Have you ever wondered why chicken marsala recipes remain one of the most beloved Italian-American dishes? This elegant yet surprisingly simple dish combines tender chicken cutlets with a rich, wine-infused mushroom sauce that tastes like it came straight from a five-star restaurant. Making an easy chicken marsala recipe at home not only saves you money but also allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize flavors to your family's preferences. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes, you can create a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), pounded to ½-inch thickness
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Sauce:
- ¾ cup dry Marsala wine
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thicker sauce)
Timing / Cooking Schedule
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The short prep time makes it ideal even for busy professionals.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Pound chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures uniform cooking and tenderness. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess. The flour creates a beautiful golden crust and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add chicken breasts without crowding the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Don't skip this resting period—it keeps the chicken juicy.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter and the sliced mushrooms. Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and their moisture has evaporated. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. This layered cooking builds incredible depth of flavor in your chicken marsala recipes.
Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce Pour in Marsala wine, scraping up all the browned bits from the pan bottom—this is pure flavor gold. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol. Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. For a richer sauce, stir in heavy cream at this point.
Step 5: Finish and Serve Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for a glossy, restaurant-quality finish. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (serves 4):
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Vitamin C: 8% DV
- Iron: 12% DV
Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice
Dietary Swaps: For a gluten-free version, substitute almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour for dredging. Make it dairy-free by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and olive oil in place of butter.
Flavor Variations: Add sun-dried tomatoes or capers for a Mediterranean twist. For a deeper flavor, use a combination of shiitake and oyster mushrooms. Fresh thyme or rosemary can replace parsley for an herbaceous note.
Meal Prep Tips: This dish is excellent for batch cooking. Double the recipe and freeze portions in airtight containers with sauce for up to 3 months. The sauce also works beautifully with pork chops or turkey cutlets.
Beginner Advice: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Don't skip pounding the chicken—uneven thickness leads to dry, overcooked portions. Always use dry Marsala wine, not sweet, for authentic flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too many chicken pieces at once steams them instead of searing, resulting in pale, rubbery meat. Work in batches if necessary and maintain medium-high heat.
Using Low-Quality Wine: Since Marsala is the star ingredient, cheap cooking wine will make your dish taste bitter and metallic. Invest in decent dry Marsala from the wine aisle, not the cooking section.
Skipping the Deglazing Step: Those brown bits stuck to the pan (fond) contain concentrated flavor. Always scrape them up when adding liquid—this is what separates good from great sauces.
Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts cook quickly once pounded thin. Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a thermometer and pull them at exactly 165°F internal temperature.
Not Letting Mushrooms Brown: Adding too many mushrooms at once or stirring constantly prevents proper browning. Give them space and let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes to develop that golden, caramelized exterior.
Storage / Leftovers Tips
Store leftover easy chicken marsala recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together to prevent the meat from drying out. For best results, store in glass containers which won't absorb flavors or odors.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce, about 5-7 minutes. Microwave reheating works but can make chicken rubbery—use 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. Avoid boiling the sauce during reheating as it can break and become oily.
Freezing Guidelines: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The sauce may separate slightly after freezing—simply whisk it while reheating to re-emulsify. The texture of the chicken holds up remarkably well, making this an excellent make-ahead dinner option for meal preppers.
