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Creamy Chicken Marsala Recipe

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3.9 from 34 reviews

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken cutlets simmered in a rich, savory Marsala wine mushroom sauce. This elegant yet easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, delivering comforting flavors with simple ingredients.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Sauce

  • 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup Marsala wine (dry preferred)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for creamy version)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt and black pepper evenly to enhance the flavor.
  2. Dredge in Flour: Lightly coat each chicken cutlet in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a thin, even layer that will help achieve a golden crust when cooked.
  3. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken cutlets for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden brown color and are cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté Mushrooms: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are browned and have released their moisture.
  5. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt, enhancing the mushroom flavor.
  6. Deglaze with Marsala Wine: Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the pan’s browned bits to incorporate all flavors. Let simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
  7. Add Broth and Herbs: Stir in chicken broth and thyme leaves. If you want a creamy sauce, add heavy cream at this point.
  8. Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet. Simmer everything together for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to absorb the flavors.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving. Serve hot with your choice of mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.

Notes

  • Use dry Marsala wine for authentic flavor to balance sweetness and richness.
  • Omit heavy cream for a dairy-free or lighter version of the sauce.
  • Pair this dish with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a complete meal.
  • The sauce will thicken further as it rests, so adjust consistency accordingly before serving.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American