Savory Chicken Marsala Recipe: A Weeknight Family Delight

Sizzling pans and rich aromas dance through kitchens when making an authentic chicken marsala recipe that promises pure culinary delight.

Tender chicken breasts become golden and succulent when bathed in a luxurious wine-infused sauce.

Mushrooms add an earthy depth to this classic Italian-American dish that speaks volumes about comfort and flavor.

Each bite carries whispers of tradition and remarkable skill from generations of home cooks.

Professional chefs and passionate home cooking enthusiasts alike adore this elegant meal that requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Simple yet sophisticated, chicken marsala transforms an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together with just a few strategic techniques.

Chicken Marsala Cooking Steps

Tender Chicken Adventure

• Chicken Preparation Workspace

Create a clean area with a sturdy cutting board and sharp knife. Select fresh chicken breasts and ensure they are cool and properly stored before starting.

• Slice and Flatten Technique

Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thin, uniform cutlets. Use gentle pressure with a meat mallet or rolling pin to create even thickness across each piece.

• Seasoning Magic

Sprinkle chicken with a delicate blend of salt and pepper. Gently coat each cutlet with a light dusting of flour, ensuring an even and delicate coverage.

• Marsala Sauce Creation

Heat a large skillet with olive oil. Add sliced mushrooms and let them caramelize beautifully. Pour Marsala wine and allow the liquid to reduce and develop rich, complex flavors.

• Cooking Perfection

Place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet with Marsala sauce. Cook each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches safe levels. The sauce will create a beautiful glaze that enhances the chicken’s natural flavors.

• Finishing Touch

Remove chicken from heat and let it rest briefly. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a burst of color and additional aroma.

Boosting the Flavor of Chicken Marsala

• Use a meat mallet or heavy skillet to gently pound chicken cutlets for even cooking and maximum tenderness. Avoid aggressive pounding that could tear the meat.
• Try alternative coating options like seasoned breadcrumbs, cornmeal, or almond flour for gluten-free variations. Each option adds unique texture and flavor to the chicken.
• Experiment with different Marsala wine styles – dry for a more sophisticated taste or sweet for a richer sauce. Authentic Italian Marsala from Sicily delivers the most traditional flavor profile.
• Enhance the dish by mixing different mushroom varieties like cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms. Each type brings distinctive earthiness and depth to the sauce.
• Prepare chicken cutlets in advance and store in the refrigerator for faster meal preparation. Pre-sliced and seasoned cutlets can save valuable cooking time during busy evenings.

Chicken Marsala Plating Ideas

• Elegant Plating Paradise: Serve the golden-brown chicken Marsala on a pristine white ceramic plate with delicate edges for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, savory flavors with a glass of dry Pinot Noir or crisp Chardonnay that enhances the marsala sauce's depth and complexity.
• Hearty Side Companions: Accompany the chicken with creamy parmesan risotto, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, or al dente pasta to soak up the luxurious marsala sauce and create a complete, satisfying meal.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a vibrant pop of color and a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the dish's visual and flavor profile.

Storing Chicken Marsala Safely

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Wrap cooked Chicken Marsala in airtight containers, keeping it refrigerated for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture loss.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth. This method helps restore the sauce's original richness and prevents drying out the meat.
• Freezer-Friendly Portions: Package individual servings in freezer-safe containers, separating chicken and sauce. These meals can stay frozen up to 2 months, providing quick dinner options for busy weeks.
• Advance Prep Strategy: Slice and season chicken cutlets a day before cooking. Store covered in the refrigerator, allowing marinades and seasonings to enhance deeper flavor profiles before final cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 3

Chicken Marsala Must-Haves

• Chicken Breasts: Select fresh, high-quality breasts with minimal fat for tender, juicy results that absorb flavors beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances the natural chicken flavor and helps tenderize the meat during cooking.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warm heat and complements the savory profile of the dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a delicate, golden crispy exterior that locks in moisture and provides a smooth texture for the chicken.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures clean, mess-free preparation and helps achieve uniform coating without cross-contamination.

• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: Helps achieve consistent thickness for even cooking and tender chicken cutlets.

Tools for Chicken Marsala Perfection

• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: Essential for pounding chicken to an even, thin thickness.
• Large Baking Sheet: Perfect for preparing and holding floured chicken cutlets.
• Parchment Paper: Helps keep workspace clean and prevents chicken from sticking.
• Shallow Bowl: Used for dredging chicken in flour seasoning.
• Paper Towels: Helps pat chicken dry before preparation.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to slice chicken breasts horizontally.

Elegant Chicken Marsala Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Savory chicken marsala combines tender chicken with rich mushroom sauce, highlighting classic Italian-American cuisine. Culinary enthusiasts enjoy this elegant dish that delivers complex flavors and comforting textures you’ll love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 (6 oz/170 g) chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) or 4 chicken breast cutlets
• ¼ cup plus 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• ⅔ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
• 8 oz (226 g) cremini or button mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or ¼ tsp dried thyme leaves)
• 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice chicken breasts horizontally and gently flatten between parchment sheets to create uniform cutlets, ensuring consistent cooking.
2. Seasoning: Season cutlets with salt and pepper, creating a foundational flavor profile for the dish.
3. Coating: Dredge chicken pieces in flour, methodically turning to achieve complete, even coverage while shaking off excess powder.
4. Searing: Heat skillet with olive oil or butter over medium-high heat, carefully placing floured cutlets to develop a golden, crispy exterior without overcrowding the pan.
5. Cooking: Brown chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a beautiful amber crust and reaching safe internal temperature, then transfer to a warm plate.
6. Mushroom Development: In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms until they release moisture and caramelize, developing rich depth of flavor.
7. Sauce Creation: Deglaze pan with Marsala wine, scraping up browned bits, then incorporate heavy cream and herbs to create a velvety, reduced sauce.
8. Final Assembly: Reunite chicken with Marsala sauce, gently coating each cutlet to harmonize flavors and ensure complete integration.
9. Presentation: Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs and accompanying side dishes of choice.

Notes

• Slice with Care: Use a sharp knife and steady hand to slice chicken breasts horizontally, creating uniform cutlets for consistent cooking and tender results.
• Flour Like a Pro: Shake off excess flour to prevent clumping and achieve a light, crispy coating that enhances flavor and texture.
• Temperature Matters: Maintain medium-high heat to create a perfect golden-brown crust without burning the chicken or flour coating.
• Sauce Secrets: Allow Marsala sauce to reduce and thicken naturally, concentrating flavors and creating a rich, glossy finish that clings beautifully to the chicken.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg