Classic Chicken Marsala

 

A Restaurant-Style Italian Favorite Made Easy at Home

If you’re craving a comforting yet elegant dinner, Classic Chicken Marsala is the perfect choice. This beloved Italian-American dish features tender, lightly floured chicken breasts pan-seared until golden, then simmered in a rich Marsala wine sauce with garlic and mushrooms. The result is a beautifully balanced dish — savory, slightly sweet, earthy, and deeply satisfying.

Despite its impressive flavor and presentation, Chicken Marsala is surprisingly simple to prepare and comes together in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or hosting guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 thin boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  (or 2 large thick breasts sliced horizontally into cutlets)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)

For the Marsala Sauce:

• 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup Marsala wine (preferably dry)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Optional for Serving:

• 12 ounces cooked spaghetti or fettuccine pasta

 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If your chicken breasts are thick, carefully slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Thin pieces cook faster and remain tender.

Pat the chicken dry using paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.

Place the flour in a shallow dish. Lightly dredge each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. This light coating helps the chicken develop a golden crust and slightly thickens the sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed.

Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. Do not clean the pan — the browned bits left behind will enhance the flavor of the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil.

Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mushrooms will release moisture and then begin to brown. Allow them to caramelize slightly for deeper flavor.

Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

Step 4: Create the Marsala Sauce

Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth.

Using a wooden spoon, scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan — this process, called deglazing, adds incredible depth to the sauce.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 8–10 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a rich, slightly sweet flavor.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce and mushrooms.

Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer together for 3–5 minutes. This step allows the chicken to absorb the flavor of the sauce while staying moist and tender.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving.

 Serving Suggestions

Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with:

• Spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Garlic butter rice
• Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus
• Crusty Italian bread for soaking up the sauce

For a classic presentation, serve the chicken over pasta and spoon extra mushrooms and sauce generously on top.

 Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Marsala

• Use dry Marsala wine for a traditional savory flavor. Sweet Marsala will make the dish noticeably sweeter.
• Pound chicken to even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
• Let mushrooms brown properly — do not stir constantly. Browning builds flavor.
• If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.
• Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt if needed.

 Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much.
• Freezing is possible, but the mushrooms may change texture slightly after thawing.

 Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple to prepare
• Rich, flavorful sauce
• Perfect for weeknights or special occasions
• Customizable (creamy version, extra mushrooms, different sides)
• Tastes like it came from an Italian restaurant

Classic Chicken Marsala is a timeless comfort dish that combines simple ingredients with bold flavor. Once you master this recipe, it will likely become a regular part of your dinner rotation.