Making Chicken Marsala in my own kitchen felt like bringing a fancy Italian restaurant straight to my table. The rich, creamy sauce paired with juicy chicken and earthy mushrooms is simply irresistible. If you’ve been a fan of hearty dishes like the classic Chicken Alfredo recipe, you’ll love this too!

The combination of slightly sweet Marsala wine and savory flavors creates a dish that feels gourmet yet is easy to recreate. Cooking Chicken Marsala at home is a joy that any cook can experience and perfect.

Credit: saltandlavender.com

Ingredients

Chicken breasts (2 large, boneless and skinless): Pound them thin for even cooking.
Flour (1/4 cup): Helps create a light coating for the chicken, giving it a nice sear.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning; don’t skimp on seasoning each layer.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness to the sauce.
Cremini mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced): These lend an earthy depth to the dish. Avoid using canned mushrooms for the best texture.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor.
Dry Marsala wine (1/2 cup): The star ingredient! Opt for a quality wine to achieve the best results.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Balances the richness and enhances the sauce’s depth.
Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Makes the sauce wonderfully creamy.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Note: This recipe serves 4.

Variations

Making Chicken Marsala adaptable is easy! Here are some great alternatives:

For a dairy-free version, skip the heavy cream or use a plant-based substitute.
Prefer a thicker sauce? Add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
Want more veggies? Add spinach or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
For a different flavor profile, try swapping Marsala with white wine.

Cooking Time

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

Equipment You Need

Frying pan: For searing the chicken and making the sauce.
Tongs: Handy for flipping chicken.
Cutting board and knife: Essential for prepping mushrooms and garlic.
Measuring cups/spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
Whisk: For blending the sauce ingredients.

How to Make Chicken Marsala?

Cooking Chicken Marsala is simpler than you’d think, and the result is incredibly rewarding. Here’s how:

Step 1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Coat them lightly in flour, shaking off any excess. This will create a crispy yet light crust when cooked. If your chicken breasts are large, you can cut them in half or butterfly them for quicker cooking.

Step 2. Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides. Since chicken is often the centerpiece of many meals, just like the Butter Chicken recipe, a proper sear adds depth to the overall dish. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3. Sauté the Mushrooms

Add butter to the pan and toss in the sliced mushrooms. Sauté until they’re softened and golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its full aroma.

Step 4. Deglaze with Marsala Wine

Pour the Marsala wine into the pan and scrape the bottom to deglaze, bringing all those flavorful bits into the sauce. Allow the wine to reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5. Finish the Sauce

Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then simmer until the sauce thickens. If you want the sauce creamier, you can whisk in a bit more cream.

Step 6. Combine and Serve

Return the seared chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over each piece. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and infused with the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley, and you’re ready to serve!

Credit: saltandlavender.com

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Having made this myself, I’ve found some tricks to take this dish to the next level:

Always use fresh ingredients, especially mushrooms and garlic, for the best flavor.
Don’t skip pounding the chicken; even thickness ensures even cooking.
Allow the Marsala wine to reduce well; this concentrates the flavors beautifully.
If you prefer a richer sauce, a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese works wonders.
You can also enjoy similar chicken recipes that highlight rich sauces and bold flavors.

How to Serve Chicken Marsala?

Presentation is key with Chicken Marsala. Serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or steamed rice to soak up the luscious sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and cracked black pepper for a finishing touch. Paired with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables, it makes for a full meal.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown for one serving:

Calories: 400
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 22g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage: Keep leftover Chicken Marsala in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: To freeze, cool the dish completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve the creamy sauce texture. Avoid using a microwave as it may dry out the chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Chicken Marsala recipe really stands out for many reasons:

Simple to make: You can whip it up in under an hour.
Versatile: Pair with a variety of sides for an adaptable dish.
Restaurant-quality: Brings gourmet flavors to your home.
Customizable: Offers dairy-free and gluten-free alternatives easily.
A crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Chicken Marsala combines the best of rustic and elegant flavors, making it a meal you’ll want to revisit. Don’t forget to explore other delightful chicken recipes for more inspiration! Once you’ve tried it, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!

Ash Tyrrell