Chicken Marsala Recipe: A Classic Italian Delight
Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Chicken Marsala. This dish is a delightful combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a rich, flavorful sauce that will impress your family and friends. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Chicken Marsala is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make while still delivering incredible flavor. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal that tastes like it came straight from a fancy restaurant. Plus, the warm, comforting flavors of the Marsala wine and cream sauce make it perfect for cozy dinners, holiday gatherings, or even date nights at home.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 1 1/4 lbs (2 large or chicken tenders) |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp (or to taste) |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp (or to taste) |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup (for dredging) |
| Olive oil | 2 Tbsp |
| Unsalted butter | 1 Tbsp |
| Brown button mushrooms | 8 oz (halved or thickly sliced) |
| Onion powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Garlic cloves | 2 (minced) |
| Dry Marsala wine | 3/4 cup (not sweet) |
| Chicken stock | 3/4 cup (reduced-sodium) |
| Heavy whipping cream | 1/2 cup |
| Parsley | 2 Tbsp (finely chopped) |
Instructions
- Start by cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 even cutlets. Place them between plastic wrap and pound them until they’re about 1/3 inch thick.
- Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess flour, and set aside.
- In a large non-reactive, heavy-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the dredged chicken to the pan.
- Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Set the chicken aside and tent it with foil to keep warm.
- If needed, add a bit more oil to the pan. Then, add the mushrooms and sauté until their excess liquid evaporates and they turn golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the onion powder and minced garlic, and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze it. Increase the heat and let it cook until mostly reduced, about 4-5 minutes.
- Next, add the chicken stock and while stirring, add the heavy cream in a steady stream. Lower the heat to keep it at a simmer and let it reduce for another 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Season the sauce with salt to taste.
- Return the chicken to the pan, sprinkle with parsley, and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Keep on the heat for 2 more minutes until heated through, remembering that the sauce will thicken further as it cools.
Tips & Variations
- Use different mushrooms: Feel free to experiment with other types of mushrooms like shiitake or cremini for added flavor.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for dredging.
- Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or asparagus for an extra nutritional boost and color.
- Make it a meal: Serve with a side of pasta or rice to soak up that delicious sauce!
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans or asparagus
- Buttery noodles
- A fresh garden salad
For a complete Italian meal, consider serving it with a glass of dry Marsala wine and a slice of crusty bread for dipping into that creamy sauce!
Conclusion
Making Chicken Marsala at home is simple and rewarding. With its rich flavors and comforting ingredients, you’ll be coming back to this recipe time and again. Don’t hesitate to share this delicious dish with your loved ones; it’s perfect for any occasion!
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and stay tender during cooking.
What can I substitute for Marsala wine?
If you don’t have Marsala wine, you can use a dry sherry or port wine, or even chicken broth combined with a little vinegar for acidity.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze Chicken Marsala?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for about 2 months. Reheat on the stove when ready to enjoy!
Delicious Chicken Marsala Recipe for Any Occasion
Course: Main CourseCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes449
kcalSavor the rich flavors of Chicken Marsala with this easy recipe! Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
1 1/4 lbs chicken breast (2 large, or chicken tenders)1 1/4 lbs chicken breast (2 large, or chicken tenders)
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 Tbsp olive oil2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp unsalted butter1 Tbsp unsalted butter
8 oz brown button mushrooms (halved or thickly sliced)8 oz brown button mushrooms (halved or thickly sliced)
1/2 tsp onion powder1/2 tsp onion powder
2 garlic cloves (minced)2 garlic cloves (minced)
3/4 cup dry marsala wine (not sweet)3/4 cup dry marsala wine (not sweet)
3/4 cup chicken stock (reduced-sodium)3/4 cup chicken stock (reduced-sodium)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 Tbsp parsley (finely chopped)2 Tbsp parsley (finely chopped)
Directions
- Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 cutlets.
- Pound the chicken to 1/3 inch thickness and season with salt and pepper.
- Dredge chicken in flour and set aside.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Set chicken aside and keep warm.
- Sauté mushrooms until golden brown, adding onion powder and garlic.
- Add Marsala wine, deglaze the pan, and reduce.
- Stir in chicken stock and heavy cream, simmer until thickened.
- Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over, and heat through.











