Okay, let’s talk about this Chicken Marsala. If you’ve never made it before, trust me when I say this recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Imagine tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, savory sauce made with sweet Marsala wine and earthy mushrooms. The sauce is so good, you’ll want to pour it over everything—and I’m not even kidding. It’s a comforting, yet slightly elegant dish that will impress anyone you serve it to, but it’s easy enough to make on a Tuesday night when you just want something special.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Marsala
This dish is the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication, and it’s so much more than just chicken with sauce. Here’s why you’re going to love it:
- Versatile: Whether it’s a casual dinner, a fancy date night, or an easy family meal, Chicken Marsala fits any occasion. Just imagine the look on your guests’ faces when they take their first bite!
- Budget-Friendly: You don’t need a fancy ingredient list to pull this off. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, and the Marsala wine adds a touch of class without breaking the bank.
- Quick and Easy: The steps are simple, and you can have this delicious dinner ready in under 30 minutes. It’s foolproof!
- Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The tender chicken and flavorful sauce create a meal everyone will love.
- Customizable: Add some herbs, switch up the mushrooms, or even throw in a handful of spinach—this recipe is a blank canvas just waiting for your personal touch.

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Ingredients in Chicken Marsala
The beauty of Chicken Marsala is that it uses everyday ingredients to create something extraordinary. Let’s break it down:
- Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish. These are thinly pounded to perfection, so they cook quickly and absorb all that mouthwatering sauce.
- Marsala Wine: This sweet, fortified wine adds that signature depth of flavor. If you’ve never tried it before, it’s rich, slightly sweet, and brings a lovely warmth to the sauce.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed to perfection, they soak up the Marsala wine, giving the sauce even more flavor.
- Garlic and Shallots: These aromatic gems add a burst of savory goodness that takes the sauce to the next level.
- Butter and Olive Oil: To give everything that lovely richness and perfect golden-brown finish.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): A little sprinkle of thyme or parsley adds a touch of freshness to balance the richness.
(Note: The full list of ingredients, including measurements, is in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Ready to make this magic happen? Let’s dive into it!
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by lightly pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook faster and more evenly. Once that’s done, season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Easy, right?
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add some olive oil and butter. Once it’s nice and hot, add the chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if you need to. Once cooked, set the chicken aside and cover it to keep warm.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in your garlic and shallots. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Then, add the mushrooms and cook them down for about 5 minutes, until they’re tender. Add the Marsala wine to the pan, scraping up all the delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until it reduces slightly.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken
Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the remaining sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens up. The chicken will soak up all that flavor, and the sauce will coat each bite with goodness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Take a moment to appreciate your hard work (seriously, you’re going to want to admire this dish). Garnish with some fresh herbs if you like, then serve the chicken with that luscious sauce drizzled over the top. Enjoy with a side of mashed potatoes or some sautéed greens—and trust me, it’s the perfect meal to enjoy with a glass of Marsala wine.
How to Serve Chicken Marsala
This dish is so flavorful on its own, but here are a few ideas to make the meal even better:
- Mashed Potatoes: You can’t go wrong with mashed potatoes. The creamy texture is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Sautéed Green Beans: Add a pop of color and some crunch to your plate with green beans sautéed in a little garlic and butter.
- Garlic Bread: Serve this with a side of garlic bread to help scoop up any leftover sauce—you’ll be glad you did.
- Crisp Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette offers the perfect balance to the richness of the Chicken Marsala.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can prep the chicken and slice the mushrooms ahead of time, saving you even more time when you’re ready to cook.
- Customize the Wine: If you’re not a fan of sweet wine, you can try dry Marsala for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little splash of wine to keep it moist.
- Double the Batch: This dish makes for fantastic leftovers. Make a double batch and enjoy it again the next day!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute Marsala wine with something else?
A1: If you’re out of Marsala wine, you can substitute with another fortified wine like Madeira or Sherry. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, Chicken Marsala can be made ahead of time! Prepare it as instructed, let it cool, and then store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. Reheat it gently in a skillet for the best results.
Q4: Can I freeze Chicken Marsala?
A4: Yes, it freezes well! Just let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q5: What sides go well with this dish?
A5: Mashed potatoes, pasta, or even a simple side salad will complement the rich, savory flavors of Chicken Marsala.
Q6: Can I make this dish healthier?
A6: You can reduce the butter or use a lighter wine, and serve it with more vegetables to make it a bit healthier.
Conclusion
There you have it! This Chicken Marsala is the perfect dish to impress anyone at your table, whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a festive family gathering. With its rich, savory sauce and tender chicken, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. The best part? It’s so easy to make, yet tastes like something you’d find at a fancy restaurant. So go ahead, pour yourself a glass of Marsala, and enjoy every delicious bite of this comforting, flavorful meal. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be craving it all the time! Happy cooking!
PrintWelcome to the World of Chicken Marsala!
This Chicken Marsala features golden pan-fried chicken cutlets in a rich, creamy Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms, shallots, and fresh herbs. A classic Italian-American dish perfect for an easy yet elegant dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded ¼-inch thick
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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¾ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
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¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
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1 (8-ounce) package pre-sliced bella or button mushrooms
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3 tablespoons finely chopped shallots (from 1 medium shallot)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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⅔ cup chicken broth
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⅔ cup dry Marsala wine
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⅔ cup heavy cream
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2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
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In a ziplock bag, combine flour, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add the chicken, seal the bag, and shake to coat evenly.
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Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Shake off excess flour and add chicken to the pan. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning once, until golden and just cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
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Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in the same pan. Add mushrooms and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often.
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Stir in shallots, garlic, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Pour in chicken broth, Marsala wine, heavy cream, thyme, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Scrape up any brown bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle boil and cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, until the sauce reduces by half and thickens slightly.
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Return the chicken and juices to the pan. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly more.
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Garnish with chopped parsley, if using, and serve hot.
Notes
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Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
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For a richer sauce, you can increase the amount of heavy cream slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 49g
- Cholesterol: 150mg