Classic Chicken Marsala: A Simple & Flavorful Recipe You’ll Love

Looking for a flavorful, restaurant-quality dinner that’s easy to prepare? This Chicken Marsala recipe is your answer.

With tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, savory mushroom and Marsala wine sauce, this dish brings out the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and earthy flavors. Ideal for both weeknight meals and special occasions, this simple yet elegant recipe requires minimal ingredients and just a few steps to create a truly delicious meal.

Ready in under 30 minutes, Chicken Marsala is the perfect comfort food with a sophisticated twist. Follow this recipe, and impress your family or guests with a dish that’s as easy as it is delectable.

Recipe Information

• Serves: 4 people
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Why I Love This Chicken Marsala Recipe

What really sets this recipe apart is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like it came from an upscale Italian restaurant.

The Marsala wine creates this beautiful, glossy sauce that’s both sweet and savory, while the mushrooms add an earthy depth that makes every bite satisfying. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick to make – perfect for those nights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan (preferably stainless steel or cast iron)
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Small mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Paper towels
• Plastic wrap or parchment paper (for pounding chicken)

Check These Recipes Also –

• Savory and Sweet Chicken Bulgogi Made Easy
• Cheesy Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole
• Zesty and Bright Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
• Creamy Spinach Mushroom Lasagna for Comfort Food Nights
• Easy Sheet Pan Tacos Perfect for Weeknights

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Marsala Sauce:

• 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup dry Marsala wine
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and tender results. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter stops foaming, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms. Cook for 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture and become golden brown. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off some of the alcohol. Add chicken broth and simmer for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Swirl in 2 tablespoons of cold butter for extra richness and gloss.

Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up that incredible sauce.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Marsala

1. Don’t skip the pounding step – Even thickness means even cooking
2. Use dry Marsala wine – Sweet Marsala will make the sauce too sugary
3. Don’t overcrowd the pan – Cook chicken in batches if necessary
4. Let the wine reduce – This concentrates the flavor and cooks off harsh alcohol notes
5. Finish with cold butter – This creates a silky, restaurant-quality sauce

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Chicken Marsala can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. The dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers still taste wonderful!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Marsala recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too. The combination of tender chicken and that luxurious, wine-infused sauce never fails to impress, whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!