An Italian-American classic that’s rich, savory, and irresistibly creamy!
If you’re craving something elegant yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner, this chicken marsala recipe is pure perfection. Juicy, golden pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious mushroom and Marsala wine sauce — it’s the kind of dish that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in under an hour right at home.
Let’s make the best chicken marsala ever — tender, flavorful, and unforgettable.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Restaurant-quality flavor at home
✅ One-pan dinner — minimal cleanup
✅ Ready in 35 minutes
✅ Creamy, rich, and full of depth thanks to Marsala wine and mushrooms
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced horizontally to make 4 cutlets)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Marsala Sauce:
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup Marsala wine (sweet or dry, depending on your taste)
¾ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream (optional for creamy version)
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
🍷 Marsala Tip: Sweet Marsala gives a richer, deeper flavor, while dry Marsala is more savory. Either works beautifully.
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken cutlets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off the excess.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
In the same pan, add a bit more butter if needed. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5–6 minutes, until golden and tender. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 4: Deglaze with Marsala Wine
Pour in the Marsala wine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan — that’s where all the flavor is!
Let the wine simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Stir in the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 8–10 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens.
🧈 Optional Creamy Version: Stir in heavy cream for a velvety finish. If you like it thicker, whisk cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce.
Step 6: Return the Chicken
Place the browned chicken back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce and mushrooms over the top and simmer for another 3–5 minutes, until the chicken is coated and heated through.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm with your favorite sides.
🍝 Best Side Dishes for Chicken Marsala
This dish shines when paired with:
🍜 Butter noodles or fettuccine pasta – to soak up the sauce
🥔 Garlic mashed potatoes – creamy perfection
🥖 Crusty bread – for every last drop of that Marsala sauce
🥦 Steamed asparagus or green beans – for a bright, fresh balance
🔥 Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Marsala
⭐ Pound chicken evenly — ensures even cooking and tenderness.
⭐ Don’t overcrowd the pan — brown in batches if needed.
⭐ Use real Marsala wine — not cooking wine! It makes all the difference.
⭐ Simmer slowly — lets flavors deepen and sauce thicken naturally.
🧡 Variations You’ll Love
Creamy Mushroom Marsala: Add extra cream and a touch of Parmesan for decadence.
Low-carb version: Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
Dairy-free option: Use olive oil instead of butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream.
🍷 Quick Pairing Ideas
Wine: Pair with Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or light red like Pinot Noir.
Non-alcoholic: Sparkling grape juice or iced tea with lemon.
🧄 Nutrition Snapshot (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 450
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Carbs: 18g
(Varies with ingredients and sides.)
✨ The Secret to the Best Chicken Marsala
It’s all about balance — golden seared chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luxurious Marsala wine reduction that ties it all together. A touch of cream turns it into pure comfort, while a sprinkle of herbs keeps it light and fresh.
Once you try this best chicken Marsala recipe ever, you’ll never order it out again — because yours will taste even better. ❤️
❤️ In Short: A Restaurant Classic Made Simple
This chicken marsala is creamy, elegant, and full of soul. With one pan, simple ingredients, and 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
So grab your skillet and let’s cook — because tonight, you’re the chef at your own Italian bistro. 🇮🇹✨
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