Chicken Marsala is a Italian-American recipe that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, savory sauce made from Marsala wine, mushrooms, and butter. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.
What Is Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala is a classic dish rooted in Italian-American cuisine, featuring lightly breaded chicken cutlets pan-fried to golden perfection. The highlight of the dish is its silky, flavorful sauce, which gets its unique taste from Marsala wine—a fortified wine hailing from Sicily. Combined with earthy mushrooms, garlic, and cream (in some variations), the dish is a harmonious blend of bold yet comforting flavors.
Ingredients for Chicken Marsala
Before we begin, let’s review the key ingredients you’ll need:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, pounded thin for even cooking.
- Marsala Wine: Use a dry variety for a balanced sauce; sweet Marsala can also work for a richer flavor.
- Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms add an earthy depth.
- All-Purpose Flour: For dredging the chicken.
- Butter and Olive Oil: A combination provides flavor and prevents burning.
- Chicken Stock: Enhances the sauce’s body and flavor.
- Garlic and Shallots: For aromatic depth.
- Heavy Cream (optional): Adds richness to the sauce in creamy versions.
- Parsley: A fresh garnish for a pop of color and brightness.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Marsala
- Use Quality Marsala Wine: Authentic Marsala wine is key to achieving the dish’s signature flavor. Avoid cooking wines with added salt.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Pound the chicken thin and cook just until done to avoid dryness.
- Deglaze Properly: Scrape the pan well when adding Marsala wine to incorporate all the flavorful bits.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mushrooms, garlic, and herbs elevate the dish’s overall taste.
Variations of Chicken Marsala
- Creamy Chicken Marsala: Add heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, velvety texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour for dredging.
- Vegetarian Marsala: Substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant or portobello mushrooms.
- Herb-Infused Marsala: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an herbal twist.
How to Serve Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: A creamy, comforting base to soak up the sauce.
- Pasta: Serve over fettuccine or spaghetti for an Italian-inspired meal.
- Rice: Fluffy rice complements the flavors without overpowering them.
- Vegetables: Steamed asparagus, green beans, or roasted carrots provide a fresh balance.
How to Store Chicken Marsala
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze Chicken Marsala in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of stock or water to loosen the sauce.
Recipe FAQs
What can I use instead of Marsala wine?
If Marsala wine is unavailable, you can substitute dry sherry, Madeira wine, or a combination of white wine and brandy.
Can I make Chicken Marsala ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish up to the point of adding cream (if using). Reheat gently and finish with cream just before serving.
Is Chicken Marsala gluten-free?
Traditionally, the chicken is dredged in flour. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour, cornstarch, or a certified gluten-free flour.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace butter with olive oil and omit heavy cream. The sauce will still be flavorful and satisfying.
Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a Italian-American recipe that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, savory sauce made from Marsala wine, mushrooms, and butter. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut lengthwise into 4 thinner cutlets)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup Marsala wine
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Flour for dredging
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into thinner cutlets, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and coat in flour.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add remaining butter and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in minced garlic and Marsala wine. Let it bubble and reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Pour in the cream, return the chicken to the skillet, and simmer for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve hot over pasta, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 456Total Fat 25gSaturated Fat 13gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 108mgSodium 473mgCarbohydrates 30gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 25g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Marsala is a dish that never fails to impress, combining elegant flavors with a straightforward cooking process. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is approachable and endlessly adaptable. With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and versatile serving options, Chicken Marsala is a must-try for anyone who loves Italian-inspired comfort food.
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