Chicken Marsala – Classic Italian-American Elegance Made Simple

Have you ever walked through your front door after a long day, completely drained of energy but still craving something truly satisfying for dinner? That’s exactly when this Chicken Marsala recipe comes to your rescue. This Italian-American classic transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy meal with its rich, wine-infused mushroom sauce that coats each tender piece of chicken perfectly.

The aroma of sautéing mushrooms, the gentle sizzle as the chicken hits the hot pan, and that moment when the Marsala wine deglazes the pan, releasing a cloud of sweet, nutty fragrance – these sensory experiences make cooking Chicken Marsala as enjoyable as eating it. What makes this recipe a standout is how it balances simplicity with sophistication. It’s remarkably easy to prepare yet delivers complex flavors that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight meal or hosting a special dinner party, this Chicken Marsala recipe promises to impress without the stress. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing classic that’s been perfected over generations.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Marsala

• ✅ Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for best Chicken Marsala cooking techniques when time is limited
• ✅ Uses simple pantry ingredients for easy Chicken Marsala dinner ideas any night of the week
• ✅ Versatile recipe with Chicken Marsala variations for special occasions or everyday meals
• ✅ Foolproof method for how to make Chicken Marsala with mushrooms that delivers restaurant quality results
• ✅ Offers healthy Chicken Marsala recipe alternatives with simple ingredient swaps
• ✅ Perfect for beginners with straightforward Chicken Marsala cooking time for beginners instructions
• ✅ Includes adaptable gluten-free Chicken Marsala options that don’t sacrifice flavor

Ingredients for Chicken Marsala

For the Golden Crusted Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (300g/10oz each), cut in half horizontally (or 4 chicken thighs)
• ½ teaspoon cooking salt/kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
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For the Marsala Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
• 2 shallots, peeled and cut into 1cm squares
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 2 cups white mushrooms, sliced 0.5cm thick
• 1 cup dry Marsala wine
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock/broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ teaspoon cooking salt/kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Notes:

• For a lighter version, substitute half the cream with additional stock for a healthy Chicken Marsala recipe alternative
• Can’t find Marsala wine? A combination of dry sherry and brandy makes a reasonable substitute
• Button mushrooms work well, but for an elevated version, try cremini or a mix of wild mushrooms
• For dairy-free needs, use olive oil instead of butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream

How to Make Chicken Marsala – Step by Step

1. Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and, with your hand flat on top, carefully slice horizontally through the middle to create two thinner pieces.
2. Season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Spread flour on a plate and dredge each piece of chicken, shaking off excess. This creates the perfect golden crust essential for authentic Chicken Marsala.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Once hot, add chicken pieces without overcrowding (work in batches if needed).
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
8. In the same pan, add remaining olive oil and butter.
9. Add shallots and sauté for 1 minute until softened but not browned.
10. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
11. Add mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
12. Pour in Marsala wine, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits (this is where the flavor magic happens).
13. Let the wine reduce by half (about 3 minutes), then add chicken stock.
14. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
15. Stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper, then simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
16. Return chicken to the pan, nestling pieces into the sauce.
17. Simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to reheat chicken and allow flavors to meld.
18. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Chicken Marsala

• Temperature matters: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken to achieve that perfect golden crust.
• Don’t rush the mushrooms: Allow them to properly brown for the best flavor foundation for your creamy Chicken Marsala sauce tips.
• Quality wine makes a difference: Use a good quality dry Marsala wine that you would enjoy drinking for the most authentic flavor.
• Pound for tenderness: For even more tender chicken, lightly pound the pieces to an even thickness after slicing them.
• Rest before slicing: If serving the chicken sliced, let it rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
• Make ahead option: The entire dish can be made up to 2 days ahead and gently reheated on the stovetop.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala truly shines when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are some perfect Chicken Marsala side dishes to serve:

For Chicken Marsala wine pairing suggestions, consider serving the same dry Marsala used in cooking, a medium-bodied Pinot Noir, or a crisp Pinot Grigio to complement the flavors.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Marsala

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 425 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

These values may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Storage & Leftovers

Chicken Marsala actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop! Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While possible to freeze for up to 3 months, the cream sauce may separate when thawed. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately.
• Reheating: Gently warm in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to thin the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it may toughen the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Marsala

What is Chicken Marsala made of?

Chicken Marsala is made of thinly sliced chicken breasts dredged in flour and pan-fried, then topped with a sauce made from Marsala wine, mushrooms, shallots, chicken broth, and cream. The dish gets its distinctive flavor from the Marsala wine, which is a fortified wine from Sicily, Italy.

How many calories are in Chicken Marsala?

A typical serving of Chicken Marsala contains approximately 425 calories, though this can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. Using less butter or cream can reduce the calorie count for a lighter version.

Can I make Chicken Marsala without wine?

Yes, you can make Chicken Marsala without wine by substituting the Marsala with a mixture of grape juice or apple juice with a splash of balsamic vinegar. While not identical to the traditional flavor, it will provide a similar sweet-tangy profile to the sauce.

What side dishes go well with Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with pasta, particularly fettuccine or angel hair, mashed potatoes, polenta, roasted vegetables, or steamed greens like asparagus or spinach. A side of garlic bread is also excellent for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve mastered this classic Chicken Marsala recipe, you have an impressive yet simple dish in your cooking arsenal that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken create a memorable meal that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re serving it for a quiet family dinner or entertaining guests, this Chicken Marsala is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The beautiful balance of flavors—savory chicken, earthy mushrooms, and the distinctive sweet notes of Marsala wine—creates a harmony that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

What makes your Chicken Marsala special? Do you have a favorite side dish or wine pairing? Share your experiences and variations in the comments below!

Ready to try another classic Italian-American dish? Check out our Chicken Piccata or Fettuccine Alfredo recipes next!

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