Peachy Chicken in Marsala 🍑
Ingredients:
1-1/2 lbs. boneless chicken breast cutlets
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 oz. prosciutto
3 Tbsp. salted butter
2 small shallots, sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 Tbsp. fresh chopped thyme
3/4 cup marsala wine, or dry white wine
2 Tbsp. white balsamic vinegar, or balsamic vinegar
2 peaches, sliced
1 Tbsp. honey
8 oz. fresh mozzarella, torn
fresh basil
salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the chicken and toss to coat, adding more flour as needed to fully coat the chicken.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the prosciutto and cook until crisp. Remove the prosciutto from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Add the butter and chicken to the skillet. Sear until golden on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Add the shallots, garlic, and thyme. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then pour in the Marsala wine, vinegar, and 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Return the prosciutto to the skillet. Arrange the peaches and mozzarella around the chicken, then drizzle the honey over the peaches. Bake the skillet for 5 minutes. Switch the oven to broil and cook until the peaches are lightly charred and the cheese is melted, about 1 minute.
6. Serve the chicken topped with the peaches and pan sauce. Finish with fresh basil. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 mins.
Cook Time: 20 mins.
Total Time: 40 mins.
Servings: 6
Cooking with Marsala wine adds a wonderfully rich and slightly sweet flavor that elevates chicken dishes like this Peachy Chicken Marsala. Incorporating fresh fruit, such as peaches, not only adds a unique touch but also balances the savory and wine-infused notes with natural sweetness. When I first tried this recipe, I was pleasantly surprised at how well the peaches complemented the tender chicken and the melted mozzarella. One tip I learned is to choose ripe but firm peaches for slicing; overly soft peaches might become mushy during baking and broiling. Also, using a dry or semi-dry Marsala wine helps prevent the sauce from becoming too sweet. Prosciutto introduces a delightful crispy texture and a subtle saltiness enhancing the dish’s complexity. Fresh thyme and shallots provide herbal and aromatic layers, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. This recipe is great for those who enjoy combining savory and fruity elements in their cooking. You can easily adapt it by swapping peaches for nectarines or even apricots, depending on the season and availability. For a creamy twist, mozzarella is ideal here, but burrata or goat cheese also melt beautifully and enrich the dish. Serving this dish with light sides like steamed green beans or a crisp mixed salad keeps the meal balanced. Leftovers, if any, reheat well and make a flavorful lunch option. Overall, this Peachy Chicken Marsala is a perfect example of how simple ingredients blend harmoniously to create an impressive yet straightforward meal that's sure to impress family and friends.
