There’s something undeniably enchanting about the sound of chicken sizzling in a hot pan, filling the kitchen with inviting warmth. As I tossed those golden cutlets into the skillet, I couldn’t help but think how the magic of Chicken Marsala has tantalized taste buds for generations. This dish, with its rich blend of tender chicken bathed in a silky Marsala wine sauce and earthy mushrooms, transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary delight.
Perfect for busy nights, this one-pan recipe is not only quick and easy to whip up—taking less than 30 minutes—but it also offers the comfort and flavor of classic Italian-American cuisine that the whole family will love. Whether you’re serving it over pasta for a hearty meal or pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes, this Chicken Marsala recipe promises to be a satisfying centerpiece for any dinner table. Let’s dive in and create a dish that will make your taste buds dance!
Why is Chicken Marsala so irresistible?
Comforting Flavors: The sumptuous blend of tender chicken with a rich Marsala wine sauce creates a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
One-Pan Convenience: Save yourself the hassle of multiple dishes with this easy-to-clean recipe, perfect for those busy weeknights.
Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 30 minutes, dinner is served before you know it!
Family-Friendly Appeal: Whether you have picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this dish delights every palate.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with your favorite carbs—pasta, rice, or even spooned over zoodles for a low-carb treat. Enjoy a delicious meal without the fast food guilt!
Chicken Marsala Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need to whip up a delicious Chicken Marsala that the whole family will adore!
For the Chicken
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Main protein source providing tender and juicy meat; substitute with chicken tenderloins for ease.
- All-Purpose Flour – Coats the chicken for a crispy exterior; gluten-free flour works as a great alternative.
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Enhances flavor; feel free to adjust seasonings to match your taste.
- Olive Oil – Used for cooking the chicken, adding healthy fats; can be replaced with vegetable oil if needed.
- Unsalted Butter – Contributes richness and flavor to the sauce; use additional olive oil for a dairy-free option.
For the Sauce
- Shallots – Provide subtle sweetness and depth; substitute with onions if you’re in a pinch.
- Garlic – Adds aromatic flavor that elevates the dish; fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can substitute if necessary.
- Chicken Broth – Forms the base of the delectable sauce; opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
- Dry Marsala Wine – The star of the sauce, imparting its signature flavor; white wine can be a substitute but might alter the taste.
- Heavy Cream – Adds creaminess to the sauce; for a lighter option, swap it with half-and-half or coconut cream.
- Fresh Thyme – Infuses earthy notes into the dish; freshly chopped parsley is also a lovely garnish option.
With this easy list of ingredients, you’re just moments away from creating a fantastic Chicken Marsala that elevates any dinner into a delightful experience!
How to Make Chicken Marsala
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Prep Chicken: Begin by cutting and pounding the chicken breasts to about ¼-inch thickness. Season them generously with salt and black pepper, then coat each piece in flour for a delightful crispy texture.
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Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken and cook until golden brown, approximately 5-6 minutes on each side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the remaining butter and melt it over medium heat. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the shallots and minced garlic, seasoning with a pinch of salt to bring out those lovely flavors.
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Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and dry Marsala wine, followed by the heavy cream. Be sure to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet for added flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
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Finish Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, allowing it to simmer in the sauce for a further 2-3 minutes until heated through. This ensures the chicken absorbs all that wonderful flavor!
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Serve: Dish up your Chicken Marsala hot, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy this delectable meal with your choice of pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra touch of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Marsala
Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Marsala in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain its juicy texture, keep the chicken and sauce together.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Chicken Marsala in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat the thawed Chicken Marsala in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture as needed.
Make-Ahead Tips: Consider preparing the chicken and sauce separately to enjoy fresh flavors. Store them in the fridge and combine them right before serving for the best results.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Marsala are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the chicken by cutting and pounding it up to 24 hours in advance, then season and coat it in flour. Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The sauce components—mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and the broth mixture—can also be prepped and refrigerated, allowing you to quickly combine them when you’re ready to cook. When it’s time to serve, simply heat the skillet, cook the chicken, sauté the vegetables, and finish the sauce for just as delicious results without the last-minute rush. Enjoy your time-saving dinner!
Expert Tips for Chicken Marsala
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Perfect Chicken: Always pound the chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking; this helps avoid dry spots while ensuring tenderness.
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Depth of Flavor: Allow the Marsala wine to reduce fully before adding broth and cream; this deepens the sauce’s flavor, giving your Chicken Marsala a gourmet touch.
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Thickening Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, simply simmer it longer to achieve that luscious, velvety texture that clings beautifully to the chicken.
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Pan Choice Matters: Use a stainless steel or cast-iron skillet for optimal browning; non-stick pans can prevent beautiful crust formation on the chicken.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs make a world of difference in flavor, providing the aromatic depth that elevates your Chicken Marsala from average to extraordinary.
What to Serve with Chicken Marsala?
Transform your Chicken Marsala into a complete meal with these delightful pairings that enhance its rich, comforting flavors.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their velvety texture soaks up the luscious sauce beautifully, making every bite a comforting experience.
- Garlic Butter Noodles: Tossed in herbed butter, these noodles complement the dish with a subtle garlic kick, elevating the overall meal.
- Roasted Asparagus: The tender-crisp texture of roasted asparagus adds a vibrant freshness that perfectly balances the richness of the sauce.
- Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed with garlic, spinach brings a nutritious green element that adds color and a hint of earthiness to the plate.
- Parmesan Risotto: Creamy risotto enhances the dish’s elegance, pairing perfectly with the chicken’s flavors while delivering a satisfying bite.
- Crusty Garlic Bread: This is perfect for mopping up that enticing Marsala sauce, offering a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
- Light Green Salad: A fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette adds a bright note that cuts through the dish’s richness, keeping it balanced and light.
- Chianti Wine: This classic red wine pairs beautifully with Chicken Marsala, enhancing the dish’s flavors and intensifying the dining experience.
Chicken Marsala Variations
Customize your Chicken Marsala to make it uniquely yours—just one or two changes can elevate the experience!
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour to coat the chicken, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish without worry.
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Creamy Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach towards the end of cooking for a pop of color, nutrition, and a delightful texture that pairs beautifully.
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Sun-Dried Tomato Boost: Toss in sun-dried tomatoes with the mushrooms for an added burst of tangy flavor that transports you straight to Italy.
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Zesty Lemon: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice before serving for a refreshing zing that complements the sweetness of the Marsala wine.
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Dairy-Free Delicacy: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream sauce to keep the richness without the dairy.
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Mushroom Medley: Experiment with different types of mushrooms like shiitake or portobello for deeper umami notes and an interesting textural contrast.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an exciting kick, perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals.
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Herb-Infused: Replace fresh thyme with fresh rosemary or basil for a different aromatic twist that brightens the whole dish.
These variations will take your Chicken Marsala to new heights and let your culinary creativity shine!
Chicken Marsala Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for Chicken Marsala?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken breasts are the classic choice for Chicken Marsala, offering tender, juicy meat. If you prefer, you can also use chicken tenderloins for even quicker cooking. Just make sure they are pounded to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly!
How should I store leftover Chicken Marsala?
For sure! Leftover Chicken Marsala can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the flavors intact and maintain the juicy texture, it’s best to store the chicken and sauce together.
Can I freeze Chicken Marsala?
Yes, you can! To freeze Chicken Marsala, place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What should I do if my sauce is too thin?
This is no problem! If you find your Chicken Marsala sauce is too thin, simply continue to simmer it on low heat until it thickens to your desired consistency. Another quick fix is to whisk in a little cornstarch (mixed with water) which will help thicken it up in no time.
Are there any dietary considerations for Chicken Marsala?
Definitely! Depending on your dietary needs, you can make several adjustments to Chicken Marsala. For a gluten-free version, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. If you’re dairy-free, opt for extra olive oil instead of butter and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
How can I enhance the flavors in my Chicken Marsala?
Very much! To elevate the flavors of your Chicken Marsala, allow the Marsala wine to reduce deeper before adding the broth and cream. This deepens the complexity of the sauce. Incorporating fresh herbs, like thyme or parsley, at the end of cooking adds a beautiful, vibrant freshness to the dish.
Irresistible Chicken Marsala Made Easy in One Pan
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by cutting and pounding the chicken breasts to about ¼-inch thickness. Season them generously with salt and black pepper, then coat each piece in flour for a delightful crispy texture.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken and cook until golden brown, approximately 5-6 minutes on each side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Using the same skillet, add the remaining butter and melt it over medium heat. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the shallots and minced garlic, seasoning with a pinch of salt.
- Pour in the chicken broth and dry Marsala wine, followed by the heavy cream. Scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet for added flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, allowing it to simmer in the sauce for a further 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Dish up your Chicken Marsala hot, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy with your choice of pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.