Chicken Marsala is an elegant, restaurant-quality Italian-American dish known for its rich, savory flavor and beautifully aromatic Marsala wine sauce. Originating from Sicily, where Marsala wine is produced, this dish has gained global popularity because it effortlessly blends simplicity with sophistication. Tender chicken breasts are lightly coated, pan-seared until golden, and then simmered in a luxurious sauce made from Marsala wine, mushrooms, garlic, and butter. The result is a comforting yet gourmet dish that feels both special and familiar.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, cooking a weekend family meal, or craving something indulgent yet easy to prepare, Chicken Marsala always impresses without demanding too much time or effort.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Chicken Marsala recipe because it embodies everything enjoyable about cooking: simplicity, flavor, comfort, and elegance. It uses basic pantry ingredients, yet feels like a dish you spent hours preparing. The aroma of mushrooms sizzling in butter and the Marsala wine reducing in the pan is incredibly inviting. Moreover, it’s a one-pan dish—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, risotto, or even crusty bread, and it always tastes amazing. And because the wine infuses such depth into the sauce, it truly tastes like restaurant-level cooking right at home.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
You must try Chicken Marsala because:
- It’s a classic Italian-American favorite bursting with complex flavors.
- It’s quick to prepare yet impressive enough for guests.
- It’s budget-friendly, especially compared to ordering it at a restaurant.
- The sauce is unforgettable—rich, buttery, and infused with wine.
- It pairs with almost everything from pasta to potatoes to vegetables.
- It’s perfect year-round, whether you want comfort food or a celebratory dinner.
If you’ve never had Chicken Marsala, this recipe will make you fall in love with it from the first bite!
Preparation & Cooking Details
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 420 calories per serving
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American / Sicilian
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
For the Marsala Sauce
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ to 1 cup Marsala wine (sweet Marsala preferred)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Quick Directions
- Flatten chicken breasts and coat in seasoned flour.
- Sear chicken until golden; set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic in butter.
- Add Marsala wine and chicken broth; simmer until reduced.
- Return chicken to pan, simmer until sauce thickens.
- Serve warm with parsley garnish.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Place each chicken breast between two plastic wrap sheets and pound to ½-inch thickness.
- Mix flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder on a plate.
- Dredge chicken lightly in the flour mixture.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
- In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed.
- Add mushrooms and sauté until they release moisture and turn golden.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 4: Add Liquid Ingredients
- Pour in Marsala wine and let it bubble for 1–2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer.
- Optional: whisk 1 tbsp flour with a little broth to make a slurry and add for a thicker sauce.
Step 5: Combine & Simmer
- Return the chicken to the pan.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens.
- Stir in remaining butter for a glossy finish.
Step 6: Garnish
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.
How to Serve Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta (linguine, fettuccine)
- Creamy risotto
- Steamed vegetables
- Buttered egg noodles
- Crusty artisan bread
For best presentation, spoon extra Marsala sauce and mushrooms over the chicken right before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Use sweet Marsala wine for a richer, deeper flavor.
- Pound the chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear chicken in batches if necessary.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- For a deeper color, let the wine reduce longer.
- Use cremini mushrooms for a meatier taste.
Variations
1. Creamy Chicken Marsala
Add ½ cup heavy cream to the sauce for a silky, creamy texture.
2. Mushroom Lover’s Marsala
Use a mix of mushrooms:
- Shiitake
- Oyster
- Portobello
3. Gluten-Free Marsala
Replace flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
4. Marsala with Prosciutto
Sauté prosciutto before adding mushrooms for extra richness.
5. Low-Calorie Version
- Use less butter
- Use low-sodium broth
- Skip optional flour thickener
Freezing and Storage
Refrigerator:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop; add a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Meat mallet (for flattening chicken)
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Conclusion
Chicken Marsala is a timeless dish that delivers incredible flavor with minimal work. Its combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich Marsala wine sauce creates a comforting yet sophisticated meal that’s perfect for both weeknight dining and special occasions. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become one of your go-to favorites. Enjoy every bite!
Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Description
Chicken Marsala is an elegant, restaurant-quality Italian-American dish known for its rich, savory flavor and beautifully aromatic Marsala wine sauce. Originating from Sicily, where Marsala wine is produced, this dish has gained global popularity because it effortlessly blends simplicity with sophistication.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
For the Marsala Sauce
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken : Place each chicken breast between two plastic wrap sheets and pound to ½-inch thickness. Mix flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder on a plate. Dredge chicken lightly in the flour mixture.
-
Step 2: Sear the Chicken : Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
-
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms : In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed. Add mushrooms and sauté until they release moisture and turn golden. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
-
Step 4: Add Liquid Ingredients : Pour in Marsala wine and let it bubble for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Optional: whisk 1 tbsp flour with a little broth to make a slurry and add for a thicker sauce.
-
Step 5: Combine & Simmer : Return the chicken to the pan. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens. Stir in remaining butter for a glossy finish.
-
Step 6: Garnish : Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.
