Pregnancy comes with many dietary dos and don’ts. It’s important for pregnant women to eat a balanced diet with plenty of nutrients to support the developing baby. However, some foods come with risks that pregnant women may want to avoid. Chicken Marsala is a popular Italian chicken dish made with chicken breast, mushrooms, and Marsala wine sauce. Many pregnant women wonder if Chicken Marsala is safe to eat during pregnancy.
What is Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala is an Italian dish made by sautéing chicken breast in a pan with mushrooms, butter or oil, and Marsala wine. The Marsala wine sauce gives the dish its distinctly sweet flavor. Traditional Chicken Marsala recipes call for flour dredging of the chicken before sautéing and the addition of broth to make the Marsala sauce. The dish is then finished off the heat with parsley and lemon for brightness.
Chicken Marsala features simple yet tasty ingredients like:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast – Provides lean protein.
- Mushrooms – Add flavor and nutrients like B vitamins.
- Marsala wine – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Flour – For dredging the chicken.
- Butter or olive oil – Adds richness and texture.
- Parsley and lemon – Brighten up the sauce.
The combination of sautéed chicken, earthy mushrooms, and velvety sweet Marsala wine makes this a comforting and satisfying Italian chicken dish. It’s easy to make yet feels elegant enough for dinner parties or date nights. No wonder it’s a favorite at Italian restaurants!
Is it Safe for Pregnant Women?
The main concerns with Chicken Marsala during pregnancy are the alcohol content from the Marsala wine and potential risks from undercooked chicken. Let’s look at each of these.
Alcohol Content
Marsala wine adds great flavor to Chicken Marsala, but does contain alcohol. The alcohol content of Marsala wine ranges from 17-20%.
During pregnancy, doctors recommend avoiding alcohol completely since no amount has been deemed safe. Alcohol passes easily through the placenta to the developing baby. Drinking during pregnancy raises the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
However, the alcohol content in a Marsala sauce is typically minimal. Chicken Marsala recipes only call for 1/4 to 1/2 cup of Marsala wine for an entire skillet of chicken. The alcohol cooks off quickly during sautéing, leaving behind the sweet flavor without much actual alcohol.
A pregnant woman would ingest less than 1 oz of alcohol from a serving of Chicken Marsala made with 1/4 cup of Marsala wine. This small amount is unlikely to harm the baby. Still, it’s ideal to use alcohol-free Marsala wine if available.
Undercooked Chicken Risks
Raw and undercooked poultry can harbor Salmonella, Campylobacter, and other bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Pregnant women are at higher risk for getting sick from foodborne illnesses due to suppressed immune systems.
Salmonella is especially concerning during pregnancy. It may lead to premature delivery, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
To eliminate risks from undercooked chicken in Marsala, it’s important to:
- Use fresh, high-quality chicken.
- Cook the chicken all the way through until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Discard any leftovers after 3-4 days.
Properly cooking the chicken eliminates the risks of illness.
Nutrition Profile
Chicken Marsala can be part of a healthy pregnancy diet. Here is the nutritional profile per serving:
Calories and Macronutrients
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbs | 6g |
Chicken Marsala provides lean protein from the chicken, along with small amounts of fat and carbohydrates. The protein supports fetal growth and development.
Vitamins and Minerals
| Vitamin/Mineral | % Daily Value |
|---|---|
| Niacin | 15% |
| Vitamin B6 | 10% |
| Phosphorus | 15% |
| Zinc | 10% |
| Selenium | 15% |
The chicken, mushrooms, and Marsala wine provide B vitamins, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. These support fetal development and a healthy pregnancy.
Best Practices for Pregnant Women
Chicken Marsala can be safely enjoyed during pregnancy by following some best practices:
- Use an alcohol-free Marsala wine or reduce the amount to 2 tbsp.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through to 165°F.
- Make the sauce using low-sodium chicken broth.
- Increase vegetable content by adding extra mushrooms, onions, or tomatoes.
- Ask for the sauce on the side and use half the amount.
- Opt for whole grain pasta or brown rice as a gluten-free side.
Being mindful of portion sizes, alcohol content, and thorough cooking provides the benefits of this delicious dish while avoiding any potential risks.
Healthier Chicken Marsala Alternatives
For pregnant women wanting to exercise extra caution, these lower-risk Chicken Marsala alternatives can satisfy the craving:
Chicken Marsala with Grape Juice
Replace the Marsala wine with an equal amount of grape juice or grape juice concentrate. You’ll get a similar sweetness without the alcohol.
Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
Cooking the chicken low and slow under pressure in an Instant Pot or slow cooker allows the alcohol to fully evaporate.
Mushroom Marsala Chicken Breasts
Marinate chicken breasts in Marsala wine overnight before baking them with mushrooms. The alcohol will dissipate while marinating.
Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Sauce
Make a mushroom sauce with low-sodium chicken broth, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and herbs. Skip the Marsala wine altogether.
The Verdict
Chicken Marsala is likely fine for pregnant women in moderation. To stay on the safe side, use an alcohol-free Marsala wine, ensure the chicken is fully cooked, and limit portion sizes. For maximum caution, one of the alternatives can provide the delicious flavor without risks. Discuss any concerns with your prenatal care provider at your next visit.