If you have a soft spot for comforting Italian classics, then this Classic Chicken Marsala Recipe is going to become your new go-to dish. Imagine tender, golden chicken breasts nestled in a luscious mushroom and Marsala wine sauce that’s rich without being heavy. It’s a perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and deeply flavorful that works beautifully for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s a beloved staple in kitchens across the world.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Classic Chicken Marsala Recipe so irresistible starts with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and that appealing visual warmth you expect from an Italian feast.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, thinly pounded for tender, even cooking.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that elevate the chicken and sauce flavors beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Used for dredging, it creates a delicate crust and helps thicken the sauce.
- Olive oil: Provides a fruity base and helps in browning the chicken perfectly.
- Butter: Adds richness and a silky finish to the sauce.
- Mushrooms (cremini or white button): Bring earthiness and texture, absorbing the Marsala wine for extra depth.
- Garlic cloves: Impart aromatic notes that are subtle but essential.
- Dry Marsala wine: The signature ingredient that infuses the sauce with its unique sweet and nutty character.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory liquid to round out the sauce.
- Heavy cream (optional): For those who love a creamier, more luscious sauce.
- Fresh parsley: A bright garnish that lifts the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Classic Chicken Marsala Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to about half an inch thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. Season both sides well with salt and black pepper to build that foundational flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
Lightly coat the chicken in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This not only helps the chicken develop a golden crust when seared but also thickens the sauce as it cooks later on.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a mixture of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until both sides turn a gorgeous golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic
Add a little more olive oil or butter if needed, then toss in the mushrooms. Sauté them for about 6 to 8 minutes until they’re beautifully browned and have released their moisture. Add minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to infuse that subtle aromatic flavor without burning it.
Step 5: Deglaze with Marsala Wine
Pour in the dry Marsala wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits pack an intense umami kick that makes the sauce so irresistible. Let the wine simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate its flavor.
Step 6: Add Chicken Broth and Simmer
Stir in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Return the seared chicken breasts back to the skillet, letting them cook in the flavorful sauce for about 10 minutes until cooked through and tender.
Step 7: Finish with Optional Cream
If you’re craving an even richer sauce, stir in some heavy cream and let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended for that classic velvety finish that elevates the dish to restaurant-quality indulgence.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Your Classic Chicken Marsala Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Classic Chicken Marsala Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens the dish while adding a subtle herbal note that balances out the richness of the Marsala sauce. For a bit of extra flair, a few grated Parmesan shavings can also add a touch of savory excellence.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or even a simple risotto. The starch serves to soak up every last drop of that incredible Marsala sauce, making every bite a celebration. A crisp green salad or sautéed green beans also complement the flavors by adding freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating the chicken slices fanned out over a bed of buttery polenta with mushrooms and sauce artfully drizzled on top. Individual ramekins filled with the chicken and sauce can make charming single servings. For a casual twist, serve the chicken sliced on crusty bread for a rustic open-faced sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Classic Chicken Marsala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it great for next-day lunches or weeknight dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, especially if you separate the chicken from the sauce before freezing to preserve texture. Freeze components individually in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps loosen the sauce as it warms. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts to retain moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use another type of mushroom for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini and white button mushrooms are classic choices, you can experiment with shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms to add unique earthy flavors and textures.
Is Marsala wine necessary for authentic flavor?
Dry Marsala wine is essential for the genuine taste of this recipe as it provides that distinct sweet-nutty flavor. If you’re in a pinch, a dry sherry can be a decent substitute, but it won’t have quite the same depth.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging the chicken instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure your broth and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or extra olive oil, and skip the heavy cream or use a coconut cream alternative for a rich texture.
What’s the best way to pound chicken breasts evenly?
Place the chicken between plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound from the center outward until they reach about ½-inch thickness. This technique helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Classic Chicken Marsala Recipe. It’s a warm hug on a plate, combining simple ingredients into a dish that tastes far more special than the effort required. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a weekend treat, this recipe promises to dazzle your family and friends. Give it a try and savor every delicious bite!
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Classic Chicken Marsala Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Classic Chicken Marsala recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich and flavorful mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s an elegant yet easy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
Cooking Fat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Sauce & Vegetables
- 8 ounces mushrooms (cremini or white button), sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ cup dry Marsala wine
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about ½-inch thick for even cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Dredge the chicken: Coat each chicken breast in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to avoid a gummy texture when frying.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the mushrooms: If needed, add a little more olive oil or butter to the skillet. Sauté the sliced mushrooms over medium heat for about 6 to 8 minutes until they are nicely browned and have released their moisture. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour the dry Marsala wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce slightly for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add broth and simmer: Stir in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet and let everything cook together for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Optional cream finish: For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream and simmer for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to meld beautifully.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken marsala and serve each portion hot with your choice of sides such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Pound chicken evenly to ensure quick and uniform cooking.
- Use dry Marsala wine for authentic flavor; sweet Marsala will alter taste balance.
- Heavy cream is optional but adds a luxurious texture to the sauce.
- Preferably use fresh mushrooms for best taste but canned mushrooms can be substituted in a pinch.
- Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
