Lyons Family Cookbook

Chicken Marsala Stew

2

Tbs

extra virgin olive oil, divided

1

lb

boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1" chunks

1/2

tsp

salt

1/2

tsp

ground black pepper

8

oz

cremini mushrooms, sliced

8

oz

baby carrots

1

cup

frozen baby peas

1

large sweet onion, chopped

3

Tbs

flour

2

garlic cloves, finely chopped

1/2

cup

Marsala wine

1 1/2

cups

chicken broth

1

Tbs

balsamic vinegar

1

In a large Dutch oven or stock pot, heat 1/2 Tablespoon of the oil over medium-high. Add half of the chicken pieces and season with 1/4 tsp each of the salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and repeat with another 1/2 Tablespoon of the oil and the remaining chicken, salt and pepper. Set aside.

2

Add another 1/2 Tablespoon of the oil to the pot. Add the mushrooms and sauté until they being to soften and give off liquid, 3 - 5 minutes. Add the carrots and peas, then sauté for another 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

3

Add the remaining 1/2 Tablespoon of the oil to the pot. Add the onions and sauté until they soften and start to brown, about 5 minutes.

4

Add the flour and garlic and cook, stirring for 1 minute.

5

Pour in the Marsala and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes longer. Add the chicken broth and reserved vegetables, then bring to a simmer.

6

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Add the reserved chicken and vinegar and simmer until heated through, about 3 minutes. Makes 4 servings.

A stew for spring isn't as counterintuitive as it sounds. The intermittently cool and rainy then sunny and warm weather is perfect for a simple stew. The difference is the timing. Unlike a stew meant for the dead of winter, a spring stew should be a relatively speedy affair. This recipe compensates for the flavor typical stews develop during long simmers by drawing on potent ingredients like Marsala wine and balsamic vinegar. It also uses flavor-enhancing techniques, like browning the chicken before adding it to the stew.