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Chicken Marsala Recipe

4.5 from 136 reviews

A classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed to golden perfection and served with a rich, creamy Marsala wine and mushroom sauce. This Chicken Marsala recipe balances savory flavors with a touch of sweetness from the Marsala wine, making it an elegant yet approachable meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to 1/4-inch thickness)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)

Sauce

  • 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
  • 1 shallot (minced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2/3 cup chicken broth
  • 2/3 cup dry Marsala wine
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
  • Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Dredge chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Coat each piece evenly with all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to avoid clumping.
  2. Sear chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to brown. Stir in the minced shallot and garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Simmer sauce: Pour in chicken broth, dry Marsala wine, and heavy cream. Stir in freshly chopped thyme along with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to reduce by about half and thicken slightly.
  5. Finish dish: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the reduced sauce. Simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and meld flavors. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • To ensure even cooking, pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness before seasoning.
  • Dry Marsala wine adds authentic flavor, but a dry white wine can be substituted if unavailable.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  • For a lighter version, omit the heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to complement the creamy sauce.

Keywords: Chicken Marsala, Marsala chicken, Italian chicken recipe, creamy mushroom sauce, sautéed chicken, easy dinner recipes