Carrabba's Chicken Marsala

My Simple, Delicious Take on Carrabba's Chicken Marsala

As a busy working mom, I need recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This Carrabba's Chicken Marsala recipe fits the bill perfectly! I found this recipe online – a slight variation of what Carrabba’s serves – and immediately knew I had to try it. It's become a weeknight staple in my house and a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. What makes it so special? It’s the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet, thanks to the rich Marsala wine sauce. The grilled chicken adds a smoky char that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary.

I've adapted the recipe to suit my preferences and lifestyle. I use fresh mushrooms, which adds a wonderful earthy depth to the sauce. And while the original recipe suggests specific quantities of spices, feel free to adjust them to your liking. I prefer a more robust flavor, so I tend to add a little extra oregano and thyme. The beauty of cooking is the ability to personalize it!

The chicken itself is incredibly simple to prepare. Marinating isn't necessary, but a quick rub of olive oil and a flavorful spice blend before grilling ensures the chicken is juicy and tender. I often use my grill pan indoors when the weather doesn’t cooperate, but grilling it outside adds a lovely smoky flavor. The grilling process is short and sweet – about 6-8 minutes per side – allowing me to spend more time with my family instead of slaving away in the kitchen.

The sauce is where this dish truly shines. It's rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful. The Marsala wine provides a lovely sweetness that perfectly complements the savory chicken and earthy mushrooms. The secret ingredient? A touch of heavy cream adds richness and body, creating a luxuriously smooth sauce. Don't skip the fresh parsley for an added touch of freshness; it's the perfect garnish.

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily double it to feed a larger crowd. Leftovers are also amazing! The flavors intensify overnight, making it even better the next day. I often pack it for lunch, which is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this recipe beyond dinner. This isn't your average chicken marsala; it's elevated comfort food at its finest.

Beyond being a fantastic weeknight dinner, this recipe is perfect for entertaining. It's impressive enough to serve guests, yet easy enough to prepare without spending hours in the kitchen. The dish is visually appealing, too! The golden-brown grilled chicken paired with the rich brown sauce is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

So, are you ready to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to make? Give this adapted Carrabba's Chicken Marsala a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. The ease, the flavor, and the satisfaction of creating something so delicious will quickly make this a new family favorite.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Add some vegetables: Include sautéed asparagus or spinach alongside the chicken for a more substantial meal.
• Serve it over pasta: The sauce is equally delicious served over pasta or risotto.
• Use different mushrooms: Experiment with cremini or shiitake mushrooms for a different flavor profile.

This Carrabba’s-inspired Chicken Marsala is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the magic of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Melt butter over low heat in a medium saucepan.
• Turn heat up to medium high to sauté the prosciutto in the melted butter for about 2 to 3 minutes; be careful not to burn butter, add shallots and mushrooms and sauté for about until vegetables are tender then add the garlic and saute another 30 seconds.
• Add marsala wine, simmer for another 30 seconds or so, then add black pepper.
• Simmer over medium high heat for 5 minutes.
• Dissolve cornstarch in chicken stock.
• Add stock to saucepan and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
• Add parsley and cream to the sauce and simmer 3 to 4 minutes or until thick.
• Remove from heat, cover until needed.
• Preheat barbecue grill on high heat.
• Combine ingredients for the chicken spice in a small bowl.
• Use your thumb and fingers to crush the spices in the bowl to make a finer blend.
• Brush each chicken breast generously with olive oil.
• Sprinkle spice blend over both sides of chicken breast and grill for 6 to 8 minutes per side or until done.
• Give chicken a one quarter turn on each side while cooking to make the criss cross grill marks.
• Serve entree by arranging each chicken breast on a plate.
• Spoon one quarter of the marsala sauce over each serving of chicken and serve. Serves 4.