Chicken Marsala is a timeless dish that blends simple ingredients into something deeply flavorful and comforting. With tender pan-fried chicken cutlets, savory mushrooms, and a rich Marsala wine sauce, it’s no surprise this dish remains a favorite on both restaurant menus and home dinner tables. It’s elegant enough for entertaining yet easy enough to make on a weeknight.
The dish begins with thin slices of chicken breast that are lightly coated in flour. This not only gives the chicken a delicate crust but also helps thicken the sauce later. Once seared until golden brown, the chicken is set aside while the real flavor builders get to work. Sliced mushrooms, usually cremini or button, are sautéed in the same pan, soaking up the rich flavors from the browned chicken bits left behind.
The heart of this dish is the Marsala wine. This fortified wine, with its slightly sweet and nutty taste, creates a velvety sauce that’s both comforting and full of depth. When the wine hits the hot pan, it deglazes all those flavorful bits and starts to form a luxurious base. A splash of chicken broth often joins the mix, adding body and balancing out the sweetness of the wine. Once the sauce reduces slightly, the chicken is returned to the pan, where it simmers gently, soaking up all the rich flavors.
The finished dish is garnished with chopped parsley and sometimes a pat of butter for extra silkiness
Chicken Marsala is often served over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, all of which do an excellent job of soaking up the savory sauce.
What makes Chicken Marsala so special is its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and earthy flavors. It’s hearty without being heavy, refined without being fussy. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or simply craving something warm and satisfying, Chicken Marsala delivers every time. It’s a dish that brings the essence of comfort and classic Italian flavor to the table in the most delicious way.
This is a classic dish made with pan-seared chicken breasts, mushrooms, and a rich, savory sauce made from Marsala wine. It’s beloved for its deep flavor and elegant simplicity.
Yes—and no! Chicken Marsala has Italian roots, specifically from Sicily, where Marsala wine originates. However, the creamy version we know today is more popular in Italian-American cuisine
To make it, lightly flour and sauté chicken breasts until golden. In the same pan, cook mushrooms, then deglaze with Marsala wine. Add broth or cream (depending on the recipe), simmer to reduce, and return the chicken to soak up the sauce. Recipe is below.
It’s perfect with creamy mashed potatoes, pasta, risotto, or a side of crusty bread. For a lighter option, try steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad.
While Marsala wine gives the dish its signature flavor, you can substitute it with grape juice or chicken broth plus a splash of vinegar for a non-alcoholic version.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts boneless, skinless, pounded thin
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and dredge them in the flour.
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
- Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet to deglaze the pan, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Allow to simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve with pasta or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
Chicken and mushrooms, yum! But mine came out kinda dry, maybe I overcooked it? 🤔
This recipe is great! Followed it exactly and my family loved it. Will definitely make again.
I don’t know… Marsala wine? Shouldn’t it be red wine instead? Not sure about this recipe.
Yum. 👍
Best chicken dish I’ve ever made! So good I could cry! 😂
I dunno, sounds a bit too complicated. Can I just throw the chicken in the oven? 🤷♂️
I’m so glad you loved it! 😍 Chicken Marsala is a classic for a reason!
I don’t know… I used white wine instead and it was not the same. Maybe Marsala is better. Not sure if I’ll try again.
I understand your struggle! Marsala does give a unique flavor that’s hard to replace. Maybe give it another shot with the right wine next time!
I used wine from a box and it tasted fine to me. No issues! 😂
Wine from a box? Really? 😂 I guess whatever works! How did it turn out texture-wise?
Too salty for my taste! I think I added too much salt by accident. Next time I’ll be more careful.
Simple, straightforward, but coulda used a little jazzing up!
This recipe is absolutely delicious! My family loved it, and it was so easy to make!
This is NOT Chicken Marsala. Where’s the cream? Where’s the flavor? Disappointing.
I think it’s still a valid recipe for Chicken Marsala, but I do get what you mean about the cream. Maybe adding some cream would help bring that flavor you’re looking for!
This recipe is amazing! I made it for my family and they loved it. Definitely a keeper!
I don’t know why my chicken turned out so dry. Maybe I cooked it too long? Not sure if I’ll try this again.
Cooking chicken too long can definitely make it dry! Try using a meat thermometer next time. Chicken should be around 165°F when done. Don’t give up! Maybe try marinating or brining for moistness.
I followed the recipe step by step and it was perfect! Even my picky brother ate it!
Just okay. I thought it was too buttery. Can anyone tell me how to make it less greasy?
Okay but Marsala wine isn’t really easy to find where I live. Can I use something else?
Easy to make and tastes delightful! The chicken came out so tender. Thanks for sharing!
Just made it and it was kinda bland. Might need more spices. 🤨