Chicken Marsala - Easy and Flavorful Italian-American Dish

Updated on September 27, 2024
Chicken Marsala - Easy and Flavorful Italian-American Dish

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that's perfect for a quick yet flavorful dinner. Tender chicken breasts are lightly floured and pan-fried, then simmered in a rich, savory sauce made with Marsala wine and mushrooms. This easy-to-make meal delivers restaurant-quality results at home, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.

Servings
4
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
25m
Total Time
40m

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 3/4 cup dry Marsala wine
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for a richer sauce)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the chicken. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2

Dredge in flour. Coat each chicken breast lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 3

Sear the chicken. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

Cook the mushrooms. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and softened.

Step 5

Make the sauce. Add the minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 6

Add the chicken broth. Stir in the chicken broth and let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken. If you prefer a creamier sauce, add the heavy cream at this stage.

Step 7

Finish the dish. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, turning to coat them in the sauce. Let the chicken simmer for 5 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Step 8

Serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot, with mashed potatoes or pasta on the side.

Recipe tips

For more flavor, use a mixture of cremini and shiitake mushrooms. Don’t skip the step of reducing the Marsala wine, as this intensifies the flavor of the sauce. If you don’t have Marsala wine, a dry sherry or even a sweet white wine can be used as a substitute. For a low-carb version, skip the flour dredging and just pan-sear the chicken.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories
420
Fats
22g
Carbohydrates
18g
Proteins
35g