Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s fancy enough to impress yet simple enough for a weeknight, you’re in the right place. This Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe is one of my personal favorites because it hits all the right notes: tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious Marsala wine sauce that’s pure magic. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to comfort food with just a touch of elegance.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients—this recipe relies on simple, fresh items that pack a punch when combined. Each one plays its role, from tender chicken breasts to flavorful mushrooms and that unmistakable Marsala wine that gives the sauce its signature taste.

• Chicken breasts: Using thin cutlets or pounding thicker breasts helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of your chicken.
• All-purpose flour: This creates a light coating that helps the chicken brown beautifully and thickens the sauce.
• Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps achieve a nice sear on the chicken.
• Butter: Combines with the oil for a rich flavor and browns the mushrooms perfectly.
• Cremini mushrooms: These have a deeper flavor than white button mushrooms and hold up well in the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a punch of aroma and taste without overpowering the dish.
• Dry Marsala wine: This is the star here—choose a good quality dry Marsala for the best sauce.
• Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce savory and balanced without being too heavy.
• Fresh thyme leaves: A little herbaceous note that brightens the whole dish.

Variations

This Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe is like a blank canvas—you can tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs, and I’ve found some fun twists over the years that really work well.

• Add Creaminess: I sometimes substitute half the chicken broth with heavy cream for a silky, richer sauce—it makes a cozy winter dinner all the more indulgent.
• Use Different Mushrooms: When I want an earthier flavor, I swap creminis for shiitakes or a mix of wild mushrooms—super tasty and beautiful on the plate.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to keep this dish accessible without losing the sauce’s texture.
• Vegetarian Version: Try replacing chicken with thick slices of eggplant or large portobello mushrooms and cook them the same way; you’ll still get that Marsala richness.

How to Make Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Cutlets

Start by slicing those large chicken breasts in half horizontally if needed, to make 4 thin cutlets. I like to place them between parchment paper and gently pound them to about ¼-inch thick—it helps them cook evenly and stay tender. Season both sides well with salt and pepper; this simple step really makes a difference in flavor.

Step 2: Coat and Brown the Chicken

Dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off the extra. Heat olive oil over medium heat in your skillet until shimmering. Add the chicken and let it brown undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden crust—this seals in the juices and adds texture. Once cooked through (an internal temp of 165°F is key!), set the chicken aside on a warm plate; tent it loosely with foil if needed to keep warm.

Step 3: Cook Mushrooms and Garlic

Drop in the butter and sliced cremini mushrooms into the same pan—using the leftover browned bits adds so much flavor here. Stir frequently as the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown (about 3-4 minutes). Just before they finish, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds—you want it fragrant but not burnt!

Step 4: Make the Marsala Sauce

Pour in the dry Marsala wine, chicken broth, and sprinkle in fresh thyme leaves. Let the sauce simmer and reduce by nearly half – it’ll take about 3-4 minutes. You’ll notice it thickening nicely; that’s thanks to the flour coating on the chicken that will further help give the sauce a velvety texture once combined.

Step 5: Rewarm Chicken and Serve

Pop the chicken back into the skillet and coat it gently with that gorgeous sauce—let it warm through for a couple of minutes. From here, I love serving it over creamy mashed potatoes or a bed of tender pasta to soak up every last drop. Before you know it, everyone’s asking for seconds!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme leaves—that little pop of green adds freshness and brightness against the rich sauce. Sometimes, a twist of lemon zest adds a lovely subtle aroma, especially when serving for guests.

Side Dishes

For sides, mashed potatoes are my top choice—the creamy texture soaks up the sauce beautifully. I also love serving this with buttered egg noodles or creamy polenta. On casual nights, simple steamed green beans or a crisp arugula salad balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated the chicken over a bed of saffron risotto and garnished with microgreens and shaved Parmesan—looks impressive and tastes divine. You could also serve this family-style, letting everyone spoon sauce onto their plates, which always makes for a cozy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay delicious for up to 3 days. I find it’s best to keep the chicken and sauce together to keep the meat moist and flavorful. It’s great for quick lunches or reheated dinners.

Freezing

This dish freezes quite well! I let it cool completely before freezing in portioned containers. When I thaw and reheat, the texture holds up nicely, and the sauce remains creamy and rich. Just be sure to freeze as soon as possible for the best quality.

Reheating

I prefer reheating leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of broth or water helps loosen the sauce. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine—just cover the dish and heat in short intervals, stirring gently.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe brings together simple ingredients with incredible flavor that feels like a special occasion meal. Every time I make it, I’m reminded why it’s a staple in my kitchen and my family’s favorite dinner. I hope you give it a try soon—it’s the kind of recipe that warms hearts and fills plates. Enjoy it with love!

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