Classic Chicken Marsala

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and savory Marsala wine sauce
• Tender chicken paired with earthy mushrooms
• Elegant dish that’s easy to prepare
• Perfect for weeknight meals or special dinners
• Restaurant-quality flavor made at home
• Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or potatoes
• Ready in under an hour

Ingredients

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

chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
all-purpose flour
salt
black pepper
olive oil
butter
garlic, minced
mushrooms, sliced
marsala wine
chicken broth
heavy cream, optional
fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness.
2. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper.
3. Lightly dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
4. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Cook the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
7. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
8. Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
9. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
10. Stir in heavy cream if using for a richer sauce.
11. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for another 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

For a lighter version, skip the heavy cream and keep the sauce purely wine-based.

You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture.

Add shallots along with the garlic for a deeper aromatic flavor.

For extra richness, add a small amount of grated parmesan cheese to the sauce before serving.

Serve the chicken over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken marsala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short intervals until warmed through.

If the sauce thickens during storage, add a splash of chicken broth while reheating.

The dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though the sauce texture may slightly change after thawing.

FAQs

What is Marsala wine?

Marsala wine is a fortified wine from Italy that adds a slightly sweet and rich flavor to sauces.

Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute the Marsala wine with additional chicken broth and a small splash of grape juice or balsamic vinegar.

What mushrooms work best?

Cremini, button, or baby bella mushrooms are commonly used.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and provide a juicier result.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

No, the traditional version often does not include cream. It simply adds extra richness.

What should I serve with chicken marsala?

Pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread pair well with the sauce.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Allow it to simmer longer or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it can be prepared ahead and gently reheated before serving.

How do I keep the chicken tender?

Avoid overcooking and cook just until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, spinach or asparagus can be added to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Classic Chicken Marsala is a timeless dish known for its rich sauce, tender chicken, and earthy mushrooms. With its simple preparation and elegant flavor, this recipe brings restaurant-quality dining to your home kitchen, making it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Classic Chicken Marsala

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Classic Chicken Marsala is a savory Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich Marsala wine sauce with sautéed mushrooms. The sauce is slightly sweet and deeply flavorful, creating an elegant yet comforting meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Garlic, minced
• Mushrooms, sliced
• Marsala wine
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness.
2. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper.
3. Lightly dredge the chicken in flour and shake off the excess.
4. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Cook the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
7. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
8. Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
9. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
10. Stir in the heavy cream if using.
11. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• Skip the heavy cream for a lighter, more traditional Marsala sauce.
• Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier result.
• Add shallots with the garlic for additional depth of flavor.
• A small amount of grated parmesan cheese can be stirred into the sauce for extra richness.
• Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles to absorb the sauce.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with extra broth if needed.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg