Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is the kind of dinner that feels a little special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Tender chicken is lightly coated in flour, pan-fried until golden, and finished in a rich mushroom sauce made with Marsala wine, chicken broth and cream. The result is savory, creamy and full of deep flavor.

This Italian-American favorite is a great choice when you want something more exciting than an ordinary chicken dinner. Serve it with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice or crusty bread, and make sure there is plenty of sauce to go around.

What You Can Do Better

The difference between an average Chicken Marsala and a really good one often comes down to a few small details. First, pound the chicken to an even thickness so it cooks evenly and stays tender. Second, do not leave too much flour on the chicken because excess flour can burn in the pan. Finally, give the Marsala wine enough time to reduce. This concentrates its flavor and creates a deeper, richer sauce.

Also Read: Crunchy Chicken Taco Fingers

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Marsala Mushroom Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 3/4 cup dry Marsala wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional

Also Read: Crispy Chicken Thighs

How to Make Chicken Marsala

1. Prepare the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast horizontally to make thinner pieces. Place the chicken between sheets of plastic wrap or inside a large freezer bag and gently pound it until the pieces are an even thickness. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

2. Coat with Flour

Place the flour on a plate and lightly coat each piece of chicken. Shake off the excess. You want a thin coating rather than a thick layer.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the chicken. Cook until golden on the first side, then turn and cook until the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

4. Cook the Mushrooms

Reduce the heat slightly and add the remaining butter and olive oil to the same skillet. Add the shallot and garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add the mushrooms and cook until they soften and begin to turn golden.

5. Add the Marsala

Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet and increase the heat. Let it bubble until it has reduced significantly. Scrape the bottom of the pan while the wine cooks so all the flavorful browned bits are worked into the sauce.

6. Finish the Sauce

Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, salt and black pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

7. Return the Chicken to the Pan

Place the chicken back into the sauce along with any juices collected on the plate. Let it warm through for a minute or two. Spoon the mushrooms and sauce over the chicken, then finish with fresh parsley if desired.

Also Read: Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

What to Serve with Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala goes especially well with foods that can soak up the creamy sauce. Mashed potatoes are a classic choice, but buttered pasta, rice, creamy polenta or crusty bread work just as well. For something lighter, serve it with roasted asparagus, green beans or a simple salad.

Helpful Tips

• Use dry Marsala wine for a more balanced savory sauce.
• Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts.
• Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken.
• Let the Marsala reduce properly before adding the other liquids.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of chicken broth.
• Taste the finished sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Also Read: Coconut Chicken Recipe

Nutrition Information

The following nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.