When it comes to cozy, heartwarming meals, few dishes can rival the delightful flavors of Chicken Marsala Casserole – Comforting Italian-American Dish. This tasty recipe brings together tender chicken and a rich mushroom wine sauce, delivering an unforgettable dining experience that is both satisfying and nourishing. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this casserole captures the essence of Italian-American cuisine in a way that’s simple yet extravagant.
Imagine a bubbling dish that fills your home with enticing aromas, making it hard to resist a second helping. The Chicken Marsala Casserole invites you to savor every bite, whether you’re a fan of classic Italian meals or just looking for a new family favorite. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.
What Makes This Dish Special:
Chicken Marsala Casserole is much more than a comforting Italian-American dish; it’s a culinary hug that brings warmth to the table. This delightful casserole blends tender chicken pieces with earthy mushrooms and the rich flavor of Marsala wine, creating a deeply satisfying experience for the palate. The combination of creamy textures and savory notes brings an elevated twist to a classic favorite.
What sets this Chicken Marsala Casserole apart is its versatility and ease of preparation. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, allowing you to serve a beloved dish without the fuss of individual plates. Moreover, the incorporation of fresh herbs adds a delightful aroma that fills your home. For a slightly different take on chicken casseroles, try out our Easy Chicken Dumpling Casserole Recipe for a nourishing meal any day of the week.
Whether it’s paired with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad, this Chicken Marsala Casserole is bound to become a family favorite, encapsulating the essence of home-cooked comfort.
Ingredients for Chicken Marsala Casserole – Comforting Italian-American Dish:
This Chicken Marsala Casserole is a delightful fusion of flavors that combines classic Italian-American elements with hearty sustenance, making it a go-to comfort recipe. Here’s what you will need:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1½ tablespoons flour
- ½ cup Marsala wine (or substitute with white wine)
- ½ cup fat-free half & half
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 2 cups coarsely chopped cooked chicken (about 1½ cups shredded cooked chicken)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
This comforting dish pairs beautifully with a side like Easy Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta for a delightful meal. The rich flavors meld together beautifully, tantalizing all taste buds.
Gather these ingredients to create a wholesome, satisfying casserole that your family and friends will love. Enjoy cooking!
How to Prepare Chicken Marsala Casserole – Comforting Italian-American Dish:
To create a delightful Chicken Marsala Casserole that comforts the soul, start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté 1 small diced onion and 5 cloves of minced garlic until fragrant. Next, add 16 ounces of sliced mushrooms, cooking until they soften. Sprinkle in 1½ tablespoons of flour, stirring to combine. Pour in ½ cup of Marsala wine (or a suitable white wine), allowing it to reduce slightly. Incorporate ½ cup of fat-free half & half and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
Stir in 1 cup of uncooked brown rice and 2 cups of coarsely chopped cooked chicken. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, sprinkle with ¼ cup of fresh parsley and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden. For more comforting recipes, explore our Easy Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe. For additional inspiration, visit Optimal Recipes for Chicken Marsala Casserole here. Enjoy!
Cooking Techniques for Perfecting the Dish:
To create the ultimate Chicken Marsala Casserole — a comforting Italian-American dish, mastering a few cooking techniques is essential. Start by properly sautéing the chicken. Cut it into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking, then sear them in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown. This step enhances the flavor and adds depth to your casserole.
Next, deglaze the pan with Marsala wine. This brings out the fond – those tasty brown bits stuck to the skillet, infusing your dish with rich flavors. Don’t forget to incorporate fresh mushrooms for an earthy component. Combining the chicken and mushrooms with a creamy sauce before layering adds moisture and taste.
For a delightful twist, consider trying a variation like the Easy Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe. It combines similar ingredients in a unique way! Once combined, top with breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly and golden. Enjoy your Chicken Marsala Casserole, a heartwarming meal perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Marsala Casserole – Comforting Italian-American Dish:
When enjoying a savory Chicken Marsala Casserole, pairing it with complementary sides enhances the meal. A fresh green salad can provide a crisp contrast, balancing the casserole’s creamy texture. Consider serving this Italian-American favorite alongside garlic Parmesan chicken spaghetti for a delightful fusion of flavors. The rich garlic notes beautifully accent the earthy, wine-infused flavors of the chicken marsala.
For a cozy touch, offer warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. This duo proves perfect for gatherings or family dinners. To elevate the experience even more, a glass of lightly chilled white wine can harmonize perfectly with the dish’s components. Overall, these suggestions not only amplify the taste of your Chicken Marsala Casserole but also create a comforting dining experience that everyone will enjoy.
Storage Tips for Chicken Marsala Casserole – Comforting Italian-American Dish:
To keep your Chicken Marsala Casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer preservation, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven or microwave until warm. For another delicious chicken dish, try the Easy Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is Chicken Marsala Casserole?
The Chicken Marsala Casserole is a comforting Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a rich Marsala wine sauce, all baked together for a delightful meal. It’s perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
How can I make my Chicken Marsala Casserole healthier?
To make a healthier version of this casserole, consider using skinless chicken breasts and whole-grain pasta. You can also incorporate more vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, for added nutrients.
Can I prepare Chicken Marsala Casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prep the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just remember to cover it tightly to keep it fresh; bake it right before serving.
What can I serve with Chicken Marsala Casserole?
To complement your Chicken Marsala Casserole, serve a side salad featuring mixed greens and a light vinaigrette. You could also pair it with garlic Parmesan chicken over mashed potatoes for a robust dining experience.
Can I freeze the casserole leftovers?
Yes, leftover Chicken Marsala Casserole can be frozen for up to three months. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before placing it in an airtight container for best results.
Is Chicken Marsala Casserole kid-friendly?
Certainly! The creamy sauce and tender chicken in this Italian casserole make it appealing to children. Consider serving it with breadsticks or a side of cheesy vegetables to entice even the pickiest eaters.
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Chicken Marsala Casserole – A Cozy Italian-American Delight
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Marsala Casserole combines the rich flavors of Italian-American cuisine into a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion
diced
5 cloves garlic
minced
16 ounces mushrooms
sliced
1½ tablespoons flour
½ cup Marsala wine (or substitute with white wine)
½ cup fat-free half & half
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup uncooked brown rice
2 cups coarsely chopped cooked chicken (about 1½ cups shredded cooked chicken)
¼ cup fresh parsley
chopped
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are tender.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and mix well, then pour in the Marsala wine, stirring to combine.
- Add the fat-free half & half, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- In a large bowl, combine the uncooked brown rice, cooked chicken, and the mushroom sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and golden on top.
Notes
For a creamier texture, you can increase the amount of fat-free half & half. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Chicken Marsala Casserole, comforting Italian-American dish, chicken casserole, mushroom casserole, baked chicken recipe