Is Cribari Marsala good for Chicken Marsala?

Answered by Michael Blake

When it comes to selecting a Marsala for Chicken Marsala, it's important to consider the flavor profile you want to achieve in the dish. While there are both sweet and dry varieties available, I personally prefer using a dry Marsala for this particular recipe.

Dry Marsala imparts a more balanced and subtle sweetness to the dish, complementing the savory flavors of the chicken and other ingredients. It doesn't overwhelm the palate with excessive sweetness, allowing the other flavors to shine through. On the other hand, sweet Marsala can sometimes be overpowering and make the dish taste overly sweet.

That being said, there are times when I only have Cribari Marsala available to me, which is known for being on the sweeter side. However, I find that Cribari Marsala can still work in Chicken Marsala if used judiciously.

In my experience, Cribari Marsala has a pleasant and rich flavor, with notes of raisins, caramel, and dried fruits. While it may not be the traditional choice for Chicken Marsala, it can add a unique twist to the dish. I would recommend using it in smaller quantities than what the recipe calls for, so as not to overpower the other flavors.

When using Cribari Marsala, it's important to adjust the other ingredients accordingly. For example, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar or sweet ingredients in the recipe to balance out the sweetness of the wine. Additionally, you can also consider adding a splash of lemon or vinegar to help cut through the sweetness and add a touch of acidity.

Ultimately, the choice of Marsala wine for Chicken Marsala comes down to personal preference and the flavor profile you want to achieve. While dry Marsala is often the preferred choice, Cribari Marsala can still be used with some adjustments to the recipe. So, if Cribari Marsala is the only option available to you, don't hesitate to give it a try and experiment with the flavors to suit your taste.