Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala Recipe – Hungarian Chef

Last Updated on March 17, 2024

Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala is a popular Italian-American dish that has been around since the 1980s. It is a delicious combination of chicken, mushrooms, and Marsala wine, all cooked together in a flavorful sauce.

This dish can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. It is a comfort food classic that can be found on the menu at most Italian restaurants.

What is Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala?

Carrabba’s Italian Grill, commonly known as Carrabba’s, is an American restaurant chain that specializes in Italian-American cuisine. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, the establishment is owned and operated by Bloomin’ Brands.

Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala is an Italian-American dish that is made with chicken, mushrooms, and Marsala wine, all cooked together in a flavorful sauce. 

The dish is usually served with a side of pasta or vegetables. It is a flavorful combination of savory and sweet flavors, making it a favorite among many.

What does it taste like?

Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala has a savory and slightly sweet flavor. The Marsala wine adds a rich, dry flavor to the dish, while the mushrooms and chicken provide a hearty, meaty flavor.

The sauce is creamy and full of flavor, making it a delicious and comforting meal.

You’ll also like the following Dinner recipes!

• How to make Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey
• Juan Pollo Chicken Marinade Copycat Recipe
• Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi

Ingredients

• 2 Divine Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, a canvas for culinary magic: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts serve as the canvas for this dish, providing a lean and versatile protein base that absorbs the rich flavors of the Marsala wine sauce.
• 1/2 Cup of Marsala Wine, a generous pour of Italian nectar to infuse your dish with depth: Marsala wine adds a deep and complex flavor to the dish, infusing it with sweet and nutty notes. It contributes to the creation of the signature Marsala wine sauce that defines this Italian classic.
• 2 Tablespoons of All-Purpose Flour, a light dusting to grace your chicken with a golden coat: All-purpose flour is used to lightly coat the chicken, creating a golden and slightly crispy exterior when sautéed. This helps to seal in the juices and adds a subtle texture to the chicken.
• 1 Tablespoon of Butter, a luscious pat to add a final touch of richness and silkiness: Butter is added at the end of cooking to enrich the sauce, providing a luscious and silky finish. It contributes to the overall richness and mouthfeel of the Marsala wine sauce.
• 1 Tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a drizzle of liquid gold to sauté your chicken to perfection: Extra virgin olive oil is used for sautéing the chicken, imparting a drizzle of liquid gold and infusing the dish with a hint of Mediterranean flavor. It adds depth to the cooking process.
• 1 Shallot, Finely Chopped, a delicate aromatic addition to elevate the flavor profile: Shallots add a delicate and nuanced onion flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall aroma and taste. Their fine chop ensures a subtle integration into the Marsala wine sauce.
• 4 Ounces of Velvet Mushrooms, Sliced, a medley of fungi to add earthy richness: Sliced mushrooms, particularly velvet mushrooms, contribute an earthy richness to the dish. They absorb the flavors of the Marsala wine sauce and complement the chicken with their savory and meaty texture.
• 1/2 Cup of Heavenly Chicken Stock, a broth of flavor to enhance the savory symphony: Chicken stock enhances the savory profile of the dish, providing depth and umami. It serves as the liquid base for the Marsala wine sauce, creating a flavorful and well-balanced ensemble.
• 1 Tablespoon of Freshly Chopped Parsley, a vibrant sprinkle of green freshness: Freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant touch of green freshness, both as a garnish and to provide a subtle herbaceous note that brightens the overall flavor profile.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to Taste, a pinch and grind of seasoning magic to balance and perfect your creation: Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for seasoning, balancing flavors, and perfecting the overall taste of the Chicken Marsala. They bring out the natural flavors in the dish.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Pat dry the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with paper towels.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Lightly dust the chicken breasts with all-purpose flour, ensuring an even coating.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

• In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the floured chicken breasts to the skillet and sauté until they achieve a golden brown color on both sides. This should take approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
• Once golden brown, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Mushroom and Shallot Mixture

• In the same skillet, add finely chopped shallot and sliced mushrooms.
• Sauté the mushrooms and shallots until they are tender and lightly browned.

Step 4: Deglaze with Marsala Wine

• Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet, using it to deglaze the pan by scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom.
• Allow the Marsala wine to simmer and reduce by half.

Step 5: Add Chicken Stock

• Pour in the heavenly chicken stock, stirring to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Return Chicken to the Pan

• Return the sautéed chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the mushroom and Marsala mixture.
• Simmer the chicken in the sauce until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Finish with Butter and Parsley

• Once the chicken is cooked, add a tablespoon of butter to the sauce, swirling it in for richness.
• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of freshness.

Step 8: Serve

• Plate the chicken Marsala, spooning the mushroom and Marsala sauce over the top.
• Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Step 9: Enjoy

• Delight in the savory and rich flavors of Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala, a classic Italian dish made right in your own kitchen.

Tips

• For a richer flavor, use a dry sherry instead of Marsala wine.

• If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can substitute dried herbs.

• To make the dish a little lighter, use low-sodium chicken broth.

• If you prefer a thicker sauce, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add it to the sauce.

• To keep the chicken from sticking to the pan, make sure to use enough oil.

Nutrition Information

One serving of Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala contains approximately 450 calories, 16 grams of fat, 48 grams of carbohydrates, and 33 grams of protein.

What to serve with carrabba’s chicken marsala?

• Pasta: Serve the chicken marsala over a bed of pasta or your favorite type of noodles.

• Rice: Serve the chicken marsala over a bed of white or brown rice.

• Vegetables: Serve the chicken marsala with steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or asparagus.

• Potatoes: Serve the chicken marsala with roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes.

• Salad: Serve the chicken marsala with a side of fresh salad.

How to store leftover carrabba’s chicken marsala?

Leftover Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dish can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, place the dish in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through.

What other substitute can I use in carrabba’s chicken marsala?

• Wine: If you don’t have Marsala wine on hand, you can substitute dry white wine or dry vermouth.

• Mushrooms: If you don’t have mushrooms on hand, you can substitute bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.

• Herbs: If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can substitute dried herbs.

• Butter: If you don’t have butter on hand, you can substitute olive oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make the dish without the wine?

A: Yes, you can make the dish without the wine. Just omit it from the recipe and replace it with an equal amount of chicken broth.

Q: Can I make the dish with skinless chicken thighs?

A: Yes, you can make the dish with skinless chicken thighs. Just reduce the cooking time to 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Q: Can I use other types of mushrooms?

A: Yes, you can use other types of mushrooms in the dish. Some good options are button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or portobello mushrooms.

Q: Can I use other types of herbs?

A: Yes, you can use other types of herbs in the dish. Some good options are oregano, thyme, or tarragon.

Conclusion

Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala is a delicious Italian-American dish that is sure to please the entire family. It is a flavorful combination of savory and sweet flavors, making it a comfort food classic. 

The dish is easy to make and can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to be a hit.

You’ll also like these latest recipes!

• How to make Old Fashioned Salmon Loaf
• Carrabba’s Tuscan Grilled Chicken Copycat Recipe
• Damon’s Grill Sweet Potato Casserole