Creamy Chicken Marsala Recipe: A Luscious Italian Classic

Culinary enthusiasts adore chicken marsala as a delightful Italian-American classic that brings robust flavors to your dinner table.

Tender chicken cutlets dance with earthy mushrooms in a rich wine sauce that whispers pure comfort.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this elegant yet simple dish, making it a reliable go-to for special occasions.

Authentic ingredients matter most when crafting this beloved recipe, ensuring each bite feels like a warm embrace.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected wine create a symphony of tastes that elevate the humble chicken to gourmet status.

Restaurants charge premium prices for what you can easily master in your own kitchen with just a few strategic techniques.

Master this chicken marsala, and watch dinner conversations spark with delight and appreciation.

Creamy Chicken Marsala That’ll Win You Over

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Delightful combination of Marsala wine and cream creates a rich, sophisticated taste that elevates ordinary chicken to a restaurant-quality meal.
• Master Gourmet Cooking: Surprisingly simple technique transforms basic ingredients into an impressive dish that looks and tastes like a professional chef prepared it.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Meal Companion: Pairs beautifully with multiple side dishes like pasta, rice, or vegetables, offering flexible dining options for different preferences and occasions.

All The Good Stuff In Creamy Chicken Marsala

• Chicken Breasts: Tender pieces of poultry that serve as the primary protein in this classic Italian-American dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a golden-brown crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear on the chicken.

• Mushrooms: Earthy fungi that add depth and texture to the creamy Marsala sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings a robust and pungent flavor to the dish.

• Marsala Wine: A fortified wine that creates a rich, complex base for the signature sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and smoothness to the sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that provides a fresh, colorful finish to the dish.

Make Creamy Chicken Marsala Like A Pro

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Searing

Grab your chicken breasts and coat them generously with salt and pepper. Dust each piece with flour, making sure to shake off any excess powder so they’ll get a beautiful golden crust when cooking.

Step 2: Create Perfect Golden Sear

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken breasts into the sizzling pan. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until they develop a stunning golden-brown exterior and are fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Sauté Mushroom Magic

Using the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms. Allow them to cook for approximately 5 minutes, transforming into beautifully browned and tender morsels. Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it dance around for another minute until its aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 4: Deglaze with Marsala Wine

Pour Marsala wine into the skillet, scraping up all those delicious caramelized bits stuck to the bottom. Let the liquid simmer and reduce by half, which typically takes 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Create Silky Cream Sauce

Reduce heat and introduce heavy cream and remaining butter. Stir until the sauce becomes incredibly smooth and luxuriously creamy.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Gently return chicken to the skillet, lovingly coating each piece with the velvety sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is heated perfectly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish. Serve immediately alongside pasta, rice, or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal that’ll impress everyone at the table.

Creamy Chicken Marsala Tips To Remember

• Flour Power: Shake off excess flour to prevent a heavy, clumpy coating on chicken and ensure a light, crispy exterior.
• Sear with Care: Use medium-high heat to achieve a perfect golden-brown color without burning the chicken or creating tough meat.
• Mushroom Magic: Allow mushrooms to brown without overcrowding the pan, which helps develop a rich, deep flavor and prevents steaming.
• Wine Wisdom: Scrape up those delicious browned bits when adding Marsala wine to maximize the sauce's depth and complexity of taste.
• Cream Control: Add cream and butter off the heat to prevent sauce separation and maintain a smooth, velvety consistency.

Tweak Your Creamy Chicken Marsala Your Way

• Vegetarian Marsala: Replace chicken with portobello mushroom steaks, using similar seasoning and cooking method. Keep the Marsala sauce and cream for rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch for dredging chicken. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Light Protein Alternative: Substitute chicken with turkey breast or pork tenderloin. Maintain identical cooking technique and wine reduction process.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip flour dredging completely. Sear protein directly in pan, using less butter and adding extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for depth.

Tasty Pairings For Creamy Chicken Marsala

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich marsala sauce and cuts through the creamy texture.
• Create Herbed Polenta Side: Prepare creamy polenta infused with parmesan and fresh herbs to soak up the delicious marsala sauce and provide a complementary starch base.
• Match with Fresh Crisp Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to balance the heavy cream sauce and add bright, tangy notes to the meal.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Bake a warm, buttery garlic bread to help guests mop up every last drop of the delectable marsala sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Save Creamy Chicken Marsala For Later

• Store leftover Chicken Marsala in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Carefully transfer the chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Frozen Chicken Marsala maintains quality for up to 2 months.
• Place portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sauce separation.

Creamy Chicken Marsala FAQs, Solved

• What type of wine is used in Chicken Marsala?

Marsala wine, a fortified wine from Sicily, Italy, is the key ingredient that gives this dish its signature rich and slightly sweet flavor profile.

• Can I substitute the Marsala wine?

While traditional recipes require Marsala wine, you can use dry sherry or Madeira as alternatives, though the taste will be slightly different from the classic version.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), which ensures it’s safe to eat and remains juicy.

Chicken Marsala Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory chicken marsala dances with rich, golden-brown mushroom sauce, creating a classic Italian-American favorite that brings rustic elegance to dinner tables. Tender chicken cutlets bathed in wine-infused goodness promise you a delightful culinary journey through comforting flavors.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup Marsala wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dust with flour, ensuring excess is shaken off.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling.
3. Sear chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal doneness. Transfer to a separate plate.
4. Add mushroom slices to the same skillet, cooking for approximately 5 minutes until they develop a rich, caramelized color and become tender.
5. Introduce minced garlic and sauté for 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
6. Deglaze the skillet with Marsala wine, carefully scraping accumulated flavor bits from the pan. Allow liquid to reduce by half over 3-4 minutes.
7. Reduce heat and incorporate heavy cream and remaining butter, whisking until sauce transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
8. Gently reintroduce chicken to the skillet, coating with the luxurious sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to harmonize flavors and reheat proteins.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately alongside complementary sides like pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is evenly coated with flour for a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and adds delightful texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness without overcooking.
• For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch, maintaining the same crispy coating technique.
• Create a lighter option by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk, reducing calories while keeping the sauce creamy and rich.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 120mg