Chicken Marsala Recipe – A Classic Italian-American Favorite
Chicken Marsala is one of those timeless dishes that feels elegant enough for a special occasion yet simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. This Chicken Marsala recipe combines tender pan-seared chicken breasts with a rich, velvety mushroom Marsala wine sauce that is savory, slightly sweet, and deeply comforting.
Beloved in Italian-American kitchens, Chicken Marsala is known for its luxurious flavor without complicated techniques. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 40 minutes from start to finish, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own home.
Whether you’re searching for an easy Chicken Marsala for meal prep, a comforting family dinner, or an impressive main course for guests, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
What Is Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American chicken dish featuring lightly floured chicken breasts cooked in a mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. Marsala wine, a fortified wine from Sicily, adds a distinctive depth and subtle sweetness that balances beautifully with savory mushrooms and aromatics.
Though inspired by Italian cooking, Chicken Marsala became especially popular in American Italian restaurants, where it remains a menu staple today. Its creamy mushroom Marsala sauce and tender chicken make it one of the most ordered chicken dishes nationwide.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Marsala Recipe
- Rich and flavorful without being heavy
- Ready in under 45 minutes
- Uses simple, accessible ingredients
- Perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining
- Naturally high in protein
- Pairs well with pasta, rice, or vegetables
This dish tastes like something you’d order at a fine restaurant—but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- ¾ cup Marsala wine
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for creamier sauce)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are thick, slice them horizontally or pound them to even thickness for quicker cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper. - Dredge lightly in flour.
Place flour in a shallow dish and lightly coat each piece of chicken. Shake off excess flour. This helps create a golden crust and thickens the sauce. - Sear the chicken.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside. - Cook the mushrooms.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, then sliced mushrooms. Cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and tender. - Add aromatics.
Stir in shallots and garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. - Deglaze with Marsala wine.
Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly. - Add broth and simmer.
Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. - Optional cream step.
Stir in heavy cream if you prefer a richer, creamier mushroom Marsala sauce. - Return chicken to skillet.
Place the chicken back into the pan and simmer for 5 minutes, spooning sauce over the top. - Garnish and serve.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Marsala
1. Use Dry Marsala Wine
Dry Marsala works best for savory dishes. Sweet Marsala can make the sauce overly sugary.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
3. Brown the Mushrooms Well
Let mushrooms cook undisturbed for better caramelization and deeper flavor.
4. Adjust Sauce Thickness
If sauce is too thin, simmer longer. If too thick, add a splash of broth.
Variations
Creamy Chicken Marsala
Add ¼ cup heavy cream and a tablespoon of grated Parmesan for extra richness.
Garlic Lover’s Version
Double the garlic for a bold flavor boost.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging.
Low-Carb Version
Skip flour and serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.
What to Serve with Chicken Marsala
This classic Italian-American chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed white rice
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic green beans
- Crusty bread for soaking up sauce
For a complete meal, add a simple side salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Marsala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
- Warm gently in a skillet over low heat.
- Add a splash of broth to loosen sauce.
- Avoid microwaving too long to prevent dry chicken.
This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken Marsala is:
- High in protein
- Moderate in carbohydrates
- Customizable for lower calories
- Packed with immune-supporting mushrooms
When paired with vegetables instead of starches, it becomes a lighter balanced meal.
Fun Fact About Marsala Wine
Marsala wine originates from Sicily and has been used in both savory and dessert recipes for centuries. Its unique fortified character adds complexity that regular white wine cannot replicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless skinless thighs work beautifully and remain extra juicy.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Simply omit butter and cream. Use additional olive oil instead.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the dish fully and reheat gently before serving. The flavor actually deepens overnight.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Marsala recipe proves that elegant, restaurant-quality meals don’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. With its golden pan-seared chicken and creamy mushroom Marsala sauce, it delivers warmth, richness, and comfort in every bite.
Whether you’re planning a dinner party, preparing meals for the week, or simply craving a satisfying weeknight chicken dinner, this dish never disappoints.
Once you master this easy Chicken Marsala, it may just become a regular favorite at your table.
Chicken Marsala
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season chicken with salt and pepper and dredge lightly in flour.
- Sear chicken in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms in butter until browned. Add garlic and shallot.
- Deglaze with Marsala wine and simmer.
- Add chicken broth and cook until sauce thickens.
- Return chicken to pan and simmer 5 minutes.
