Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala Recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide

By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on August 14, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023

Carrabba’s Italian Grill has been around since the mid-1980s and is one of the most popular Italian chains in America. Founded by John and Chris Carrabba, this humble family restaurant quickly grew into an international powerhouse with hundreds of locations across the United States.

The restaurant has become famous for its warm hospitality, classic dishes, and excellent ingredients. One of Carrabba’s most popular dishes is their Chicken Marsala, a classic Italian dish featuring lightly-floured and pan-seared chicken breasts in a creamy Marsala sauce.

This has become so popular that it’s been recreated by many home cooks all over the world. With the help of these step-by-step instructions, you can now recreate a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.

What is Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala?

Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian dish made with lightly-floured chicken breasts, mushrooms, shallots, and Marsala wine sauce. It’s a rich and flavorful dish that can be served over your favorite side such as mashed potatoes or pasta.

The key to making this dish is using quality ingredients such as fresh mushrooms, shallots, and Marsala wine. The combination of these ingredients creates a creamy sauce that’s packed with flavor and complements the chicken perfectly.

What does it taste like?

Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala is a flavorful dish packed with savory and sweet notes. The buttery sauce is perfectly balanced with the earthy mushrooms, the sweetness of the Marsala wine, and the fresh parsley garnish.

The chicken itself is lightly floured for added texture and cooked until golden brown and juicy. It’s a comforting Italian dish that pairs well with a side of mashed potatoes or pasta. The combination of flavors and textures makes this an incredibly tasty dish that’s sure to please any palate.

It’s a great way to elevate a weeknight dinner and can be enjoyed by the whole family. It’s also easy to make, so you don’t need to be an experienced cook to enjoy this classic Italian dish. Don’t forget the fresh parsley for added color and flavor!

How did I first get introduced to Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala?

My first introduction to Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala was when I visited Carrabba’s Italian Grill with some friends. We were looking for an easy and tasty dinner option and the menu caught my eye with its classical Italian dishes.

I decided to try their famous Chicken Marsala, and as soon as it was served, I knew I had made the right choice. The chicken was perfectly cooked and the sauce had a rich and creamy flavor. The mushrooms and shallots added texture to the dish and it was served with fresh parsley for an extra hit of flavor.

I was so impressed by this dish that I started to search for recipes online so I could recreate it at home. After some trial and error, I was able to perfect the classic Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala, and it quickly became one of my favorite dishes.

Now, I often make this dish at home for family dinners or special occasions. I always use fresh ingredients like mushrooms, shallots, and Marsala wine so that I can get the same flavor as the restaurant version. It takes a bit of time and effort, but the results are worth it.

Since that first experience at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, I’ve been hooked on their Chicken Marsala. It’s a classic Italian dish that never goes out of style and is always sure to impress! Making this meal at home has become one of my favorite ways to show my family how much I care. Not only is it a delicious meal, but it’s also an expression of love!

How to make Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala?

Making Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala is simple and doesn’t take too much time or effort. With the help of a few quality ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can recreate this classic Italian dish right in your own home.

Here are the steps to make Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala:

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Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: this is the main source of protein for this dish, you can use either boneless or bone-in chicken breasts.
• Mushrooms: mushrooms add texture to the dish and also intensify the flavor.
• Shallots: shallots are a milder version of onions that add depth to the dish without overwhelming it.
• Flour: this will help thicken the sauce.
• Marsala wine: this sweet Italian fortified wine is what gives Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala its distinct flavor.
• Chicken stock: adds a richer flavor to the dish.
• Butter: adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
• Parsley: parsley is used as a garnish to add brightness and color.
• Salt and pepper: used to season the dish to your desired taste.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1

Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add chicken breasts. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2

Add mushrooms and shallots to the same skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes or until they are golden brown. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Step 3

Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Then add Marsala wine, chicken stock, butter, and parsley. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the sauce is thickened.

Step 4

Return chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon sauce over them. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced and become thicker. 

Step 5

Serve with your favorite sides.

Tips

• If you want to make a more traditional marsala dish, add 1/4 cup of cream in Step 3.
• The sauce can be made ahead and reheated with the chicken before serving.
• You can use boneless or bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• If you don’t have Marsala wine, you can substitute it with dry white wine.
• Serve the Chicken Marsala over pasta, mashed potatoes, or your favorite grain for a complete meal.
• For an extra hit of flavor and color, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

Nutrition Information

What to serve with Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala?

Here are some delicious side dishes to serve with Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala:

• Mashed Potatoes: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Pasta: A classic Italian side dish that complements the flavors of this dish perfectly.
• Rice Pilaf: A flavorful and filling side dish to round out the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: A great way to add a bit of color and flavor to the dish.
• Salad: A crisp and fresh side salad that adds some lightness to the meal.
• Garlic Bread: This garlicky and buttery bread is a perfect compliment to this Italian classic.
• Polenta: Rich and creamy polenta pairs wonderfully with the flavors of Chicken Marsala.

• Steamed Broccoli: A simple and healthy side dish that is sure to please.
• French Fries: Crunchy, salty fries are a great way to contrast the creamy sauce.
• Biscuits: Flaky buttermilk biscuits will soak up all the extra juices from the sauce.
• Sauteed Spinach: A healthy and tasty way to add a bit of green to the plate.
• Cauliflower Mash: Rich and creamy cauliflower mash is a great side dish for this dish.
• Roasted Asparagus: A bright and fresh side that adds a pop of color.
• Garlic Roasted Potatoes: This is an easy and tasty way to add some extra flavor and texture.
• Brussels Sprouts: Crispy and flavorful, they are a great addition to this classic Italian dish.

How to store leftover Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to four days in the refrigerator. To prevent bacteria from growing, make sure that all leftovers are cooled completely before storing.

When reheating, use medium heat and stir occasionally until the sauce is bubbling and the chicken is heated through.

If you plan on freezing any leftover Chicken Marsala, it is best to do so within 24 hours after cooking. The dish can be frozen for up to three months and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.

Can pregnant women eat this?

Yes, pregnant women can eat Chicken Marsala. This dish is completely safe for expectant mothers as long as it has been properly cooked and stored. However, it’s important to be aware that the alcohol in the Marsala wine does not cook out completely during the cooking process.

Therefore, those who are pregnant should avoid consuming more than a small amount of the sauce. When preparing Chicken Marsala for pregnant women, use a low-alcohol Marsala wine or substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth.

This will ensure that any trace amounts of alcohol are cooked out completely before serving. It’s also important to make sure that all ingredients are fresh and free from bacteria when making this dish as pregnant women should avoid consuming raw or undercooked poultry.

FAQs 

Wrapping Up

There you have it! A delicious Chicken Marsala recipe that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy an Italian classic in no time.

This dish can be easily customized to fit your tastes. Whether you want to make it spicier, add a cream sauce, or leave out the chicken for a vegan meal, there are endless possibilities. Thank you for reading & please share this article with a friend if you found it helpful!

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