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
Scale
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.
