SKINNYTASTE COOKBOOK
So last month, I made a commitment to actually dust off the cookbooks I collect and use them. I started with this Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream from the Homemade Decadence cookbook to ease myself in slowly. Then I decided I needed a dinner recipe to try next. Out popped my barely skimmed new book The Skinnytaste Cookbook. Filled with such promise, I knew it was an outright travesty that I hadn’t so much as read the introduction and had only resorted to gawking at the gorgeous photos a few times. But then I spotted a gem: Skinny Chicken Marsala!
I originally bought the book to improve our family eating habits. Because Gina’s blog Skinnytaste is all about providing lighter versions of flavorful recipes that we all know and love, I knew I was in good hands. And boy was I right.
I LOVE CHICKEN MARSALA
I started with Gina’s version of healthy chicken marsala. I happen to adore a traditional chicken marsala recipe. A hot plate of it makes me warm in my bones. When done right, the chicken is insanely tender, the sauce is rich and layered, and the mushrooms and herbs add just another level of perfection to round out the dish. I find it insatiable and outright impossible to turn down.
SKINNY CHICKEN MARSALA
But skinny chicken marsala? Could the lighter version, this healthy chicken marsala recipe, do just as much for my soul as the original chicken marsala? A girl had to wonder but I’m so glad my curiosity made me try this recipe. In fact, I will no longer deem “skinny” an evil word. I realized the following while trying this:
A. Butter in moderation is absolutely fine in skinny dishes. A small amount goes a long way. I will probably no longer toss entire sticks into my healthy dinner recipes.
and
B. Flavor is the key focus in skinny meals. In this recipe, I didn’t feel like I lacked anything because the tender chicken and the depth of flavor from the wine, spices, shallots and mushrooms really made me feel as though I was having any regular full fat meal. If you focus on flavor, you won’t miss the fat. That is exactly what this healthy chicken marsala recipe does.
This skinny chicken marsala recipe is just the beginning. I plan to try many more healthy chicken recipes from this book for healthy weeknight dinners that will finally get my hubby and I on the good foot. Skinny isn’t so bad
after all.
HEALTHY CHICKEN RECIPES
Below are a few other healthy chicken recipes you might want to try: OVEN FRIED CHICKEN TENDERS, LEMON ROAST CHICKEN AND POTATOES, and BAKED CHICKEN PARMESAN with SPAGHETTI SQUASH
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 ounces each)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
- 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms
- 3 ounces sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 1/3 cup Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup Swanson 88% fat-free chicken broth I used chicken stock since it was all I had on hand
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Preheat the oven to 200°F.
- Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make 4 cutlets. Put each cutlet between two sheets of plastic wrap and lightly pound them until they are about 1/4 inch thick. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper.
- Place an 18-inch-long length of wax paper on the counter. Put the flour in a shallow bowl and lightly dredge the chicken pieces in the flour, shaking off any excess. Put the chicken on the wax paper; reserve the 1 teaspoon remaining flour to use later.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon of the butter and 1 teaspoon of the olive oil to the pan and swirl the pan until the butter has melted. Add the chicken and cook until slightly golden on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking dish and place in the oven to keep warm.
- Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoon olive oil to the skillet. Add the garlic and shallots and cook until soft and golden, about 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms, season with 1/8 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in the reserved 1 teaspoon of flour and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds. Add the Marsala wine, chicken broth, and parsley.
- Cook, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon, until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet with the mushrooms, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer in the sauce to let the flavors blend, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- To serve, put a piece of chicken on each of 4 serving plates. Spoon the mushrooms and sauce evenly over the top, and serve hot.
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Molly says
February 1, 2017 at 9:52 amThis looks amazing!!! Going to try it tonight– question! Is it 241 calories in one whole breast or in one of the 4 pieces of chicken, after you cut it?
Michelle says
January 16, 2017 at 5:56 pmJust made this tonight and it was a big hit! Yummy!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
January 17, 2017 at 7:28 pmHooray! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Sherry Harris says
August 14, 2016 at 5:26 pmThis was delicious! Thanks so much!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
August 16, 2016 at 2:56 pmHooray so glad you enjoyed it!
Lulu says
August 1, 2016 at 4:37 pmThis is one of the only meals I make that my husband enjoys eating and says he doesn’t feel like he is eating healthy! My 5 and 8 year olds even eat it. It’s delicious. Thank you!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
August 1, 2016 at 9:01 pmIt is really delish. I absolutely love this recipe. So glad you enjoy it too!
Cheryl says
July 24, 2016 at 4:19 pmdry or sweet marsala in this recipe?
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
July 25, 2016 at 3:22 pmSweet Marsala.
Gayla says
April 29, 2016 at 9:35 amCan you substitute the 88% Swanson for the one that’s over 90%
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
April 29, 2016 at 5:46 pmYep you surely can!
Mickey A. says
March 24, 2016 at 11:22 pmIf you are a weight watcher, you always prepare the same food, but the truth is you have to try different varieties of recipes and also good for weight loss. Your recipe one example of a different but healthy recipe that is also good for weight watchers. Thanks for sharing.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 25, 2016 at 8:22 amI hope you enjoy!
Angie says
March 1, 2016 at 7:54 pmMade this tonite and it was soooo good. Thank you for posting this reciepe.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 4, 2016 at 5:44 pmSo glad you enjoyed it!
John Churchin says
February 3, 2016 at 5:20 pmOh, my freakin GOD. I Love Marsala and yours is Incredible!!!! I made it this evening for my baby, She is a WW client so on my days off I look for recipes to make her dinner. I was looking today for a Chicken recipe and came across yours. It Truly Is Delicious. I’d give it 10 Stars if I could. I am going to make this for my entire family. I’m sure they will Love It. Thank You!!!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
February 8, 2016 at 7:12 pmI’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Amanda says
January 26, 2016 at 11:27 amI made this for my husband, mom and dad last night–it was a big hit! The flavor wasnt lacking at all and the chicken was moist. We will be making this again for sure!:)
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
January 27, 2016 at 8:01 amYES it is amazing. I really love the flavor in this recipe as well.
Michelle says
July 28, 2015 at 11:11 pmI don’t like mushrooms. Can I make this dish and achieve the same flavor so without them?
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
July 29, 2015 at 3:56 pmHi Michelle, it won’t be exactly the same but the chicken is quite flavorful on its own.
Laura Dembowski says
March 20, 2015 at 2:47 pmI haven’t had chicken marsala in so long. Love this healthier version!
Julia says
March 18, 2015 at 6:27 pmThis looks so rich and comforting. I am putting this on my list to try! Pinned!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog says
March 17, 2015 at 10:01 pmI totally need to dust off my cookbook collection, I have so many amazing books in there! This skinny chicken marsals is begging to be made in my house, I’m all for butter in moderation 🙂 YUM!
Zainab says
March 15, 2015 at 9:56 pmGirl, I need to keep that promise of dusting off the books. This looks delicious!!
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
March 15, 2015 at 6:30 pmI’ve never tried chicken marsala (can you believe it) but you’ve convinced me to give it a go! Looks so gorgeous!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
March 15, 2015 at 6:22 pmI think we should put together a club. I have at least, at the very least, 60 cookbooks that I very rarely use. I just keep collecting them because I can’t help myself. I just love them! I really should use them more. Love this recipe. Pinned.
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says
March 15, 2015 at 4:41 pmMy cookbooks are often neglected, too, so I have to remind myself to use them! This skinny chicken marsala doesn’t look skinny at all! Your photos are making me hungry!
Megan {Country Cleaver} says
March 15, 2015 at 11:08 amWhat a dream!! This looks so heavenly!
Beverley says
March 15, 2015 at 8:47 amYou know I follow you here, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and I love your style with recipes. A chef can never have too many chicken recipes and this has gone to the top of my hit list. Love it We try to eat healthy all the time will a little splurge here and there so bring on your skinny recipes. Thank you xoxo
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 15, 2015 at 9:08 amHooray thanks so much Beverley! I will definitely keep posting some healthier recipes for you to try!!! And thanks for following along.
Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel says
March 14, 2015 at 4:26 pmoh how the mushrooms really appeal to me in this already delicious dish/recipe. looks great
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 15, 2015 at 9:08 amThank you so much Kelsey!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
March 13, 2015 at 5:56 pmThat seriously looks like the best chicken marsala ever! Love that it is lightened up but looks like it has tons of flavor.
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
March 13, 2015 at 1:37 pmThat picture looks screen licking delicious!!
Justine | Cooking and Beer says
March 13, 2015 at 10:52 amI absolutely adore the fact that you lightened up chicken marsala! It’s one of my favorites!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 13, 2015 at 11:25 amSame here!
Karen @ On the Banks of Salt Creek says
March 13, 2015 at 9:28 amYeah! I love chicken marsala. Can’t wait to try it.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 13, 2015 at 11:24 amOh yum!!
marcie says
March 13, 2015 at 9:15 amThis looks like food for the soul to me, and chicken marsala is one of my favorites! Here’s to eating it with less guilt. 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 13, 2015 at 11:23 amIt is seriously good food for the soul.
tanya says
March 13, 2015 at 5:50 amI wouldn’t care if this dish is skinny or not, it looks too good to pass up no matter what! Fabulous job Jocelyn!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 13, 2015 at 8:43 amWell girl you have certainly warmed my heart. Thanks so much hon!
Alessandra // the foodie teen says
March 13, 2015 at 4:52 amThis looks absolutely incredible! I love, love, love anything with all those gorgeous flavours added in!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 13, 2015 at 11:22 amOh yes indeed!
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting says
March 13, 2015 at 12:49 amOh I LOVE Skinny Taste! I met Gina briefly at Food Blog Forum and I totally had a fan moment. This look delicous girl!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 13, 2015 at 11:22 amGosh I would have loved to meet Gina! OMG!
Linda | Brunch with Joy says
March 13, 2015 at 12:10 amOh yummmm! I love chicken marsala and never miss it when I to got Cheesecake Factory. Guess what I’ll be making for dinner tomorrow night.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 13, 2015 at 11:21 amGosh I never ordered it at Cheesecake Factory. I bet its good!
Amanda says
March 12, 2015 at 11:06 pmThis looks so amazing, I love that you lightened up a great classic!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 13, 2015 at 11:20 amThanks Amanda! The recipe is so delish!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
March 12, 2015 at 7:38 pmThis sounds and looks incredible! I love chicken marsala and am always looking to eating healthier. Pinned!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 13, 2015 at 11:20 amThanks for the pin Rachel!
Elsa says
March 12, 2015 at 7:03 pmThis looks scrumptious and flavourful. Who knew skinny could look so luscious? I’ve been on a mushroom kick lately so thanks for this:-)
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 13, 2015 at 11:18 amYeah mushrooms are fantastic!
Neeli @ Neeli's Unique Creations says
March 12, 2015 at 4:51 pmI’ve never tried chicken Marsala, although I have a recipe for it. This dish looks so good and my family and I would seriously mangle this dish. I don’t do “skinny” dishes, but would be willing to try this recipe for sure. The fact that this dish uses mushrooms is one of the reasons I would put a hurtin’ on it.
LaurenM says
March 12, 2015 at 2:23 pmQuestion for you, as someone who cannot eat most meats (I have an illness that limits me from anything but seafood as it is easy to break down), could this be made subbing in my favorite white fish filet with good results? I’m thinking seabass would adapt to the flavors well. Obviously cooking time will need to adjust.
I intend to make this for my husband with chicken as written, recipe looks amazing!
Many thanks 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 12, 2015 at 2:36 pmHi Lauren, I definitely think this can be tried with a white fish fillet. I would definitely lower the cooking time so the fish doesn’t overcook.
Maryanne @ the little epicurean says
March 12, 2015 at 12:19 pmI love chicken marsala! I’m super intrigued to try a skinny version. Thanks for inspiring me to dust off my cookbook collection!… I think I’ll start with a cocktail book 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 12, 2015 at 2:36 pmOh yeah a cocktail book sounds fantastic!
Annie @Maebells says
March 12, 2015 at 10:39 amWe loooove chicken marsala! It is one of our favorites, I can’t wait to try this skinny version!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 12, 2015 at 11:01 amWoot woot! Thanks Annie!
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
March 12, 2015 at 10:34 amChicken marsala is is a favorite of ours. I love that you made a skinny version. I will definitely have to try it.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 12, 2015 at 11:01 amYes indeed!
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says
March 12, 2015 at 10:10 amSwoon! I’m always on the look out for healthier recipes!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 12, 2015 at 11:00 amSame here!
April says
March 12, 2015 at 9:19 amYummy! I never had Chicken Marsala before. A FB friend posted her version yesterday and now I see yours. I’ll take that as a sign for me to make some.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 12, 2015 at 9:36 amI think that’s a good sign. It means you must make it!
Bill says
March 12, 2015 at 9:15 amI have a million cookbooks that I never use. This post has reminded me that I need to drag some out and start using them. I love this recipe, Jocelyn! There’s nothing better than a good Chicken Marsala and I love that it’s a “skinny” version. Great post!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 12, 2015 at 9:36 amThanks so much Bill! I think we all can relate to the whole unused cookbook situation.
Mir says
March 12, 2015 at 7:52 amChicken marsala is the best. But yep, hard to make it with all that butter and be okay with it, so this is awesome. It looks perfect!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 12, 2015 at 9:35 amHooray thanks so much Mir! It really does put the flavor on the chicken.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
March 12, 2015 at 7:47 amI loooovvvvveeeee chicken marsala!!! I have a go-to recipe but will definitely give this one a try! and I still need to get this cookbook!!!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
March 12, 2015 at 9:34 amYes you should definitely check it out!
Molly Spanarkel says
January 11, 2017 at 7:53 pmHI! Tried this recipe tonight & it was easy, light, & delicious 🙂 The only question I have is how did you achieve that rich, deep color? Mine came out lighter looking and I’d like to fix that next time. Thank you!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
January 13, 2017 at 9:14 amI actually let the colors really intensify and allowed it to simmer for a bit longer to achieve that color. Maybe try thickening the sauce a little more next time. So glad you enjoyed it.