Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken cutlets pan-fried and then simmered in a rich, savory mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. It's an elegant meal that's surprisingly easy to make at home.

Chicken Marsala
  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Cook time: 29 minutes
  • Total time: 49 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry Marsala wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season flour with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and browned. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Stir in the chicken broth and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  7. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips

  • Always use a dry Marsala wine for cooking, not the sweet dessert variety, to achieve the authentic savory flavor.
  • Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking and tenderness.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing chicken or sautéing mushrooms; cook in batches if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use if I don't have Marsala wine?

While Marsala is key, you can substitute with dry sherry or a mix of dry white wine and a splash of brandy, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I make Chicken Marsala ahead of time?

Chicken Marsala is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and combine them just before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

What are good side dishes for Chicken Marsala?

It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or a simple side of steamed asparagus or green beans.