The Best Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is one of those classic dishes that always feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home. Imagine perfectly seared chicken breasts, bathed in a rich, savory sauce made from sweet Marsala wine, earthy mushrooms, and a touch of butter. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a professional chef, even if you’re just in your cozy kitchen, in your favorite sweatpants. Trust me, once you taste this dish, you’ll want to make it again and again—it’s that good!

Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to something special, Chicken Marsala is the perfect meal. It’s a combination of tender chicken, velvety sauce, and the savory depth of Marsala wine that truly elevates the dish. Get ready to fall in love with every bite!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Marsala

• Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The Marsala wine sauce is a showstopper—sweet, savory, and full of umami. It’s absolutely irresistible when paired with the chicken and mushrooms.
• Quick and Easy: Despite being a restaurant-worthy dish, Chicken Marsala is easy to prepare and comes together in just about 30 minutes.
• Elegant Yet Simple: This dish has that perfect balance of elegance without being complicated. You’ll feel like you’ve created something truly special, but it doesn’t take a ton of effort.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: The tender chicken, perfectly cooked mushrooms, and the rich sauce make it the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to make the best Chicken Marsala:

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for this recipe. They cook quickly and remain juicy and tender.
• Flour: A light dusting of flour helps create a crispy crust on the chicken, which is essential for that perfect texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate the flavors of the chicken.
• Olive Oil and Butter: A combination of olive oil for searing and butter for richness in the sauce.

For the Marsala Sauce:

• Marsala Wine: The star of the show! Marsala is a fortified wine that brings a distinct sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce. You can find it at most grocery stores, and it’s key to achieving that authentic taste.
• Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms work best in this recipe, adding earthiness and texture.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a fragrant, savory touch to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce and balances out the sweetness of the wine.
• Heavy Cream (Optional): For a slightly richer sauce, you can add a splash of cream. It’s not necessary, but it does make the sauce extra velvety.
• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Then, lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess. This will create that lovely golden crust on the chicken.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and toss in the sliced mushrooms. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are browned and softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add tons of flavor to the sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has reduced slightly.

Step 5: Add Butter and Cream

Once the sauce has reduced, stir in the butter until melted, creating a silky texture. If you’re using cream, add it now and stir to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if necessary.

Step 6: Combine the Chicken with the Sauce

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce and mushrooms over the top. Simmer everything together for another 3-4 minutes to ensure the chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve your Chicken Marsala with a side of mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed veggies. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information per serving (1 chicken breast with sauce):

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: 350 calories
• Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Vitamin A: 8%
• Vitamin C: 2%
• Calcium: 2%
• Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Marsala

• With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy mashed potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully. It’s a match made in heaven!
• Over Pasta: Serve Chicken Marsala over a bed of pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti for a hearty, filling meal.
• With Steamed Vegetables: Pair it with a side of green beans, asparagus, or roasted broccoli to balance out the richness of the dish.
• With a Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the rich flavors of Chicken Marsala.

Additional Tips

• Marsala Wine Alternatives: If you can’t find Marsala wine, you can use a dry white wine with a splash of brandy or cognac to mimic the flavor, although it won’t be quite the same.
• For a Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply simmer the Marsala sauce a little longer to reduce it further.
• Make It Ahead: You can prep the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat the sauce and cook the chicken when you’re ready to serve.
• Use Bone-In Chicken: For extra flavor, you can make this dish with bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. Just increase the cooking time a bit.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this dish with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A1: Absolutely! Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Q2: Can I use a different type of wine?

A2: Marsala wine is essential to the flavor of the dish, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with dry sherry or a combination of red wine and a little brandy for a similar depth.

Q3: Can I make Chicken Marsala in advance?

A3: Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, just heat it up and cook the chicken. It’s even better the next day.

Q4: How can I make the sauce thicker?

A4: To thicken the sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or you can mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce to thicken it.

Q5: Can I make this dish without mushrooms?

A5: While mushrooms add a wonderful earthy flavor, you can make Chicken Marsala without them if you prefer. The sauce will still be delicious!

Q6: What kind of pasta goes best with Chicken Marsala?

A6: Fettuccine, pappardelle, or spaghetti all work wonderfully with Chicken Marsala. Their wide noodles or long strands catch the sauce perfectly.

Q7: Can I make this gluten-free?

A7: Yes! Simply substitute the flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to dredge the chicken, and you’re good to go.

Q8: Can I use heavy cream in the sauce?

A8: Yes, adding heavy cream to the sauce makes it richer and more velvety. If you want a lighter version, you can skip the cream and stick with the wine-based sauce.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?

A9: Store leftover Chicken Marsala in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.

Q10: Can I freeze Chicken Marsala?

A10: Yes, you can freeze the sauce and chicken separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

Chicken Marsala is one of those dishes that’s both impressive and easy to make. With its rich, savory sauce and tender chicken, it’s the perfect choice for any dinner occasion. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or for a special occasion, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. So, grab that bottle of Marsala wine, fire up the stove, and enjoy the best Chicken Marsala you’ve ever tasted!

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