Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels fancy but comes together without fuss, you’re going to love this Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe. It’s one of those meals that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but in reality, it’s ready in just 30 minutes. Juicy chicken cutlets bathed in a rich, creamy mushroom and Marsala wine sauce — what’s not to love? I’m excited to share exactly how I make this Italian-American classic so it turns out perfect every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe comes from a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that work harmoniously. Using cremini mushrooms adds a lovely earthiness, while Marsala wine is the star that brings that signature flavor. Grab these carefully, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious dinner.

• Chicken breasts: Choose large, fresh breasts so you can slice them into thin cutlets that cook quickly.
• Salt & pepper: Season generously to bring out the best flavor in the chicken.
• Garlic powder: A little punch that complements the fresh garlic in the sauce.
• Flour: For dredging the chicken to get that lovely golden crust.
• Olive oil: Use good quality for sautéing the chicken and mushrooms.
• Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce and helps brown the chicken.
• Cremini mushrooms: Sliced fairly thin for quick cooking and great texture.
• Garlic clove: Minced fresh for authentic flavor bursts.
• Marsala wine: The essential ingredient that gives this dish its characteristic sweet and nutty flavor—look for dry Marsala for best results.
• Heavy/whipping cream: Adds a velvety texture to the sauce, making it luxuriously creamy.

Variations

While I love sticking to the classic Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe, I sometimes like to mix things up based on what I have on hand or my mood. Feel free to play around with ingredients—you might discover a new favorite twist just like I did!

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts: I tried this once and loved how juicy and flavorful the thighs stayed, though they take a little longer to cook.
• Dairy-free option: Swap out heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and it still turns out rich and delicious.
• Mushroom mix: Sometimes I add shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a deeper, earthier flavor.
• Add herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary stirred in at the end can brighten up the sauce beautifully.

How to Make Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Dredge the Chicken

Start by slicing your large chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have four thin cutlets. This is key for quick, even cooking and tenderness. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then, lightly coat each piece in flour—this creates the golden crust I adore. Don’t shake off all the flour; a thin layer helps the sauce cling better later on.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the pan is hot and almost shimmering—this ensures a nice sear. Add the chicken and cook about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Don’t rush this step; that golden crust adds a ton of flavor. Once done, transfer chicken to a plate but don’t clean the pan—we’re building layers of flavor here.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms and Build the Sauce

Add the remaining butter to the skillet along with sliced mushrooms. Stir occasionally and cook for 3-5 minutes until the mushrooms are nicely browned and have released their moisture. Then toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Pour in the Marsala wine and let it bubble vigorously for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This concentrates the flavors and reduces the alcohol.

Step 4: Finish With Cream and Simmer

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir well. Nestle the seared chicken back into the sauce and let it simmer gently for 4-5 minutes. This finishes cooking the chicken inside the luxurious sauce. You’ll notice the sauce thickening slightly. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley at the end gives a nice, fresh pop.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish my Chicken Marsala with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. It adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the sauce. Sometimes I throw on a little grated Parmesan if I’m feeling indulgent—it’s an extra layer of savory goodness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles—the sauce soaks right in, and it’s pure comfort food heaven. Roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus or green beans add brightness and a nice contrast to the rich sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to plate the chicken over a bed of herb-infused polenta or creamy risotto, drizzling extra sauce on top. Garnishing with a few finely sliced mushrooms and a sprig of thyme gives it a restaurant-quality look that impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Easy Chicken Marsala in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce keeps beautifully and the chicken stays tender. Just be sure to let it cool somewhat before refrigerating to keep it fresh longer.

Freezing

I’ve frozen Chicken Marsala a couple of times with decent results. To freeze, cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. The sauce can separate a bit upon thawing, so I recommend reheating gently and stirring to bring it back together.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from breaking. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce if it thickened too much. This keeps flavors fresh and the chicken tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe has become one of my go-to meals because it effortlessly combines simple ingredients to create something truly special. I remember the first time I made it—I was nervous about cooking with wine, but the sauce turned out silky and flavorful, and my family was totally impressed. If you’re looking for a reliable, cozy dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how quickly it comes together and how good it tastes!

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