After a busy week of takeout and hastily prepared meals, I craved something rich and comforting yet easy to make. That’s when Chicken Marsala stole the spotlight in my kitchen—an Italian classic that feels elegantly indulgent while requiring minimal effort. Imagine the delightful aroma of sautéed mushrooms and garlic filling the air, merging seamlessly with a luscious, creamy sauce that clings to tender chicken.
This recipe is my go-to when I want to impress guests or simply create a hearty meal for my family. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little love, you can transform an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience. So let’s whisk together the flavors of Marsala wine and fresh herbs, and rediscover the joys of cooking at home. Trust me, this dish will steal your heart and become a cherished favorite in your weeknight repertoire!
Why is Chicken Marsala the perfect dinner choice?
Simplicity at its best: With straightforward steps, you’ll have a gourmet meal ready in no time.
Rich, creamy sauce: The combination of heavy cream and Marsala wine creates a decadent flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
Impressive yet easy: This dish is elegant enough for company but simple enough for weeknight dinners—ideal for anyone short on time yet big on taste!
Versatile sides: Pair it with your favorite veggies or over pasta for a complete meal that adapts to your cravings.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a family feast or a dinner party, Chicken Marsala is sure to delight guests and leave them asking for seconds!
Chicken Marsala Ingredients
• Elevate your dinner with these essentials!
For the Chicken
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – Pounding them to ¼-in thick ensures even cooking and tender bites.
- All-purpose flour – A light dredging gives the chicken a lovely golden crust while sealing in moisture.
- Salt – Essential for enhancing the chicken’s natural flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper – Adds a touch of spice to balance the richness of the sauce.
For the Sauce
- Olive oil – A healthy fat choice for sautéing that adds depth to the flavor.
- Unsalted butter – Richness from butter brings a wonderful creaminess to the Marsala sauce.
- Pre-sliced bella or button mushrooms – These mushrooms add an earthy note and texture to the dish.
- Finely chopped shallots – Shallots offer a milder onion flavor, enhancing the sauce’s complexity.
- Minced garlic – A must for infusing the dish with an aromatic kick.
- Chicken broth – Keeps the sauce moist and flavorful while complementing the Chicken Marsala perfectly.
- Dry Marsala wine – This ingredient is key for that authentic sweet and savory flavor profile.
- Heavy cream – Provides a luxurious creaminess that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
- Chopped fresh thyme – Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a hint of earthiness.
- Chopped fresh Italian parsley – A vibrant garnish that adds freshness, if desired.
How to Make Chicken Marsala
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge them lightly in flour. This step helps create a deliciously crispy crust while locking in moisture as the chicken cooks.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow the butter to melt and bubble, creating a rich base for your Chicken Marsala.
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Cook the chicken in the skillet, letting it sizzle for about 5-7 minutes per side until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest.
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Sauté the mushrooms, shallots, and garlic in the same skillet, stirring them for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step enhances the sauce’s flavor by capturing all those delightful browned bits.
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Pour in the chicken broth and Marsala wine, scraping up any tasty bits that cling to the pan. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Stir in the heavy cream and thyme, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
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Finish by stirring in the remaining butter and taste the sauce; adjust seasoning if needed. Serve your Chicken Marsala warm, garnished with fresh parsley if you choose.
Optional: Serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Marsala components are perfect for meal prep, saving you precious time on busy weeknights! You can season and dredge the chicken breasts in flour up to 24 hours in advance; just be sure to refrigerate them (to keep them fresh). Additionally, sauté the mushrooms, shallots, and garlic, then let them cool before storing in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your Chicken Marsala, simply reheat the sautéed mixture, add in the chicken broth and Marsala wine, and follow with the heavy cream and chicken. This way, you’ll achieve that comforting, restaurant-quality dinner just as delicious as if it were freshly made—without all the fuss!
What to Serve with Chicken Marsala?
When you’re setting the table for an unforgettable meal, the right accompaniments can elevate your Chicken Marsala experience.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich, velvety texture of mashed potatoes pairs wonderfully, soaking up that luscious sauce.
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Garlicky Green Beans: A bright, crisp side that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the Chicken Marsala. Their tender crunch adds a touch of freshness.
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Herbed Risotto: This creamy, arborio rice dish infuses earthiness from fresh herbs and complements the savory flavors of the chicken perfectly.
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Sautéed Spinach: Quick to make and vibrant in color, sautéed spinach adds a pop of nutrition and color to your plate, balancing the meal beautifully.
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Caesar Salad: The zest of lemon and crisp romaine offers a refreshing crunch against the rich sauce, making every bite delightful. The anchovies in the dressing can also enhance the umami flavor.
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Red Wine: A glass of dry red wine, like Merlot or Chianti, beautifully complements the flavors of your Chicken Marsala, enhancing the dining experience.
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Tiramisu: For dessert, consider serving a light and creamy tiramisu. Its coffee and cocoa flavors provide a sweet ending that contrasts beautifully with the savory main course.
With these pairings, you’ll create a cozy and satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Expert Tips for Chicken Marsala
- Pound Evenly: Ensure even cooking by pounding chicken to ¼-inch thick. This prevents uneven cooking and keeps the chicken tender.
- Don’t Rush Searing: Take the time to let the chicken sear undisturbed for a proper golden crust, enhancing flavors and texture in your Chicken Marsala.
- Deglaze for Flavor: After sautéing, deglaze the pan with Marsala wine to lift the flavorful bits—this step is crucial for a rich sauce.
- Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter sauce, use less heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half while still achieving satisfying creaminess.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sauce before serving! Adjust salt and pepper to ensure your Chicken Marsala is perfectly seasoned.
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Marsala
Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Marsala in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep the flavors fresh, allow it to cool before sealing.
Freezer: You can freeze Chicken Marsala for up to 3 months. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers, and be sure to leave space for expansion.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to rehydrate the sauce if necessary.
Packaging: For optimal freshness, wrap any unconsumed Chicken Marsala tightly with plastic wrap before transferring it to a container.
Chicken Marsala Variations
Feel free to get creative with this beloved recipe and tailor it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch for dredging the chicken, keeping it delicious for everyone.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a vegan butter alternative to create a rich sauce that’s dairy-free yet creamy.
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Mushroom Medley: Try a blend of shiitake, portobello, and cremini mushrooms for a deeper, more complex flavor that elevates the classic dish.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering for a warm, spicy twist that enhances the dish’s comfort.
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Herb Infusion: Swap fresh thyme for rosemary or oregano to explore different aromatic layers and find a new favorite flavor profile.
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Wine Alternatives: If you don’t have Marsala wine, use sherry or a good-quality dry white wine as a substitute for a similar depth of flavor.
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Vegetarian Delight: Replace the chicken with sautéed eggplant or roasted cauliflower for a hearty, veggie-packed version that’s perfect for plant-based diners.
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Pasta Twist: Serve this delightful sauce tossed with al dente fettuccine or penne for a comforting pasta dish that brings a new vibe to your dinner table.
Chicken Marsala Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best mushrooms for Chicken Marsala?
Absolutely! Opt for fresh bella or button mushrooms that are firm and free from dark spots or blemishes. If you’re at a store, give them a gentle squeeze; they should feel slightly springy. With mushrooms, freshness is key for enhancing the rich flavors in your Chicken Marsala.
What’s the best way to store leftover Chicken Marsala?
To keep your Chicken Marsala tasting delicious, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before sealing, let the dish cool to room temperature to help maintain its quality. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat gently on the stove!
Can I freeze Chicken Marsala?
Very! You can freeze Chicken Marsala for up to 3 months. I recommend portioning it into freezer-safe containers, allowing a little space for expansion. To prepare, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore its creamy texture.
What should I do if my Chicken Marsala sauce is too thin?
If you find your sauce is thinner than expected, don’t worry! Allow it to simmer on medium heat without the chicken for a few extra minutes. This will help it naturally thicken. If you want a quicker fix, create a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water, adding it gradually to the sauce while stirring until you reach your desired thickness.
Is Chicken Marsala suitable for special diets, like gluten-free?
Yes! You can make a gluten-free version of Chicken Marsala by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging the chicken. Additionally, ensure that your chicken broth and Marsala wine are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious, comforting meal!
Mouthwatering Chicken Marsala: A Cozy Dinner Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge them lightly in flour.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Cook the chicken in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and set aside to rest.
- Sauté the mushrooms, shallots, and garlic in the same skillet, stirring for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the chicken broth and Marsala wine, scraping up any tasty bits and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream and thyme, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Finish by stirring in the remaining butter and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm.