Chicken Marsala Recipe - The Classic Italian Dish Made Easy

Chicken marsala is an Italian classic - tender chicken cutlets drenched in a rich, mushroom marsala wine sauce. This delicious yet easy chicken dish comes together in under an hour and is a regular weeknight favorite. Read on for a fail-proof chicken marsala recipe made simple, including pro chef tips for extra flavor and easy cleanup.

Chicken Marsala Origins & History

Chicken marsala hails from Sicily, where simple yet flavorful ingredients like chicken, wine, and mushrooms come together to create a hearty, satisfying meal. The name "marsala" comes from the Italian town of the same name, which is famous for producing the fortified Marsala wine used in the sauce.

Like many Italian dishes, chicken marsala recipes can vary greatly by region. Some versions use egg batter on the chicken, others add cream to the sauce. But the core components are consistent - pan-fried chicken cutlets braised in a Marsala mushroom sauce.

Key Ingredients for Chicken Marsala

Chicken marsala requires just a handful of simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Here's what you'll need:

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken cutlets are ideal for quick cooking. Pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.

Mushrooms

Sliced cremini or button mushrooms add meatiness and soaks up the flavorful sauce.

Marsala Wine

Dry Marsala wine gives the sauce its distinctive flavor. Sweet Marsala can be cloyingly sweet.

Flour

Flour coats the chicken before browning to help create a crispy exterior.

Chicken Broth

Broth adds flavor and helps thin the sauce.

Herbs & Spices

Onion, garlic, oregano, parsley and pepper round out the flavors.

Step-By-Step Chicken Marsala Recipe

With just 20 minutes of active cooking time, this easy chicken marsala recipe comes together quickly for a fast weeknight dinner:

Prep the Ingredients

Start by prepping your ingredients - pound the chicken to an even thickness, slice the mushrooms, mince the garlic and herbs, etc. This makes cooking go faster.

Cook the Mushrooms

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add mushrooms and cook 5 minutes until browned. Remove to a plate.

Cook the Chicken

Dredge chicken cutlets in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove to a plate.

Make the Sauce

Add more oil to the pan if needed. Cook garlic and onion 1 minute. Add Marsala wine and cook 2 minutes. Add chicken broth and herbs, then return chicken and mushrooms to the pan. Simmer until sauce is reduced, about 5 minutes.

Serve Chicken Marsala

Serve chicken immediately, garnished with parsley. Spoon the mushroom marsala sauce over the top. Serve with pasta, rice or mashed potatoes.

Tips for the Best Chicken Marsala

To take your chicken marsala recipe from basic to gourmet, keep these pro tips in mind:

Use High-Quality Ingredients

Splurge on good dry Marsala wine and fresh mushrooms - it makes a difference.

Cook in Stages

Browning the chicken then removing it allows fond to form for maximum flavor.

Simmer the Sauce

Letting the sauce simmer allows the flavors to meld and concentrate.

Pound the Chicken Evenly

Pounding the chicken ensures quick, even cooking. Aim for 1/4 inch thickness.

Don't Omit the Onion

It adds an essential underlying flavor note.

Variations

Once you master the classic, try these easy chicken marsala variations:

Veal Marsala

Substitute veal cutlets for a more traditional take.

Turkey Marsala

For a lighter option, use turkey cutlets instead of chicken.

Beef Marsala

Use thinly sliced beef for a meatier marsala meal.

Shrimp Marsala

Swapping shrimp for chicken lends a fresh flavor.

Marsala Cream Sauce

For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.

Add Vegetables

Mix in zucchini, peas, or your other favorite veggies.

Chicken Marsala FAQs

Common questions about making chicken marsala at home:

What Wine Goes with Chicken Marsala?

Serve more Marsala wine! The same wine used to cook is the perfect pairing. Other good options are Chianti or Pinot Noir.

Can You Make Ahead Chicken Marsala?

Yes, the sauce can be made 1-2 days in advance then reheated while cooking the chicken. Or refrigerate the whole cooked dish and reheat gently.

Is Chicken Marsala Keto?

Chicken marsala can easily be made keto-friendly by using lower carb Marsala wine and serving over riced cauliflower instead of pasta.

What Sides Go with Chicken Marsala?

Pasta, risotto, polenta, or crusty bread are natural pairings. Steamed broccoli or green beans also complement the rich sauce.

How to Stop Chicken Marsala Sauce From Clumping?

Simmering the sauce long enough allows the starch from the flour to cook out and prevent clumping. Whisking frequently also helps prevent clumps.

Master the Classic Chicken Marsala Recipe

From its Sicilian roots to modern dinner tables, chicken marsala remains a favorite for its easy preparation and rich, hearty flavor. Follow this simple recipe using pantry staples and a handful of pro tips, and you'll have a restaurant-worthy meal in under an hour. Pair it with a green salad for a complete meal that never disappoints. Buon appetito!