a difference; thyme pairs beautifully with chicken and mushrooms.
- Cremini mushrooms: More flavorful than white button mushrooms, they pack a delicious punch.
- Marsala wine: This sweet wine is the cornerstone, creating both depth of flavor and sweetness.
- Chicken broth: To infuse the dish with moisture and additional taste.
- Butter: The finishing touch that adds a silky mouthfeel.
Recipe Variations
Got specific cravings or dietary needs? Here are some variations to consider:
- Add Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach towards the end for extra greens.
- Lemon Zest: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.
- Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with portobello mushrooms for a hearty dish.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a bit of cream at the end for a richer sauce.
- Spicy Kick: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will give it a subtle heat.
- Herb Swap: Use rosemary instead of thyme for a different flavor profile.
Trader Joe’s Chicken Marsala Recipe
Equipment
- shallow dish
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking the chicken
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or substitute with rice flour for dredging
- 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt divided
- 2 boneless chicken breasts butterflied and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing the vegetables
- 2 medium shallots sliced into 1/4″ thick rounds
- 2 to 4 garlic cloves smashed and peeled
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme finely chopped
- 5 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced into 1/4″ thick pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for a hint of depth
- 1/2 cup sweet Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for added richness
Instructions
- Start by washing those chicken breasts. Pat them dry and then butterfly them. Make two horizontal cuts on each breast, creating four pieces in total. This allows them to cook faster and stay juicy. Sprinkle the chicken with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and set them aside.
- In a shallow dish, place the flour. Dredging is simple: coat each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. This step is pivotal because it makes for a crunchy, golden exterior. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that perfect golden-brown color. Once done, transfer them to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes until soft. Then, add the garlic cloves and thyme, cooking for another minute. Your kitchen should smell divine by now!
- Next up, add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the pan. They’ll absorb all those glorious flavors. Sauté them until they soften, usually around 4 minutes. Assume a rich brown color as they soak in what’s in the pan.
- It’s time to add a touch of sweetness. Pour in the Marsala wine and let the mixture come to a simmer. Scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan—they’re flavor gold. After about 2 minutes, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a light boil.
- Add the chicken back to the pan and cook until the chicken is heated through—about 3 minutes. You want it to mingle in that beautiful sauce. Finally, stir in a tablespoon of butter to bring everything together and enhance richness.
Notes
- Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that adds depth.
- Flour: Creates that wonderful crust on the chicken, enhancing texture.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, elevating all the flavors.
- Shallots: Sweet and delicate, they’re a perfect substitute for onions.
- Garlic: A must-have in any savory dish for added flavor.
- Thyme: Fresh herbs really make a difference; thyme pairs beautifully with chicken and mushrooms.
- Cremini mushrooms: More flavorful than white button mushrooms, they pack a delicious punch.
- Marsala wine: This sweet wine is the cornerstone, creating both depth of flavor and sweetness.
- Chicken broth: To infuse the dish with moisture and additional taste.
- Butter: The finishing touch that adds a silky mouthfeel.
Nutrition
FAQs
Conclusion
Making Trader Joe’s Chicken Marsala is more than just cooking—it’s an experience. It’s about blending flavors, creating memories, and enjoying delicious food. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a casual family meal, I assure you this recipe will delight your taste buds.
Try it tonight, and take a bite into a dish that embraces comfort, warmth, and joy. You’ll be glad you did. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get cooking!
