Chicken Marsala Recipe

Quick & Savory Chicken Marsala Recipe That Never Disappoints

Tender chicken breasts dancing with earthy marsala wine create a culinary symphony that’ll make your taste buds sing.

The classic chicken marsala recipe brings Italian-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table.

Succulent chicken cutlets get perfectly seared and bathed in a rich, velvety sauce that whispers sophistication.

Mushrooms add depth and an irresistible umami touch to this elegant dish.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of delicate flavors that transport you to a cozy trattoria.

Simple ingredients transform into a restaurant-worthy meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

Prepare to savor a dish that turns an ordinary evening into a gourmet celebration.

Variations on Chicken Marsala to Explore

  • Gluten-Free Marsala: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour for dredging chicken, ensuring crispy coating without gluten.
  • Vegetarian Marsala: Swap chicken with portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, maintaining the rich Marsala wine sauce and earthy mushroom flavors.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip flour coating and use thinly sliced chicken breasts, serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal.
  • Mediterranean Adaptation: Add fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to the sauce, incorporate kalamata olives, and finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.

What Goes Well with Chicken Marsala

  • Sip Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio beautifully complement the rich, savory Marsala sauce with their light, refreshing notes that cut through the dish's heaviness.
  • Serve Creamy Sides: Garlic mashed potatoes or buttery risotto provide a smooth, comforting base that soaks up the delicious Marsala sauce, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
  • Match Earthy Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans add a fresh, green crunch that balances the richness of the chicken and mushroom sauce, bringing brightness to the plate.

Storage Advice for Chicken Marsala

  • Store leftover Chicken Marsala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil for best preservation.
  • Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • What is Marsala wine and why is it important in this recipe?

Marsala wine is a fortified wine from Sicily, Italy, that provides a rich, sweet-savory flavor to the sauce. It adds depth and complexity to the chicken dish, creating a signature taste that distinguishes this recipe from other chicken preparations.

  • Can I use a different type of wine if I don't have Marsala?

While Marsala wine is traditional, you can substitute with dry sherry or madeira wine. However, the flavor profile will be slightly different, and it won’t have the exact authentic Chicken Marsala taste.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and white and juicy on the inside with no pink areas.

Classic Chicken Marsala Made Simple

  • Create Nostalgic Dessert: Dive into a classic treat that brings back warm memories of grandma's kitchen, packed with rich chocolate comfort and smooth, creamy texture.
  • Master Layered Indulgence: Build a stunning dessert with three delightful components – crispy graham cracker crust, silky chocolate pudding, and fluffy vanilla whipped cream that create a perfect flavor harmony.
  • Customize with Ease: Personalize your pie by adding different chocolate garnishes like shaved dark chocolate, cocoa powder dusting, or even colorful sprinkles to make it uniquely yours.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend celebrations where everyone craves a slice of decadent chocolate goodness that satisfies all sweet tooths.

Ingredients for Chicken Marsala

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean, tender meat that serves as the star of this classic Italian-American dish.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A light coating that helps create a golden, crispy exterior on the chicken.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
Cooking Liquids and Aromatics:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help create a smooth, delicious sauce.
  • Marsala Wine: A sweet fortified wine that gives the dish its signature deep, complex flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and helps create a silky, savory sauce.
  • Garlic: Brings a pungent, aromatic element to the mushroom and sauce base.
  • Mushrooms: Offer an earthy, meaty texture that complements the chicken perfectly.

How to Cook Chicken Marsala Like a Pro

Step 1: Tenderize and Coat Chicken

Gently pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Sprinkle salt and pepper over each piece.

Dredge chicken completely in flour, ensuring a light, even coating that will create a golden crust when cooked.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place floured chicken into the hot pan. Cook each side until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.

Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Saute Mushroom Medley

In the same skillet, melt butter.

Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn beautifully caramelized. Introduce minced garlic and stir, allowing the aromatics to bloom for about one minute.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Wine Sauce

Pour Marsala wine and chicken broth into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up delicious browned bits from the pan bottom.

Let the sauce simmer and reduce, concentrating its rich flavors for roughly 5 minutes.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return seared chicken to the skillet.

Gently bathe the chicken in the sauce, allowing it to warm through and absorb the deep, complex flavors. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer chicken to serving plates. Generously spoon mushroom sauce over the top.

Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or al dente pasta for a complete, restaurant-worthy meal.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Marsala

  • Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness for consistent cooking and tender texture.
  • Choose cremini or button mushrooms for classic flavor, or mix varieties for depth and complexity.
  • Shake off excess flour after dredging to ensure crisp, even coating without gummy texture.
  • Use a dry Marsala wine from Sicily for authentic taste; avoid cooking wine with added salt.
  • Simmer sauce gently to reduce and thicken, creating rich, glossy coating for chicken.
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Chicken Marsala Recipe

Chicken Marsala Recipe


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4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Indulgent chicken marsala whisks home cooks straight to Italian culinary landscapes with rich mushroom-infused wine sauce coating tender chicken breasts. Elegant yet simple, this classic dish delivers restaurant-quality comfort that seamlessly blends sophisticated flavors you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 chicken breasts, pounded thin

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 cup (200 g) mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Ingredients and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup (60 g) flour
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Marsala wine
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Tenderize chicken breasts by gently pounding to even thickness, then generously season with salt and pepper. Coat thoroughly in flour, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F). Sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a clean plate and reserve.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce sliced mushrooms. Sauté until edges caramelize and texture softens, around 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
  4. Deglaze the skillet by pouring Marsala wine and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape accumulated browned bits from pan bottom. Allow liquid to simmer and reduce by one-third, concentrating sauce flavors, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  5. Gently reintroduce chicken breasts into the simmering sauce. Spoon liquid continuously over meat, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to reheat thoroughly, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Transfer chicken to serving plates, generously cascading mushroom-rich Marsala sauce over each piece. Accompany with creamy mashed potatoes or al dente pasta for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Flour coating creates a delightful crispy exterior that seals in the chicken’s juicy flavor.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure maximum flour adherence and a perfect golden crust.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch to maintain the crispy texture.
  • Choose a dry Marsala wine for a more robust and less sweet sauce that complements the savory chicken.
  • Fresh mushrooms provide better texture and flavor compared to canned varieties.
  • Let the sauce simmer and reduce to concentrate the rich, deep wine and mushroom flavors.
  • Slice chicken against the grain for tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites that absorb the delicious sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 440 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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