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
- 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)
- In a ziplock bag, combine the flour, ¾ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Add the chicken, seal the bag, and shake to coat evenly. This helps the chicken develop a golden crust when pan-fried.
- 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.
- Shake off excess flour and place the chicken in the pan.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the same pan.
- Add mushrooms and cook for 3–4 minutes until they start to brown.
- Stir in shallots, garlic, and ¼ tsp salt. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, Marsala wine, and heavy cream.
- Add thyme, ¼ tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp black pepper.
- Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan; they add incredible flavor.
- 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.
- Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2–3 minutes until warmed through and the sauce thickens slightly more.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
- 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.
- 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.
