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Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe
If you’ve ever ordered Chicken Marsala at a restaurant and thought, “I wish I could make this at home,” you’re in the right place. This Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients and straightforward steps — all in about 30 minutes.
Tender pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich, savory mushroom Marsala wine sauce create a dish that feels elegant yet approachable. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting guests, this classic chicken Marsala will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
What Is Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala is a beloved Italian-American dish featuring lightly floured chicken breasts cooked in a sauce made from Marsala wine and mushrooms. The wine reduces into a slightly sweet, deeply savory glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.
Though it sounds sophisticated, this homemade chicken Marsala is surprisingly simple — no special culinary skills required.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- One-pan meal
- Rich, savory flavor
- Perfect for weeknights or entertaining
- Made with simple pantry staples
Unlike complicated versions, this quick Italian chicken dinner keeps things streamlined without sacrificing depth of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup Marsala wine
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for creamier sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Pat dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper. - Dredge Lightly
Place flour in a shallow bowl and lightly coat each piece of chicken, shaking off excess. - Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside. - Sauté the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned and tender, about 5–7 minutes. - Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Deglaze with Marsala Wine
Pour in Marsala wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. - Add Broth and Cream
Stir in chicken broth (and heavy cream if using). Let simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. - Return Chicken to Pan
Add chicken back to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for another 3–4 minutes. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Easy Chicken Marsala
Tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich mushroom Marsala wine sauce, ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season and dredge chicken lightly in flour.
- Sear chicken until golden; remove from pan.
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic.
- Deglaze with Marsala wine and reduce.
- Add broth and cream; simmer until thickened.
- Return chicken to pan and simmer briefly.
Notes
Use dry Marsala wine for best flavor. Do not overcook chicken.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Marsala
1. Pound the Chicken Evenly
Even thickness ensures even cooking and tender results.
2. Don’t Skip Browning
The golden crust adds depth to the creamy mushroom Marsala sauce.
3. Use Dry Marsala Wine
Dry Marsala provides balance. Sweet Marsala can make the sauce overly sweet.
4. Let the Sauce Reduce
Allowing the sauce to simmer concentrates flavor and creates a silky texture.
Serving Suggestions
This easy chicken Marsala recipe pairs beautifully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Garlic parmesan pasta
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted asparagus
For a lighter option, serve over cauliflower mash or sautéed spinach.
Variations
Creamy Chicken Marsala
Add heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Lighter Version
Skip the cream and reduce the sauce slightly longer.
Add Shallots
Replace or combine garlic with finely diced shallots for extra depth.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free flour for dredging.
Make Ahead & Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying.
Freezing:
Can be frozen, though sauce texture may slightly change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work beautifully and add extra richness.
What if I don’t have Marsala wine?
You can substitute dry sherry, though flavor will differ slightly.
Is this authentic Italian?
Chicken Marsala is Italian-American rather than traditional Italian cuisine, but it’s widely loved.
Why This Recipe Works
This quick Italian chicken dinner succeeds because it balances savory mushrooms, lightly sweet Marsala wine, and tender chicken in a sauce that feels indulgent yet approachable.
It’s elegant enough for guests, simple enough for weeknights, and flavorful enough to rival restaurant versions.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe proves that classic comfort dishes don’t need to be complicated. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you can create a deeply satisfying meal in about 30 minutes.
Once you master this homemade chicken Marsala, it’s bound to become a regular request at your dinner table.