If you’re in the mood for a cozy, restaurant-style dinner that’s full of flavor, this Chicken Marsala Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a classic Italian dish made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich Marsala wine sauce and earthy mushrooms. The sauce is creamy, aromatic, and has that perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes that make every bite irresistible.
If you love restaurant-style Italian dinners made at home, you’ll also enjoy our Pizza Margherita, a classic favorite that’s simple, fresh, and always comforting.
Table of Contents
A Little Italian History 🕰️
Chicken Marsala originates from western Sicily, where the famous Marsala wine is produced. Traditionally, this wine was used to enhance meats and sauces, giving them depth and complexity. Today, it’s a staple in Italian-American kitchens — a comforting dish that never fails to impress guests or family.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Marsala Recipe ❤️
- It’s ready in about 40 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- The Marsala wine creates a deep, caramelized flavor that feels gourmet without much effort.
- It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or fresh pasta.
- You only need one pan, which means easy cleanup!
Key Ingredients for Authentic Flavor 🍄
The secret to the best Chicken Marsala Recipe lies in simplicity and quality:
- Chicken breasts – thinly pounded for even cooking.
- Marsala wine – choose a dry Marsala, not sweet, for a perfectly balanced sauce.
- Mushrooms – cremini or button mushrooms give earthy richness.
- Butter & olive oil – the perfect combination for browning and flavor.
- Garlic, broth, and a touch of cream – to create that luscious, silky texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Marsala 🔥
- Use thin chicken breasts so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Don’t rush the wine reduction — the flavor develops as it simmers.
- If you prefer a lighter version, skip the cream and use only broth.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a bright finish.
Recommended Kitchen Tools 🛒
To get that perfect restaurant-style result, use a non-stick skillet for even searing, stainless steel measuring cups for your wine and cream, and always cook with authentic Marsala wine for the best flavor. These small details make a big difference in your final dish.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
For a truly Italian-style meal, serve your Chicken Marsala Recipe with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or risotto alla Milanese
- Freshly cooked spaghetti or tagliatelle
- Steamed asparagus or roasted green beans
This dish also pairs wonderfully with a glass of the same Marsala wine used for cooking — a perfect way to enjoy authentic Italian flavor from kitchen to table.
For another cozy Italian comfort meal, try Creamy Mushroom Risotto, rich, creamy, and perfect for pairing with chicken dishes.
Chicken Marsala is a rich Italian-American dish with deep, savory flavors.
Chicken Marsala – Classic Italian Wine & Mushroom Dish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness and season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the mushrooms: In the same pan, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until browned and tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Deglaze with Marsala wine: Pour in the Marsala wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add broth and cream: Stir in the chicken broth and, if desired, the heavy cream. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Notes
Final Thoughts 🌿
This Chicken Marsala Recipe is a restaurant-quality dinner that anyone can make at home. It’s rich yet balanced, elegant yet comforting — and absolutely irresistible when served with a glass of wine and crusty bread to soak up every drop of that heavenly sauce.
If you’re building a collection of Italian classics, Spaghetti Carbonara is another must-try dinner that’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor.
Chicken marsala is an Italian-American dish made with chicken cutlets and Marsala wine sauce, with its background and variations documented on Wikipedia.
