Chicken Marsala represents the perfect marriage of Italian culinary tradition and American comfort food innovation. This beloved dish transforms simple ingredients into an elegant, restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly achievable in your home kitchen. The combination of tender, golden chicken breasts bathed in a rich, wine-infused mushroom sauce creates an unforgettable dining experience that has captivated food lovers for generations.
Originally hailing from the Sicilian region of Italy, Chicken Marsala gained popularity in Italian-American restaurants throughout the 20th century. The dish showcases the versatility of Marsala wine, a fortified wine from Sicily that lends its distinctive sweet and nutty flavor to create a sauce that’s both sophisticated and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or entertaining guests, this Chicken Marsala recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort.
Why This Chicken Marsala Recipe Will Become Your Go-To Dinner
The beauty of Chicken Marsala lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chicken breast is pounded thin for quick, even cooking, then coated in seasoned flour that creates a beautiful golden crust while helping to thicken the sauce. The mushrooms add an earthy depth, while the Marsala wine and cooking sherry create a complex, aromatic sauce that elevates the entire dish.
This recipe stands out because it delivers authentic Italian flavors without requiring expensive ingredients or complicated techniques. The cooking process is straightforward, making it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. Moreover, the entire dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 generous portions
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate ⭐⭐⭐
Cook Mode Reminder: Keep your screen awake while cooking to follow along with the step-by-step instructions!
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Meat mallet or rolling pin for pounding chicken
- Shallow dishes for dredging
- Tongs for flipping chicken
Where to Find Quality Ingredients
Finding the right ingredients is crucial for authentic Chicken Marsala. Look for high-quality Marsala wine in the wine section of your grocery store – brands like Florio or Lombardo offer excellent options. For mushrooms, baby bella or cremini mushrooms work beautifully, though traditional white button mushrooms are perfectly acceptable. Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and most major supermarkets carry all necessary ingredients.
When selecting chicken breasts, opt for organic, free-range options when possible for the best flavor and texture. If you’re budget-conscious, conventional chicken breasts work well too – just ensure they’re fresh and properly sized for even cooking.
Ingredients for Chicken Marsala
1x Recipe (Serves 4)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour for coating
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 medium skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – pounded ¼ inch thick
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup Marsala wine
- ¼ cup cooking sherry
2x Recipe (Serves 8)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour for coating
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 medium skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – pounded ¼ inch thick
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 8 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- ½ cup cooking sherry
4x Recipe (Serves 16)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for coating
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 16 medium skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – pounded ¼ inch thick
- 16 tablespoons butter
- 16 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups Marsala wine
- 1 cup cooking sherry
Ingredient Notes:
- All-purpose flour: Creates the perfect coating for browning and sauce thickening
- Unsalted butter: Allows better control over the dish’s saltiness
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds flavor and prevents butter from burning
- Fresh mushrooms: Slice uniformly for even cooking
- Marsala wine: Don’t use cooking Marsala – opt for drinking-quality wine
- Cooking sherry: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce
Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Chicken Marsala
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all ingredients and have them measured and ready. This ensures smooth cooking without scrambling for ingredients mid-process. Pound chicken breasts to ¼-inch thickness between plastic wrap or parchment paper for even cooking.
Step 2: Create the Seasoned Flour Mixture
In a shallow dish or bowl, thoroughly mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and oregano. This seasoned coating will give your chicken beautiful color and help create a flavorful sauce base.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then coat each piece evenly in the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour – you want a light, even coating that won’t create a gummy texture.
Step 4: Heat the Pan and Brown the Chicken
In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. The combination prevents burning while adding rich flavor. Place coated chicken in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and lightly crispy.
Step 5: Flip and Add Mushrooms
Turn chicken pieces carefully using tongs, then immediately add sliced mushrooms around the chicken. The mushrooms will begin releasing their moisture, which helps create the sauce base.
Step 6: Deglaze with Wine and Sherry
Pour in the Marsala wine and cooking sherry, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These fond bits add incredible depth to your sauce.
Step 7: Simmer to Perfection
Cover the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes, turning chicken once halfway through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices should run clear when pierced.
Step 8: Final Check and Serve
Ensure chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.
Chef’s Notes and Expert Tips
Temperature Control: Medium heat is crucial – too high and the flour coating will burn before the chicken cooks through. Too low and you won’t achieve proper browning.
Wine Selection: Choose a dry or semi-dry Marsala wine. Sweet varieties can make the sauce overly sugary and unbalanced.
Mushroom Varieties: While button mushrooms work well, try mixing in shiitake, cremini, or porcini for more complex flavors.
Make-Ahead Tips: You can pound and season the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overcrowding the pan (cook in batches if necessary)
- Moving the chicken too early before it’s properly browned
- Using cooking wine instead of drinking-quality Marsala
- Overcooking the chicken, which results in dry, tough meat
Delicious Variations of Chicken Marsala
Creamy Chicken Marsala: Add ½ cup heavy cream during the last 2 minutes of cooking for a richer sauce.
Chicken Marsala with Prosciutto: Layer thin prosciutto slices on chicken before coating for added saltiness and texture.
Herb-Crusted Version: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage to the flour mixture for aromatic herb flavors.
Vegetable-Enhanced: Include bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts with the mushrooms.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with creamy risotto, garlic mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles. The rich sauce begs for something to soak it up! For vegetables, consider roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Wine pairing is essential – serve with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, or a full-bodied white like Chardonnay. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling grape juice or Italian soda complements the flavors nicely.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Chicken Marsala in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together.
Freezer Storage: Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips: Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or wine if the sauce seems too thick. Microwave reheating is possible but may result in less tender chicken.
Nutritional Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1x Recipe)
| Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 285 | 15g | 8g | 28g | 450mg |
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 2x Recipe)
| Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 285 | 15g | 8g | 28g | 450mg |
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 4x Recipe)
| Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 285 | 15g | 8g | 28g | 450mg |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Our Team’s Personal Take on Chicken Marsala
Our recipe development team fell in love with this Chicken Marsala recipe during countless kitchen tests. What makes this version special is the perfect balance of wine and sherry – many recipes use only Marsala, but the addition of cooking sherry adds a depth that transforms the entire dish.
Senior recipe developer Maria notes, “The key is getting that beautiful golden crust on the chicken while keeping the interior juicy. We’ve tested various flour blends, and the simple addition of oregano makes all the difference in flavor complexity.”
Test kitchen manager James adds, “I love making this for date nights at home. It feels fancy enough for special occasions but comes together so quickly that it’s become our go-to when we want to impress without stress.”
Team Favorite Additions:
- A splash of cream for richness
- Fresh thyme sprigs during the simmering process
- A final sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness
Why This Chicken Marsala Recipe Works Every Time
The success of this Chicken Marsala recipe lies in its attention to fundamental cooking principles. By pounding the chicken thin, we ensure quick, even cooking that prevents dry, overcooked meat. The seasoned flour coating provides both flavor and the starch needed to create a silky sauce when combined with the wine.
The combination of butter and olive oil gives us the best of both worlds – rich flavor from the butter and a higher smoke point from the oil. The two-wine approach using both Marsala and cooking sherry creates a more complex flavor profile than using Marsala alone.
Furthermore, the cooking method itself – browning first, then deglazing and simmering – follows classic French techniques that guarantee professional results. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a lesson in fundamental cooking skills that you can apply to countless other dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Marsala
Here are the answers to your Chicken Marsala FAQs:
What is Chicken Marsala made of?
Chicken Marsala is made of tender chicken cutlets (usually breast meat) that are lightly coated in flour and pan-seared, then simmered in a rich sauce made with Marsala wine, mushrooms, butter, and chicken broth. The dish typically includes sliced mushrooms (often cremini or button mushrooms), shallots or onions, garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. The sauce is created by deglazing the pan with Marsala wine after cooking the chicken, then adding the other ingredients to create a silky, flavorful reduction.
What does Marsala taste like?
Marsala wine has a distinctive sweet, nutty, and slightly caramelized flavor profile. It’s a fortified wine from Sicily that comes in both sweet and dry varieties, though sweet Marsala is most commonly used in cooking. The taste is rich and complex, with notes of dried fruits, almonds, vanilla, and brown sugar. When cooked, Marsala develops deeper, more concentrated flavors that add warmth and depth to dishes. The wine’s natural sweetness balances beautifully with savory ingredients, creating that signature taste that makes Chicken Marsala so appealing.
Can kids eat Chicken Marsala?
Yes, kids can generally eat Chicken Marsala safely. While the dish contains wine, the alcohol content cooks off during the preparation process, leaving only the wine’s flavor behind. The cooking process typically eliminates about 85-95% of the alcohol, making it safe for children to consume. However, some parents prefer to avoid any dishes containing wine for their children, which is perfectly understandable. If you’re concerned, you can substitute the Marsala wine with chicken broth mixed with a small amount of balsamic vinegar or grape juice for a similar flavor profile without any wine content.
Is Chicken Marsala eaten in Italy?
Chicken Marsala is not traditionally eaten in Italy in the form most Americans know it. While Marsala wine originates from Sicily, Italy, the creamy, mushroom-heavy chicken dish is actually an Italian-American creation that developed in the United States. In Italy, Marsala wine is more commonly used in desserts (like Tiramisu) or with veal (Scaloppine al Marsala) rather than chicken. Traditional Italian cuisine tends to be more regionally specific and uses simpler preparations. However, some variations of chicken with Marsala can be found in modern Italian restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, but it’s not considered a classic Italian dish.
Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Chicken Marsala Recipe
This Chicken Marsala recipe proves that restaurant-quality Italian cuisine is absolutely achievable in your home kitchen. The combination of simple ingredients, straightforward techniques, and authentic flavors creates a dish that’s both impressive and approachable. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time.
The beauty of mastering Chicken Marsala extends beyond just this single dish. You’ll learn valuable techniques like proper dredging, pan-searing, and sauce-making that will elevate your overall cooking skills. These same skills come in handy for other dishes like Chef John’s Perfect Prime Rib Recipe where pan-searing and resting meat are crucial for perfect results.
Plus, once you experience the satisfaction of creating this classic Italian-American favorite from scratch, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again. For a crowd-pleasing side, try pairing with Roasted New Red Potatoes or brighten up your plate with Grandma’s Cucumber and Onion Salad.
We encourage you to make this recipe your own by experimenting with the suggested variations and sharing your results with fellow food enthusiasts. Don’t forget to share photos of your Chicken Marsala creations — just like our readers do with favorites like Easy Funeral Potatoes and Chocolate Chip Cookies. We love seeing how our recipes inspire your culinary adventures!
