If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe. It brings together tender chicken cutlets bathed in a rich, silky sauce made from Marsala wine, mushrooms, and a touch of cream. Every bite offers a delightful balance of savory, slightly sweet, and earthy flavors that will make this your go-to comfort meal. Plus, it’s straightforward enough to whip up any night of the week but special enough to impress guests without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the depth and harmony of flavors — from the tender chicken and fragrant mushrooms to the luscious Marsala wine and creamy finish.
- Chicken breasts: Using large breasts cut into cutlets helps them cook quickly and evenly, keeping them juicy.
- Salt & pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the chicken and bring out all the natural flavors.
- Garlic powder: Adds a gentle, savory kick without overpowering the dish.
- Flour: Used for dredging the chicken, creating a light crust that helps thicken the sauce later.
- Olive oil: A healthy fat that’s perfect for getting a nice sear on the chicken.
- Butter: Split between cooking the chicken and mushrooms, it adds richness and depth.
- Cremini mushrooms: Their earthy flavor and meaty texture complement the chicken and enrich the sauce.
- Garlic clove: Fresh and minced for a punch of aromatic flavor.
- Marsala wine: The star ingredient, giving the sauce its signature sweet and nutty complexity.
- Heavy cream: Adds a luscious, velvety finish to the sauce, balancing the wine’s acidity.
How to Make Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thin cutlets. This step ensures your chicken cooks evenly and stays tender. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to infuse flavor right from the start. Then, coat each piece lightly in flour — this is the secret to that lovely golden crust and helps the sauce cling beautifully later on.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, lay the chicken cutlets in to sear, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown color. This step locks in the juices and sets the foundation for your dish. Once seared, remove the chicken and set it aside; it will finish cooking in the luxurious sauce you’re about to make.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
Add the remaining butter to the skillet along with the sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are beautifully browned and fragrant. This browning adds layers of umami and texture that truly elevate the dish.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Next, toss in the minced garlic and pour in the Marsala wine. Let the mixture bubble and reduce slightly for about 2 to 3 minutes. The wine’s sweet, nutty notes will start melding with the mushrooms and garlic, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 5: Finish Cooking and Thicken the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and nestle the chicken cutlets back into the pan. Simmer everything together for another 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to fully cook and the sauce to thicken into a luscious coating. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed. A sprinkle of chopped parsley here adds a fresh, vibrant touch if you like.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of fresh parsley or even some finely sliced green onions adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the creamy, rich sauce perfectly. A twist of lemon zest can also provide a bright contrast if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple, comforting sides like buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or a bed of tender pasta to soak up every last bit of that heavenly Marsala sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables, like asparagus or green beans, add a nice balance and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, plate the chicken over a nest of sautéed spinach or wild mushrooms. You can even drizzle extra sauce over individual servings and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary to impress your dinner guests without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, place any leftover chicken Marsala in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or a second dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce together to retain the dish’s flavor and moisture. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of water, broth, or cream to loosen it up. Microwaving works too, but be sure to cover and heat in short intervals to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use white wine instead of Marsala?
While Marsala wine gives the dish its unique sweetness and depth, you can substitute with dry white wine in a pinch. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious. Just consider adding a small pinch of sugar to mimic Marsala’s sweetness if you do.
Do I need to use heavy cream?
The heavy cream brings silkiness and richness to the sauce, but you can opt for half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative if you prefer a lighter version. Just keep in mind the sauce texture might be less decadent.
Is it necessary to dredge the chicken in flour?
Dredging in flour helps create a beautiful golden crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce slightly. Skipping this step is possible but you’ll miss out on some of the signature texture and sauce body.
Can I prepare this dish for a crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe scales up nicely. Just make sure to sear the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and maintain that perfect golden sear.
What type of mushrooms work best in Chicken Marsala?
Cremini mushrooms are traditional and provide a nice balance of earthiness and texture. However, white button mushrooms or even shiitake can be great alternatives depending on what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little Italian-inspired magic into your home cooking routine. It’s approachable for any level of cook but full of flavor and charm that make it truly special. So, grab your skillet and give this recipe a go — I promise it will become one of your favorite weeknight dishes to make and share.
Print
Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Chicken Marsala recipe features tender chicken cutlets simmered in a rich and creamy mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it comes together quickly with simple ingredients like cremini mushrooms, garlic, and heavy cream, delivering classic Italian flavors with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Flour, for dredging
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced thin
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thin cutlets. Season each cutlet generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge each piece in flour, coating evenly and shaking off any excess.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken cutlets and sear them for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside; it will finish cooking later in the sauce.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are nicely browned and softened.
- Add Garlic and Marsala: Stir in the minced garlic and pour in the Marsala wine. Allow the mixture to bubble and reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes, which will intensify the flavor and remove some alcohol.
- Finish Sauce and Cook Chicken: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, submerging them in the sauce. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Marsala wine is a fortified wine from Sicily and is essential for authentic flavor. Substitute with dry sherry if unavailable.
- Ensure chicken cutlets are pounded or sliced thinly for quicker cooking and tender results.
- Use fresh mushrooms for best flavor; cremini offer a nice depth but button mushrooms can work.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less thick and creamy.
- Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.
