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Chicken-Marsala

Chicken Marsala Recipe

A classic Italian-American dish featuring golden pan-fried chicken cutlets and mushrooms in a rich, flavorful Marsala wine sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 539

Notes

Ingredients (with measurements)
For the Chicken
  • 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to ¼-inch thickness (or chicken tenderloins)
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
For the Sauce
  • 8 oz pre-sliced bella or button mushrooms
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped shallots (about 1 medium shallot)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ⅔ cup chicken broth
  • ⅔ cup dry Marsala wine
  • ⅔ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
  1. In a ziplock bag, combine the flour, ¾ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
  2. Add the chicken, seal the bag, and shake to coat evenly. This helps the chicken develop a golden crust when pan-fried.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stainless steel pans are ideal for browning, but nonstick works fine too.
  2. Shake off excess flour and place the chicken in the pan.
  3. Cook for 5–6 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms and Aromatics
  1. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the same pan.
  2. Add mushrooms and cook for 3–4 minutes until they start to brown.
  3. Stir in shallots, garlic, and ¼ tsp salt. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Marsala Sauce
  1. Pour in chicken broth, Marsala wine, and heavy cream.
  2. Add thyme, ¼ tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp black pepper.
  3. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan; they add incredible flavor.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the sauce reduces by about half and thickens slightly.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
  1. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan.
  2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2–3 minutes until warmed through and the sauce thickens slightly more.
  3. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
  • Pair Chicken Marsala with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the luscious sauce.
  • Serve alongside garlic butter green beans or sautéed spinach for a balanced meal.
  • Try with a side of buttered egg noodles or crusty bread for extra comfort.
Tips for the Best Chicken Marsala
  • Even Chicken Thickness: Pounding the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
  • Marsala Wine: Use dry Marsala wine for an authentic taste. Sweet Marsala can make the sauce overly sugary.
  • Mushrooms: Mix types of mushrooms for depth shiitake, cremini, or portobello work beautifully.
  • Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, simmer a few extra minutes; if too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
  • Make Ahead: Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then reheat and combine just before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 539 kcal Carbohydrates: 13 g Protein: 41 g Fat: 34 g Saturated Fat: 17 g Cholesterol: 200 mg Sodium: 879 mg Fiber: 2 g Sugar: 5 g
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