Easy Chicken Marsala

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare in under an hour.
  • Features a rich, flavorful Marsala wine sauce.
  • Uses simple ingredients that are easy to find.
  • Perfect for both family dinners and special occasions.
  • Restaurant-quality flavor made at home.
  • Pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
  • A one-pan meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • Mushrooms, sliced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Marsala wine
  • Chicken broth
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: heavy cream for a creamier sauce

Directions

  1. Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into thinner cutlets and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Lightly dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
  3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Add the mushrooms to the same skillet and sauté until browned and tender.
  6. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Pour in the Marsala wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  8. Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  9. Cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
  10. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for another 5 minutes until fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
  11. Stir in a splash of heavy cream if desired for a richer sauce.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

  • Add heavy cream for a creamy Chicken Marsala.
  • Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for extra juiciness.
  • Include shallots for additional flavor.
  • Add spinach during the final few minutes of cooking.
  • Use a mixture of cremini and button mushrooms.
  • Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
  • Add a touch of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Chicken Marsala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals.

For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What is Marsala wine?

Marsala is a fortified wine from Sicily that adds a distinctive sweet and savory flavor to the sauce.

Can I make Chicken Marsala without wine?

Yes. You can substitute additional chicken broth, though the flavor will differ from the traditional recipe.

What mushrooms are best for Chicken Marsala?

Cremini, button, or baby bella mushrooms are commonly used and work very well.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs remain tender and flavorful in the sauce.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I make the sauce creamier?

Yes. Stir in a small amount of heavy cream near the end of cooking.

What should I serve with Chicken Marsala?

Pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread are excellent choices.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. It reheats well and is suitable for meal prep.

Is Chicken Marsala gluten-free?

Not traditionally, since flour is used for dredging. However, gluten-free flour can be substituted.

Can I freeze Chicken Marsala?

Yes. Freeze the chicken and sauce together for up to 3 months for best quality.

Conclusion

Easy Chicken Marsala is a timeless dish that combines tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a rich Marsala wine sauce into an elegant yet approachable meal. Quick enough for busy weeknights and impressive enough for entertaining, this recipe delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort. Once you try it, you’ll see why Chicken Marsala remains a favorite in kitchens around the world.

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Easy Chicken Marsala

Easy Chicken Marsala

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Easy Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken cutlets simmered in a rich mushroom sauce. This simple version delivers elegant flavor with a silky, savory finish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan Fry
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup Marsala wine
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into thinner cutlets and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Lightly dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
  3. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Cook the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Add the mushrooms to the same skillet and sauté until browned and tender.
  6. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Pour in the Marsala wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  8. Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  9. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
  10. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for another 5 minutes until fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
  11. Stir in the heavy cream if using.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier variation.
  • Cream can be added for a richer and creamier sauce.
  • Cremini or baby bella mushrooms provide deeper flavor.
  • Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg
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