Some recipes never go out of style, and Chicken Marsala is one of them. With its tender pan-seared chicken, rich mushroom sauce, and unmistakable depth from Marsala wine, this Italian-American classic feels elegant without being complicated.

What makes this Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe stand out is its balance: restaurant-quality flavor using approachable ingredients and straightforward techniques. It’s the kind of dish that works just as well for a cozy weeknight dinner as it does for a special occasion.

If you’ve ever thought Chicken Marsala was something best left to restaurants, this recipe will change your mind.

What Is Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala is a dish rooted in Italian cooking traditions, adapted over time in American kitchens. It features lightly floured chicken cutlets cooked in a sauce made from Marsala wine, mushrooms, butter, and broth.

Marsala wine, a fortified wine from Sicily, brings a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that defines the dish. Combined with savory mushrooms and pan drippings, it creates a sauce that’s rich, silky, and deeply comforting.

Why This Recipe Works

Thin chicken cutlets cook quickly and evenly
Mushrooms add earthy depth and texture
Marsala wine provides signature sweetness
Butter balances acidity and enriches the sauce
One-pan cooking keeps cleanup minimal

This recipe avoids unnecessary steps while preserving the integrity of the classic dish.

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup Marsala wine
¾ cup chicken broth
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Lightly dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Add remaining butter to the skillet and sauté mushrooms until browned and tender.
Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Pour in Marsala wine, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
Simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add chicken broth and return chicken to skillet.
Simmer until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Flavor and Texture Breakdown

The chicken remains tender thanks to quick pan-searing, while the sauce achieves a velvety consistency without heavy cream. Mushrooms soak up the Marsala wine, delivering bursts of savory sweetness in every bite.

The flour coating lightly thickens the sauce while helping the chicken develop a golden crust.

Tips for the Best Chicken Marsala

Use dry Marsala wine
Dry Marsala offers balanced sweetness without overpowering the dish.

Don’t overcrowd the pan
Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.

Let the sauce reduce
Reduction concentrates flavor and improves texture.

Slice mushrooms evenly
Uniform slices cook consistently and look better plated.

Variations

Creamy Chicken Marsala
Add ¼ cup heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.

Chicken Marsala with Thyme
Add fresh thyme during the simmer for herbal notes.

Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for dredging.

Low-Carb Version
Skip flour and thicken sauce with reduction alone.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic mashed potatoes
Buttered egg noodles
Steamed green beans
Roasted asparagus
Cauliflower mash for a low-carb option

Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with simple sides that absorb the sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Cultural Context

Marsala wine originates from Sicily and has been used in Italian cooking for centuries. While traditional Italian versions may feature veal, the chicken adaptation became popular in American kitchens for its accessibility and affordability.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe proves that classic comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With bold flavor, simple ingredients, and reliable results, it’s a dish worth mastering.

Once you make it at home, it quickly becomes a go-to recipe for both everyday dinners and entertaining.