There’s something truly special about Chicken Marsala—tender chicken breasts, perfectly pan-seared to golden perfection, and nestled in a rich, velvety sauce made from Marsala wine, mushrooms, and cream. Each bite is infused with deep, savory flavors that transport you straight to an Italian trattoria. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or a comforting family meal, this dish brings a touch of elegance to your table.
The best part? It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet fancy enough for entertaining guests. Serve it over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and thyme elevates the dish, adding a burst of color and freshness. No need for takeout—this homemade Creamy Chicken Marsala will quickly become a household favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3/4 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the mushrooms until softened and browned, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the Marsala wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origin of Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that originated from Sicily, where Marsala wine is produced. The dish is inspired by traditional Sicilian cooking methods that incorporate wine to enhance the depth of flavors in a meal. Marsala wine, a fortified wine with sweet and dry varieties, adds a unique caramelized, slightly nutty flavor to the dish, making it a staple in Italian restaurants worldwide.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your delicious meal.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of Marsala wine, heavy cream, and butter creates a luxurious sauce that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: With simple ingredients, you can make a dish that tastes like it came from an authentic Italian restaurant.
How to Serve Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with smooth, buttery mashed potatoes.
- Pasta: Serve over fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti for a comforting Italian meal.
- Rice: A bed of fluffy white or brown rice soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Vegetables: Pair it with roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or garlic butter broccoli for a balanced meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Marsala
- Pound the Chicken Evenly – Flattening the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Use High-Quality Marsala Wine – Opt for dry Marsala wine for a balanced flavor. Avoid sweet Marsala, as it can make the dish too sugary.
- Sear the Chicken First – Browning the chicken before adding the sauce locks in the juices and adds a delicious caramelized crust.
- Don’t Skip the Mushrooms – They add an earthy, umami-rich depth of flavor to complement the sauce.
- Simmer the Sauce – Allowing the Marsala wine and heavy cream to reduce creates a thicker, more flavorful sauce.
Pairing Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. If you want to stick with an Italian theme, a glass of Marsala wine complements the flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken Marsala
Pair this creamy dish with simple sides that soak up the delicious sauce:
🍝 Pasta – Serve over fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti for a traditional Italian meal.
🥔 Mashed Potatoes – Buttery, fluffy mashed potatoes absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
🍚 Rice – A bed of white or brown rice complements the rich sauce.
🥦 Vegetables – Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or garlic green beans add a fresh, healthy touch.
🥖 Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping into the flavorful sauce!
Chef’s Tips for the Best Chicken Marsala
👨🍳 Use Dry Marsala Wine – Avoid sweet Marsala, as it can overpower the dish. Dry Marsala balances the creamy sauce with a subtle nuttiness.
👨🍳 Pound the Chicken Thin – This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken absorb more flavor.
👨🍳 Brown the Chicken Well – A good sear locks in the juices and adds a delicious, crispy crust.
👨🍳 Let the Sauce Simmer – Reducing the Marsala wine and broth before adding cream enhances the depth of flavor.
👨🍳 Don’t Skip the Butter – Butter adds extra richness to the sauce and enhances the velvety texture.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
🔹 Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour for dredging.
🔹 Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative.
🔹 Extra Protein: Add crispy pancetta or bacon for a smoky twist.
🔹 Vegetarian: Swap chicken for portobello mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
🔹 Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
📌 Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
📌 Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
📌 Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the chicken.
Perfect Wine Pairings
🍷 Best Choice: Dry Marsala Wine – The same wine used in the sauce enhances the flavors.
🍷 White Wine Options: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc – Their acidity balances the richness.
🍷 Red Wine Alternative: Pinot Noir – A light red with earthy notes that complement the mushrooms.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Marsala is a quick, flavorful, and elegant dish that brings restaurant-quality Italian flavors to your home. With tender chicken, a rich Marsala wine sauce, and sautéed mushrooms, it’s the perfect meal for weeknights or special occasions.
Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or vegetables for a complete meal, and pair it with a glass of dry Marsala or white wine. Plus, it’s easy to customize with gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian variations.
Try this classic Italian favorite, and enjoy a delicious, homemade comfort meal in just 30 minutes! 🍽️✨