Chicken Marsala is a beloved Italian-American classic that combines tender chicken cutlets with a rich, savory-sweet Marsala wine sauce and earthy mushrooms. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this dish is easy to master and always impressive.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
✔ The best Chicken Marsala recipe (step-by-step)
✔ Key ingredients & substitutions
✔ Tips for the perfect sauce
✔ Serving suggestions & FAQs
Let’s bring the flavors of Italy to your kitchen!
What is Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala is a Sicilian-inspired dish featuring:
- Pan-seared chicken cutlets
- Sautéed mushrooms (cremini or button)
- A luscious sauce made with Marsala wine, broth, and cream
It’s named after Marsala wine, a fortified wine from Sicily that adds a unique depth of flavor.
Classic Chicken Marsala Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin)
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine (dry or sweet)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup flour (for dredging)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Pound chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thickness for even cooking.
- Season with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour (shake off excess).
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken 3–4 mins per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Mushrooms & Garlic
- In the same pan, melt 1 tbsp butter.
- Add mushrooms and cook 5 mins until browned.
- Stir in garlic for 30 sec until fragrant.
4. Deglaze with Marsala Wine
- Pour in Marsala wine, scraping up browned bits.
- Simmer 2–3 mins until slightly reduced.
5. Finish the Sauce
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Simmer 5 mins until thickened.
- Stir in 1 tbsp butter for extra richness.
6. Combine & Serve
- Return chicken to the pan, coating it in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Chicken Marsala
✔ Use thin-cut chicken (or pound it yourself) for even cooking.
✔ Don’t skip deglazing—the browned bits add flavor.
✔ Choose good Marsala wine (dry for a less sweet sauce, sweet for richness).
✔ Substitute cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
What to Serve with Chicken Marsala
- Pasta (fettuccine, linguine)
- Mashed potatoes (creamy pairing)
- Roasted vegetables (asparagus, green beans)
- Crusty bread (to soak up the sauce)
People Also Ask (FAQs)
1. Can I use a substitute for Marsala wine?
Yes! Use dry sherry, white wine + sugar, or balsamic vinegar + broth in a pinch.
2. Is Chicken Marsala gluten-free?
Not traditionally (flour dredge), but use GF flour or cornstarch to make it GF.
3. Can I make Chicken Marsala ahead?
Yes, but store sauce separately and reheat gently to avoid overcooking chicken.
4. What’s the difference between dry and sweet Marsala wine?
- Dry Marsala = less sweet, more savory (best for cooking).
- Sweet Marsala = richer, dessert-like (great for creamy sauces).
Variations to Try
- Mushroom Marsala (vegetarian version)
- Pork or Veal Marsala (alternative proteins)
- Lightened-up Marsala (skip cream, use broth + cornstarch)
Final Thoughts
Chicken Marsala is a restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. With its tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and velvety sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ready to impress? This recipe is your ticket to Italian comfort food heaven!
