Best Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe

Best Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe | Creamy Italian Dinner Idea

I just made this chicken marsala, and it truly feels like a restaurant-quality dish made right in my own kitchen. The chicken came out perfectly tender, and the creamy mushroom sauce is just heavenly.

What I love most is how surprisingly simple it was to put together, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner when I’m craving something a little special without all the fuss.

This recipe has quickly become a new favorite of mine, and I’m so excited to share it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious dish.

• 2 large chicken breasts – Using fresh, boneless, skinless breasts ensures the chicken is tender and juicy.
• Salt & pepper – Add to taste to season the chicken perfectly.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – This gives the chicken coating a subtle, aromatic flavor.
• Flour – For dredging the chicken, which helps create a golden-brown crust and slightly thickens the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – I use this for pan-searing the chicken to get that beautiful color.
• 3 tablespoons butter – Divided for searing the chicken and sautéing the mushrooms, adding rich flavor.
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms – These have a deeper, earthier flavor than white mushrooms, which complements the marsala wine.
• 1 large clove garlic – Minced fresh garlic adds a pungent, savory depth to the sauce.
• 3/4 cup marsala wine – The star of the show! Use a dry or semi-sweet marsala, not the sweet kind, for the best flavor.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – This is the secret to a luscious, creamy sauce that coats everything beautifully.

Note: The quantities listed will create approximately 4 servings.

Variations

You can easily customize this recipe to fit your tastes or dietary needs. A few simple swaps can change up the flavor profile of this classic dish:

• Use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a dairy-free version (note: the sauce consistency and taste will change slightly).
• Replace marsala wine with dry sherry or Madeira if that’s what you have on hand.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme for a fragrant herbal note.
• Mix in sun-dried tomatoes to give the sauce a rich, tangy flavor boost.

Cooking Time

This meal comes together quickly, making it ideal for any night of the week.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need much to make this recipe, just a few kitchen basics.

• Large Skillet: A 10- or 12-inch skillet is essential for searing the chicken and making the sauce all in one pan.
• Tongs: These are perfect for flipping the chicken cutlets without piercing them, keeping the juices locked in.
• Shallow Dishes: You’ll need one or two for dredging the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture.
• Whisk: A small whisk is handy for smoothly incorporating the cream into the wine reduction.

How to Make Best Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe?

Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will impress everyone at the table.

Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken breasts. Cut each one in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess.

Sear the Chicken

Next, heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot and the butter has melted, carefully place the chicken cutlets in the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown, then transfer them to a plate and set them aside.

Cook the Mushrooms and Create the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining two tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook them, stirring occasionally, until they are nicely browned and have released their liquid. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and let it bubble for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Finish the Dish

Stir the heavy cream into the skillet to create a smooth, luxurious sauce. Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling the cutlets into the sauce. Let everything simmer for another 4-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the sauce to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve immediately.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Over the times I’ve made this, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even better.

• I find that patting the chicken completely dry before seasoning helps the flour adhere better, resulting in a crispier crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. I cook it in two batches if my skillet isn’t large enough to ensure each piece gets a beautiful golden-brown sear.
• My secret for an extra rich sauce is to let the marsala wine reduce by about half before adding the cream. This concentrates the flavor beautifully.
• I always use freshly sliced cremini mushrooms instead of pre-sliced ones. They have a much better texture and a more robust, earthy flavor that elevates the entire dish.

How to Serve Best Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe?

For a classic pairing, serve the chicken marsala over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce. It’s also wonderful with a simple risotto or even just some crusty bread for dipping. To add some green to the plate, steamed asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette make excellent accompaniments.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this recipe.

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal
• Protein: Around 35g
• Carbohydrates: Roughly 15g
• Fat: About 25g

Make Ahead and Storage

This chicken marsala is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still delicious.

You can store any leftover chicken marsala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

I would not recommend freezing this dish. The cream-based sauce can separate and become grainy upon thawing, which will alter the texture. It’s best made and enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons why this easy chicken marsala recipe will become a staple in your dinner rotation.

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The combination of savory mushrooms, rich marsala wine, and luscious cream creates a complex, delicious sauce that tastes like it came from a high-end Italian restaurant.
• Uses Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients to create this elegant meal, proving that great food doesn’t have to be complicated.
• Incredibly Versatile: This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner but is also elegant enough to serve to guests at a dinner party. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes, so you can easily customize the meal.