Chicken Marsala (Inspired by the Barefoot Contessa)

Step 1

Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or pieces of parchment paper on a hard surface. Using a flat meat mallet (preferred) or meat tenderizer,pound them to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut each breast into two similarly sized pieces so you have a total of four cutlets.

Step 2

Season both sides of the flattened chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Pour the flour into a shallow bowl or onto a plate. Mix in dried rosemary. Coat the chicken with the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess flour, and set aside.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 200 deg F.

Step 5

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a frlying pan over midiu-high heat.

Step 6

Working two at a time,cook each piece of coated chicken for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked on the inside and golden brown on the outside, adding the rest of the olive oil between batches. Drain the chicken on a paper towel, then move to a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and keep warm in the oven.

Step 7

Once you've cooked all four pieces of chicken, without cleaning the pan, add the thyme sprigs and sliced mushrooms. Cook over medium heat for about five minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8

Add 1/4 cup of chicken stock or chicken broth and deglaze the pan by scraping the bottom with a spatula.

Step 9

Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 10

Add the Marsala wine and remaining 1 cup of chicken stock. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 11

Optional: If you prefer a thicker Marsala sauce, shake 2 tsp of cornstarch or flour in 1/4cup of cold water in a closed container until smooth. (A small Mason jar is perfect for this.) Gradually stir into the pan of Marsala mushrooms until blended.

Step 12

Add the butter to the pan and stir until melted. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 13

Remove the chicken pieces from the oven and add them to the pan, spooning the sauce on top. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately with your favorite starch (like mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles) and a seasonal vegetable.