Simple Yet Delicious Classic Chicken Marsala Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Chicken Marsala stands as a beloved Italian-American culinary treasure that tantalizes taste buds with its rich and sophisticated flavors.

This elegant dish combines tender chicken cutlets with a luxurious wine-based sauce that promises a delightful dining experience.

Originating from the beautiful regions of Italy, the recipe has been warmly embraced by American kitchens and restaurants across the country.

The magic of this dish lies in its harmonious blend of succulent chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety Marsala wine reduction.

Skilled home cooks and professional chefs alike appreciate the delicate balance of ingredients that create this timeless classic.

Diners can expect a comforting yet refined meal that showcases the beautiful simplicity of Italian-inspired cuisine.

Tips To Help With Classic Chicken Marsala

• Shake Flour Coating Effectively: Use a ziplock bag for even and less messy chicken coating, ensuring each piece gets uniform seasoning without kitchen counters getting floury.
• Control Meat Doneness: Cook chicken until golden and just cooked through, using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfect texture and food safety.
• Enhance Sauce Depth: Scrape brown bits from the pan while deglazing, as these caramelized pieces provide rich, complex flavor to the Marsala sauce.
• Select Quality Wine: Choose a good-quality dry Marsala wine, preferably from Sicily, to elevate the sauce's authentic taste and create a more sophisticated dining experience.
• Manage Sauce Consistency: Reduce sauce slowly and gently, allowing it to thicken naturally without rushing, which helps develop deeper flavors and achieve the ideal silky texture.

Store Classic Chicken Marsala With Care

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Chicken Marsala in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled chicken to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months without compromising flavor or texture.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Reheat Oven: Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Add a little broth to maintain moisture and prevent the sauce from separating.

Why Classic Chicken Marsala Is A Dinnertime Favorite

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this gourmet-style chicken dish in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving restaurant-quality meals without complex cooking techniques.
• Flavor Explosion: Marsala wine and rich cream create a deeply savory sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into an incredibly luxurious dining experience with minimal ingredients.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Equally impressive for casual family dinners or elegant dinner parties, this recipe suits multiple occasions while satisfying diverse taste preferences.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Simple one-pan technique ensures even cooking, minimal cleanup, and guarantees delicious results even for home cooks with limited culinary skills.

What You Need For Classic Chicken Marsala

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that serves as the star of the dish, best when boneless and skinless.

• All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Black Pepper: Creates a light, crispy exterior for the chicken, adding seasoning and texture.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps achieve golden brown chicken and smooth sauce, unsalted butter recommended.

• Shallots, Garlic: Adds depth and subtle sweet-sharp flavor to the sauce, fresh is always better.

• Mushrooms: Earthy component that complements the chicken, cremini or white button work well.

• Chicken Broth, Marsala Wine, Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, complex sauce with traditional Italian flavor profile, dry Marsala wine preferred.

• Thyme, Parsley: Fresh herbs that provide aromatic finish and bright green garnish, dried thyme can be substituted.

How To Make Classic Chicken Marsala At Home

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

• Place chicken in a resealable bag
• Add flour
• Season with salt and pepper

Seal and shake the bag to evenly coat chicken pieces.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove excess flour from chicken and place in hot pan. Cook each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Sauté Mushroom Medley

In the same skillet, melt additional butter. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden brown.

Step 4: Boost Flavor with Aromatics

Introduce shallots and garlic to the mushrooms. Season lightly and cook until fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 5: Create Luxurious Marsala Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Marsala wine
• Heavy cream
• Fresh thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Scrape up browned bits from the pan bottom. Simmer until sauce reduces and thickens.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return chicken to the skillet. Gently warm in the sauce for a few minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Plate immediately and enjoy this rich, elegant dish.

Best Side Dishes For Classic Chicken Marsala

• Pair Wine Wisely: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Pinot Noir to complement the rich Marsala sauce's earthy mushroom and wine undertones.
• Embrace Crisp Carbs: Serve over creamy parmesan risotto or buttery garlic mashed potatoes to soak up the luxurious sauce and balance the chicken's savory flavors.
• Brighten with Fresh Sides: Add a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus spears to cut through the dish's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Elevate with Texture: Include crusty artisan bread to mop up every delicious drop of the velvety Marsala sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.

New Twists On Classic Chicken Marsala

• Veggie Marsala: Replace chicken with portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, sliced thick and coated in seasoned flour. Perfect for vegetarian diets with similar cooking techniques.
• Gluten-Free Marsala: Use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. Ensure all ingredients like broth and wine are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Low-Carb Marsala: Swap flour coating with crushed pork rinds or almond meal. Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or Greek yogurt for reduced carbohydrate content. Use chicken thighs for added richness.
• Mediterranean Herb Marsala: Add fresh rosemary and oregano to the sauce. Include kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for an enhanced Mediterranean flavor profile. Use extra virgin olive oil for authentic Mediterranean touch.

Classic Chicken Marsala FAQ Answers

• What type of wine is best for Chicken Marsala?

Marsala wine from Sicily, Italy is traditional. If unavailable, you can substitute dry sherry or Madeira wine for similar rich flavor profiles.

• Can I use different types of mushrooms?

Yes, while button mushrooms are classic, cremini, shiitake, or baby bella mushrooms work great and add depth to the sauce.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Use thin chicken breasts or cutlets, and avoid overcooking. Cooking 5-6 minutes total ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy.

• Is this dish gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses flour to coat the chicken. For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rich Italian Classic Chicken Marsala delights with tender chicken cutlets nestled in a silky mushroom wine sauce. Savory flavors blend seamlessly, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can effortlessly create at home.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded ¼-inch thick

Mushrooms and Aromatics:

• 1 (8-ounce) package (226 grams) pre-sliced bella or button mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) finely chopped shallots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• ⅔ cup (158 milliliters) chicken broth
• ⅔ cup (158 milliliters) dry Marsala wine
• ⅔ cup (158 milliliters) heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons (23 grams) all-purpose flour
• 0.75 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons (2 grams) chopped fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) chopped fresh Italian parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a dredging mixture by combining flour with salt and pepper in a sealable bag. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces by shaking them in the seasoned flour.
2. Heat a combination of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully remove excess flour from chicken and place into the hot pan. Sear each piece until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a holding plate.
3. Using the same skillet, melt additional butter and introduce mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms, stirring frequently to prevent burning and develop rich caramelization.
4. Incorporate finely chopped shallots and minced garlic into the mushroom mixture. Season lightly and cook until aromatic, releasing their delicate flavors.
5. Deglaze the pan by pouring in chicken broth and Marsala wine. Add heavy cream, fresh thyme, and remaining seasonings. Scrape accumulated browned bits from the skillet bottom to enhance sauce complexity. Simmer uncovered, allowing the liquid to reduce and thicken naturally.
6. Gently return chicken pieces back into the luxurious sauce, ensuring each piece becomes thoroughly coated. Reduce heat and let the components meld together, creating a harmonious final dish.
7. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant presentation. Serve immediately while the sauce remains warm and luxurious.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is pounded evenly to guarantee uniform cooking and tender texture.
• Use high-quality Marsala wine for authentic, rich flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Select cremini or porcini mushrooms for deeper, more robust earthy undertones in the sauce.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or cornstarch for coating chicken if avoiding wheat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg