Who doesn’t love a delicious plate of chicken? Two popular dishes that feature chicken as the main ingredient are Chicken Piccata and Chicken Marsala. If you’re trying to decide which one to make for dinner tonight, we’ve got you covered. In this ultimate comparison guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about these two dishes.
What is Chicken Piccata?
Chicken Piccata is an Italian dish made with chicken breasts that have been lightly dredged in flour, then pan-fried until golden brown. The sauce is made by deglazing the pan with white wine and chicken broth, then adding capers, lemon juice, and butter. It’s typically served with pasta or rice.
What is Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala is another Italian dish made with chicken breasts that have been dredged in flour, then pan-fried until golden brown. The sauce is made by deglazing the pan with Marsala wine and chicken broth, then adding mushrooms and butter. It’s also typically served with pasta or rice.
When Should You Make Chicken Piccata vs Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Piccata and Chicken Marsala are both great dishes to make for a special occasion or when you want to impress your guests. However, they can also be made on a weeknight when you’re craving something delicious and comforting.
How To Make Chicken Piccata and Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Piccata Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons capers
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze the skillet with the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the chicken broth, capers, and lemon juice to the skillet.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Whisk in the butter until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with pasta or rice.
Chicken Marsala Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze the skillet with the Marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the chicken broth and sliced mushrooms to the skillet.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Whisk in the butter until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with pasta or rice.
Pros and Cons
Both Chicken Piccata and Chicken Marsala are delicious dishes that are sure to please your taste buds. However, there are a few pros and cons to consider when deciding between the two.
Pros of Chicken Piccata:
- Bright and tangy flavor from the lemon and capers
- Lighter sauce that won’t weigh you down
- Quick and easy to make on a weeknight
Cons of Chicken Piccata:
- Can be too sour if too much lemon juice is added
- Not as rich or flavorful as Chicken Marsala
Pros of ChickenMarsala:
- Rich and savory flavor from the Marsala wine and mushrooms
- Creamy, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for cooler weather or special occasions
- Can be made ahead and reheated for easy entertaining
Cons of Chicken Marsala:
- Sauce can be heavy and calorie-dense
- Longer cooking time compared to Chicken Piccata
Alternatives
If you’re looking for an alternative to Chicken Piccata or Chicken Marsala, here are a few other chicken dishes to consider:
- Chicken Parmesan: Breaded chicken topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese
- Lemon Garlic Chicken: Pan-seared chicken breasts with a buttery lemon garlic sauce
- Coq au Vin: French stewed chicken in red wine with bacon and mushrooms
Step-by-Step Comparison
Here’s a quick comparison of the steps involved in making Chicken Piccata vs Chicken Marsala:
| Step | Chicken Piccata | Chicken Marsala |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Dredge chicken in flour | Dredge chicken in flour |
| 2. | Cook chicken in oil until golden brown | Cook chicken in oil until golden brown |
| 3. | Remove chicken from pan | Deglaze pan with Marsala wine |
| 4. | Deglaze pan with white wine and chicken broth | Add chicken broth and mushrooms to pan |
| 5. | Add capers, lemon juice, and butter to pan | Simmer sauce until thickened |
| 6. | Whisk in butter until fully incorporated | Whisk in butter until fully incorporated |
| 7. | Return chicken to pan and spoon sauce over top | Return chicken to pan and spoon sauce over top |
Tips
- To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-sliced mushrooms and skip the step of sautéing them separately.
- For a healthier version of Chicken Marsala or Chicken Piccata, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They have more flavor and are less likely to dry out.
The Best
It’s hard to say which is the best between Chicken Piccata and Chicken Marsala, as it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, if you’re looking for a lighter and tangier dish with a quick cook time, Chicken Piccata is the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re craving a rich and savory sauce that’s perfect for a special occasion, Chicken Marsala is the winner.
FAQs
- Is Chicken Marsala or Chicken Piccata healthier?
- While both dishes feature chicken as the main ingredient, Chicken Piccata is generally considered to be healthier due to its lighter sauce and fewer calories.
- What’s the difference between Chicken Marsala and Chicken Piccata?
- Chicken Piccata features a lemony sauce with capers, while Chicken Marsala features a creamy mushroom and Marsala wine sauce.
- How many calories are in Chicken Piccata vs Chicken Marsala?
- A serving of Chicken Piccata typically contains around 400-500 calories, while a serving of Chicken Marsala can contain upwards of 700-800 calories due to the creamier sauce.
- Can I make Chicken Marsala or Chicken Piccata ahead of time?
- Yes, both dishes can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- What’s the best side dish to serve with Chicken Marsala or Chicken Piccata?
- Both dishes pair well with pasta or rice, but you could also serve them with steamed vegetables or a salad.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to make Chicken Piccata or Chicken Marsala, you can’t go wrong with either dish. Both are delicious and satisfying, and it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and the occasion. Try out both recipes and see which one you like best.
