Chicken Marsala Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting yet elegant meal to add to your repertoire, Chicken Marsala is a classic that never disappoints! With its golden pan-seared chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety sauce laced with sweet Marsala wine, this dish is an invitation to slow down and savor each bite. Whether you’re making dinner for guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal at home, Chicken Marsala brings warmth, richness, and just the right hint of sophistication to the table. Let’s jump right in and make this Italian-American favorite together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Marsala is all about balancing simple ingredients for maximum flavor. Every item plays a part, from the tender chicken and luscious mushrooms to the aromatic herbs and splash of Marsala wine, bringing a perfect mix of savory, slightly sweet, and creamy notes.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps the chicken achieve that golden, irresistible crust.
• Finely Chopped Shallots: Their mild flavor creates a delicate, aromatic base for the sauce.
• Cremini Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, these mushrooms soak up the Marsala sauce beautifully.
• Fresh Garlic, Minced: A little goes a long way to deepen the savory notes.
• Fresh Sage: Lends a woodsy, slightly peppery undertone that complements the chicken.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: Infuses a gentle herbal aroma; don’t skimp on fresh herbs for vibrant flavor.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Layers of seasoning are essential at every stage for full-bodied taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used for dredging the chicken and thickening the sauce, ensuring silky goodness.
• Garlic Powder: Bumps up the garlicky flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Thinly Sliced Chicken Breasts: Chicken cooks quickly and stays juicy when pounded nice and thin.
• Olive Oil: Works with butter to create a high-heat sear while adding Mediterranean flair.
• Marsala Wine: The soul of Chicken Marsala; choose a good quality dry or semi-sweet variety for depth and subtle sweetness.
• Chicken Broth: Builds a savory base, and helps deglaze those golden pan bits.
• Heavy Cream: Brings the sauce together in a dreamy, luscious way.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: A splash of brightness that balances out the richness.
• Additional All-Purpose Flour (for thickening): Whisked into broth for a lump-free, velvety sauce.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant flourish right before serving.

How to Make Chicken Marsala

Step 1: Sauté Shallots and Mushrooms

Start by melting butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add in the finely chopped shallots and let them cook until they’re soft, aromatic, and golden. Toss in your cremini mushrooms next; stir occasionally and let them cook until they’re beautifully browned and the pan starts to smell incredible. This forms the earthy, savory foundation of your Chicken Marsala.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in the fresh garlic, sage, and thyme. Let these cook for just two minutes, watching closely so the garlic doesn’t burn. These fresh herbs bloom in the warm butter and infuse the mushrooms with intense flavor, setting the stage for the rest of the dish.

Step 3: Prep and Dredge the Chicken

While the pan’s flavors are mingling, preheat your oven to 200°F and set the rack to the middle position to keep the cooked chicken warm. In a wide bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Use plastic wrap and a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Pat the chicken dry for that perfect golden sear, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture and shake off any excess. Lay them out on a baking tray, ready to hit the skillet.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter together in your skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is shimmering, add half of the chicken and cook for 2-4 minutes per side, letting each piece develop a gorgeous golden crust. Transfer cooked chicken to an oven-safe platter in your preheated oven, then repeat with the remaining pieces, making sure everything stays hot and juicy.

Step 5: Deglaze and Build the Marsala Sauce

Now comes the magic moment! Pour the Marsala wine into your skillet and stir, scraping up any golden bits stuck to the pan—these are flavor gold. In a small bowl, mix a spoonful of flour into the chicken broth to make a thickening slurry. Add this to the skillet along with your heavy cream, lemon juice, and the sautéed mushrooms (plus any juices they’ve released). Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens, stirring occasionally and adjusting seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Take your beautifully seared chicken out of the oven and lay it into the simmering sauce. Spoon plenty of mushrooms and silky Marsala sauce over the top. Let everything bubble together for a moment to marry the flavors. Your Chicken Marsala is now ready to plate with plenty of sauce and mushrooms, served alongside your favorite sides. Don’t forget a shower of fresh parsley to complete the dish!

How to Serve Chicken Marsala

Garnishes

Finish your Chicken Marsala with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley for color and a pop of freshness. If you love a citrusy touch, an extra squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds brightness. For even more indulgence, sprinkle a little grated parmesan over the top and watch it melt into the sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish was practically made for creamy mashed potatoes or buttered pasta to soak up every last drop of that dreamy sauce. Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a fan favorite, but tagliatelle or even simple steamed rice work beautifully. Don’t forget a crisp green vegetable, like steamed green beans or roasted asparagus, to balance all the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, plate the chicken over a bed of pasta and swirl the sauce around for dramatic effect. For something different, slice the cooked chicken and layer it on toasted ciabatta for a gourmet open-faced sandwich. Or, present individual plates with a little mound of mashed potatoes topped by a chicken cutlet and a generous spoonful of sauce and mushrooms.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Chicken Marsala (lucky you!), store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, so tomorrow’s lunch will taste just as wonderful—if not better—than tonight’s dinner.

Freezing

Chicken Marsala freezes surprisingly well. Place cooled chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to keep the sauce at its best consistency.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat Chicken Marsala gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently so the sauce doesn’t separate. Add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual servings, but do so in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of mushroom?

Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms are classic for Chicken Marsala, white button mushrooms or even exotic varieties like shiitake and oyster will add their own unique twist to the flavor.

What’s the best Marsala wine for Chicken Marsala?

Look for a dry or semi-sweet Marsala wine (not the sweet dessert kind) for the perfect balance of depth and subtle sweetness. Cooking-specific Marsala works in a pinch, but if you can get a bottle from the wine section, it will elevate the sauce.

Can I make Chicken Marsala gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for dredging the chicken and thickening the sauce. Everything else stays gloriously the same!

Is there a dairy-free version?

To make this recipe dairy-free, swap the butter for a high-quality vegan butter or olive oil, and replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream. The flavors will still shine!

Can I prepare Chicken Marsala in advance for a dinner party?

You can! Cook the chicken and sauce a few hours ahead, then gently reheat them together just before serving. This makes entertaining stress-free and ensures your guests enjoy a piping hot, flavorful meal.

Final Thoughts

I can’t tell you how many times Chicken Marsala has saved the day, turning an ordinary night into something memorable. Invite a little Italian-American magic into your kitchen, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love just how rewarding it is to create and share such a timeless favorite!

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