| |

Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that feels fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes, you’ve got to try this Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe. I absolutely love how the earthy mushrooms and sweet Marsala wine come together to create a sauce that’s both rich and comforting. When I first made this, my family went crazy for it, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that somehow feels special enough for guests!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fast and Flavorful: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes without sacrificing taste.
  • Simple Ingredients: No complicated pantry items needed, just basics you might already have plus Marsala wine.
  • Family Favorite: My crew asks for this regularly, and I’ve seen it earn rave reviews at dinner parties too.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single oven-proof skillet to keep cleanup easy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe lies in its few but perfectly balanced ingredients—the combination of earthy cremini mushrooms with sweet Marsala wine makes the sauce unforgettable. When you’re shopping, look for firm chicken breasts and fresh mushrooms to get the best texture.

Flat lay of two large raw chicken breasts, a small pile of white all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a few whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl filled with golden olive oil, three tablespoons of pale yellow butter cubes on a white plate, a white ceramic bowl heaped with sliced fresh cremini mushrooms, a small white bowl holding deep amber marsala wine, a small white bowl with light golden chicken broth, a small mound of shredded white mozzarella cheese on a white plate, and two fresh green scallions with white bulbs on a white ceramic plate, all arranged symmetrically and realistically proportioned, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms, Chicken Marsala recipe, easy Chicken Marsala, quick Mushroom Marsala, weeknight Chicken Marsala dinner
  • Chicken breasts: I like to cut them thin for quick cooking and tenderness.
  • Salt & pepper: Classic seasoning to bring out the natural flavors.
  • Garlic powder: Adds a subtle punch without overpowering.
  • Flour: Used to dredge chicken for a light crust and to help thicken the sauce.
  • Olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden perfection.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the mushrooms beautifully.
  • Cremini mushrooms: These have more flavor than white mushrooms and hold up well in the sauce.
  • Marsala wine: The star ingredient that gives this dish its unique sweet and savory profile.
  • Chicken broth: Balances the sauce with savory depth.
  • Shredded mozzarella: Melts on top for gooey, cheesy goodness.
  • Scallions: Fresh and bright, they add a nice pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe is how easy it is to customize based on what you have or prefer. Whether you want to sneak in some greens or make it lighter, there’s a way to make it your own.

  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts: I sometimes swap in boneless thighs for more juiciness and flavor; just adjust cooking time slightly.
  • Swap mozzarella for fontina or provolone: Gives a different but equally melty and rich cheese layer.
  • Add fresh herbs: A sprinkle of thyme or parsley brightens the dish wonderfully.
  • Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with thick slices of eggplant or cauliflower steaks and follow the same cooking steps for a tasty meat-free option.

How to Make Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

First things first, slice your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to get thinner cutlets—this helps them cook evenly and stay tender. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then, dredge each piece lightly in flour; this keeps your sauce silky by helping to thicken it later. Remember to shake off excess flour so the chicken doesn’t get gummy.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Until Golden Brown

Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is shimmering, add the chicken pieces. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes, resisting the urge to move them around too much so you get that gorgeous golden crust. Once browned, transfer them to a plate; they’ll finish cooking in the oven later.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

Add the remaining butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Toss in the sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re beautifully browned and caramelized. This step adds intense flavor, so don’t rush it or overcrowd the pan.

Step 4: Build Your Marsala Sauce

Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth, then let everything bubble up for about a minute. This reduces the liquid slightly and concentrates the flavors. You’ll start to smell that signature sweet, deep aroma—this is when you know you’re nailing it!

Step 5: Add Back Chicken and Cheese It Up

Return the chicken to your pan, nesting it in the sauce. Spoon mushrooms and sauce over the chicken, letting it cook for another minute on the stovetop. Then, remove the pan from heat and sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top, concentrating it right over the chicken. Scatter chopped scallions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Step 6: Finish in the Oven

Pop your skillet into a preheated 400°F oven for 7 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly. If you want a golden-brown bubbly cheese topping, broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes—just keep a close eye to avoid burning. Serve immediately and get ready for compliments!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Searing chicken and browning mushrooms in batches ensures even color and flavor.
  • Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: This lets you seamlessly transfer from stovetop to oven, simplifying the process.
  • Reserve Marsala Wine Quality: Choose a good-quality Marsala for the best sauce flavor—nothing too cheap or overly sweet.
  • Watch the Broil Time: Cheese goes from golden to burnt fast, so keep an eye during broiling for perfect meltiness.

How to Serve Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe

The image shows a black cast iron skillet filled with four cooked pieces of chicken topped with melted white cheese and browned sliced mushrooms. The chicken is golden brown with melted cheese covering most of its surface. Small green onion pieces are sprinkled on top, adding a pop of bright green color. The skillet contains some golden cooking juices bubbling around the edges of the chicken, creating a rich, moist appearance. The close-up shot highlights the soft, creamy texture of the melted cheese combined with the tender mushrooms on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms, Chicken Marsala recipe, easy Chicken Marsala, quick Mushroom Marsala, weeknight Chicken Marsala dinner

Garnishes

I love adding fresh chopped scallions like in the recipe for a mild crunch and a bright herbaceous note. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little fresh parsley or thyme over the top if I have it on hand—it just elevates that home-cooked feel. A tiny drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving adds a lovely shine and richness too.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce, or a simple garlic roasted vegetable medley. I’m also a big fan of serving it with a side of creamy polenta or even a crisp green salad to keep things fresh. Sometimes, crusty bread is all you need to mop up that silky Marsala sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this straight from a cast iron skillet placed on a wooden board—it feels rustic and inviting. Another fun idea is plating each cutlet with a mushroom spoonful artfully draped on top and garnished with edible flowers for a pop of color. It instantly makes dinner feel like an event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken, so I usually add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to bring back that perfect consistency.

Freezing

This Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Just cool the dish completely, then freeze it in a tight container. When thawed and reheated, the flavors hold up nicely—just be cautious of the cheese texture, which can be slightly different after freezing.

Reheating

I recommend reheating gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat to warm the chicken through and keep the sauce luscious. A quick pop in the oven under the broiler can revive the cheese layer’s texture if needed.

FAQs

  1. Can I use white mushrooms instead of cremini for this recipe?

    Yes, you can! While cremini mushrooms add more depth of flavor and a meatier texture, white mushrooms will also work just fine if that’s what you have. Just sauté them until they release moisture and brown nicely for the best results.

  2. Is Marsala wine necessary, or can I substitute it?

    Marsala wine is key to that signature sweet-savory flavor. However, if you don’t have it, dry sherry or Madeira wine can be good substitutes. Avoid cooking wines as they tend to be too salty or lack depth.

  3. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

    Cutting the chicken into thin cutlets helps it cook quickly and stay juicy. Also, searing it well and finishing it in the oven with the sauce and cheese locks in moisture. Avoid overcooking by keeping a close eye during both stovetop and oven steps.

  4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to dredge your chicken. Just be mindful that thickening might come out slightly different, but the flavor will still shine through beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something that feels both elegant and approachable. What I love most is how this recipe doesn’t take all day, but still impresses with complex flavors and a rich sauce. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and hear how your family or guests react—it’s one of those recipes that really brings everyone back to the table with happy hearts and full bellies.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 95 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

Chicken Lombardy is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken cutlets sautéed and baked with a savory marsala mushroom sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and scallions. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a rich, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise)
  • Salt & pepper (to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Flour (for dredging)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce & Toppings

  • 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 7 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1/2 cup marsala wine
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 scallions (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets. Season each piece with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge the cutlets in flour, coating them evenly and shaking off any excess.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they become golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  3. Sauté Mushrooms: Add the remaining butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes until the mushrooms are nicely browned and tender.
  4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour the marsala wine and chicken broth into the skillet with the mushrooms. Allow the mixture to bubble and reduce slightly for about one minute, which enhances the flavor of the sauce.
  5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the mushrooms and sauce over the chicken pieces and let them cook together for about one minute to absorb the flavors.
  6. Add Cheese and Scallions: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken, concentrating it on the cutlets. Then, sprinkle the chopped scallions on top of the cheese.
  7. Bake and Serve: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 7 minutes. If desired, broil the dish for a few minutes at the end to brown and bubble the cheese. Serve the Chicken Lombardy immediately while hot and cheesy.

Notes

  • Use an oven-proof skillet to easily transfer the dish from stovetop to oven without extra cleanup.
  • For a more intense mushroom flavor, consider using a mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms.
  • Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for a golden cheese crust.
  • To keep the chicken moist, avoid overcooking during the searing step; it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • This dish pairs well with a side of sautéed greens or a simple pasta.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (1 chicken cutlet with sauce and cheese)
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 330mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star