Chicken Marsala

This homemade Chicken Marsala is an easy recipe that combines golden pan-fried chicken cutlets with tender mushrooms in a velvety Marsala wine sauce. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this Italian-American classic delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. The rich, earthy flavors make it an impressive yet approachable dish that's sure to become a family favorite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The magic of this dish lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Tender chicken cutlets, golden mushrooms, and a silky Marsala wine sauce create an elegant meal that's ready in just 45 minutes. The sauce's combination of sweet Marsala wine, rich cream, and savory aromatics transforms simple ingredients into a dish worthy of any restaurant menu, while still being completely achievable at home.

Ingredients for Chicken Marsala

• For the Chicken:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Sauce:
  • 16 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 3/4 cup Marsala wine
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• For Cooking:
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Pound chicken pieces to 1/4-inch thickness. Mix flour, salt, and pepper in shallow dish. Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture.

Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons each butter and oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to plate.

Make the Mushroom Sauce

In same pan, melt remaining butter. Add mushrooms and cook until golden. Add shallots and garlic, cook until softened. Pour in Marsala wine, scraping up browned bits.

Finish the Sauce

Add broth, cream, and thyme. Simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Return chicken to pan and cook 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Pro Tips for Success

Use dry Marsala wine for best results, avoiding cooking wine. Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking. Don't overcrowd pan when cooking chicken or mushrooms. Allow sauce to reduce properly for right consistency. Adjust seasoning at end of cooking.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve over buttered pasta, creamy polenta, or mashed potatoes. Pair with steamed asparagus or roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra thyme if desired. Consider serving with crusty bread to soak up sauce. Excellent alongside simple green salad.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop, adding splash of broth if needed. Sauce may thicken when chilled; thin with warm broth when reheating. For best results, prepare sauce components ahead and assemble just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of pan works best?

A stainless steel pan provides the best browning for the chicken. While nonstick will work, it won't achieve the same golden color or fond for the sauce.

→ How should I prepare large chicken breasts?

For large chicken breasts, first cut them horizontally to form flat fillets, then pound to 1/4-inch thickness. This ensures proper portion size and even cooking.

→ How do I know when the sauce is ready?

The sauce should reduce by about half, become slightly thickened, and darken in color. It will be the consistency of a thin cream sauce.

→ What can I serve with this?

French green beans and Parmesan smashed potatoes are perfect accompaniments. Any side dish that can soak up the delicious sauce works well.

→ Can I use different mushrooms?

Yes, both bella and button mushrooms work well in this recipe. Pre-sliced mushrooms save preparation time.

Conclusion

This classic Italian-American dish features

Chicken cutlets pan-fried until golden, served with mushrooms in a creamy Marsala wine sauce. Prepared in just 45 minutes, it offers a restaurant-quality meal that's easy to make at home.