If you are craving a rich, comforting dinner that bursts with flavor, this Chicken Marsala Recipe is exactly what you need to make your evening special. The tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious mushroom and Marsala wine sauce create a dish that is both elegant and homey, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself. The balanced mix of savory mushrooms, buttery sauce, and a subtle hint of sweetness from the Marsala wine will have your taste buds dancing with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Chicken Marsala Recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Each component plays a vital role in layering flavors and building the perfect sauce that coats the chicken so beautifully.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide the tender, juicy base for the dish, making it hearty and satisfying.
- 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced: Mushrooms add earthiness and texture that balances the richness of the sauce.
- 3/4 cup dry Marsala wine: This key ingredient infuses the sauce with a deep, slightly sweet flavor that defines the dish.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and helps develop the sauce’s savory foundation without overpowering it.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken, providing a light, fruity undertone and ensuring a beautiful golden crust.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Divided between cooking the chicken and finishing the sauce for a silky, luxurious texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
How to Make Chicken Marsala Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. For an even better texture and to help the sauce cling beautifully, dredge each breast lightly in flour. This simple step will give your chicken a delightful golden crust when cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the chicken breasts and cook them for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once ready, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
In the same skillet with all those flavorful browned bits, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them until they become tender and golden, about 5 minutes. This step intensifies their earthy flavor and starts building the base of your sauce.
Step 4: Add Marsala Wine
Pour in the dry Marsala wine, making sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen all those delicious browned bits. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes; this will reduce the wine and concentrate its flavors, creating the heart of your sauce.
Step 5: Combine Broth and Chicken
Next, add the chicken broth and return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce while it thickens slightly, bringing everything together beautifully.
Step 6: Finish with Butter
To create a rich, glossy sauce that will coat every bite perfectly, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until fully melted. This final touch transforms the sauce into a velvety, mouthwatering finish you’ll adore.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Your Chicken Marsala is now ready to be served. Plate the chicken, spoon over the incredible mushroom and Marsala sauce, and get ready to savor every heavenly bite.
How to Serve Chicken Marsala Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness that balances the richness of the dish. Some lemon zest can also be a lovely addition if you want a light citrus twist that cuts through the buttery sauce.
Side Dishes
The best part about Chicken Marsala is how well it pairs with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery pasta are classic choices that soak up the sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans bring freshness and crunch to the table alongside this luscious dish.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress at your next dinner, serve the Chicken Marsala on a bed of risotto or alongside roasted root vegetables for a colorful plate. You can also slice the chicken and layer it over garlic bread for a fun twist that’s perfect for casual meals or parties. Presentation that matches this recipe’s flavor only enhances the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Chicken Marsala leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making your next meal just as delightful as the first. Consume within 3 days for the best taste and safety.
Freezing
Freezing Chicken Marsala is totally doable! Just let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve the texture and moisture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken slowly over low heat in a covered skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the sauce from drying out. Alternatively, microwave gently in intervals, stirring the sauce between intervals to maintain its luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use another type of mushroom for this Chicken Marsala Recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini or button mushrooms are classic, shiitake or portobello mushrooms also work great and add a different depth of flavor to the dish.
What if I don’t have Marsala wine?
You can substitute dry sherry or a dry white wine mixed with a splash of brandy. These alternatives won’t be quite the same but will still create a delicious sauce.
Is it necessary to dredge the chicken in flour?
Dredging the chicken in flour helps create that beautiful golden crust and also thickens the sauce slightly. You can skip it, but the texture and sauce consistency might be different.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging the chicken, and double-check your broth and Marsala wine labels to ensure they’re gluten-free.
How long does it typically take to make Chicken Marsala Recipe?
This dish generally takes about 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a wonderful option for a flavorful weeknight or weekend meal without too much fuss.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Marsala Recipe is a delightful dish that brings Italian-inspired flavors right into your kitchen with ease and elegance. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy night in, it’s sure to become a favorite thanks to its comforting richness and simple, honest ingredients. Don’t wait to whip it up — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chicken Marsala Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed to a golden brown and smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce made from Marsala wine, mushrooms, and butter. This comforting entree is perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner or special occasion, delivering savory and slightly sweet flavors with every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Flour for dredging (about 1/2 cup)
Sauce
- 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 3/4 cup dry Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Instructions
- Season and Dredge the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge each breast in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until browned and tender, about 5 minutes.
- Deglaze with Marsala Wine: Pour the dry Marsala wine into the skillet with the mushrooms, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Broth and Simmer Chicken: Stir in the chicken broth and return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce becomes glossy and rich.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts and spoon the mushroom Marsala sauce over the top. Serve warm with your choice of sides.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can simmer it longer or add a slurry of flour and water.
- Chicken breasts can be butterflied or pounded thinner if you prefer quicker cooking and more even browning.
- Substitute cremini mushrooms with button mushrooms or shiitake for varied flavor.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content more accurately.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or sautéed vegetables.
