Name: Quick Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup all purpose flour; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 3/4 cup Marsala wine; 3/4 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Why You’ll Love Quick Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe

This Chicken Marsala is irresistibly flavorful, combining juicy chicken with a savory mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make every bite satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breast, halved and pounded thin
all purpose flour
salt
garlic powder
pepper
olive oil
butter
cremini mushrooms, sliced
diced onion
minced garlic
dry Marsala wine
chicken broth
heavy cream
parsley, chopped

Directions

Prepare the chicken: Place each halved chicken breast between sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound to an even thin thickness.
Dredge: Combine the flour, salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a sealable bag. Add chicken pieces and shake to coat evenly, then shake off excess flour.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and some butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 3–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate and keep warm.
Cook vegetables: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned. Add onion and garlic and cook until tender and fragrant.
Make the sauce: Pour in the Marsala wine and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, then simmer until slightly reduced and thickened, about 7 minutes.
Combine: Return the chicken to the pan with the sauce, warm through, and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 people
Prep time: approximately 10 minutes
Cook time: approximately 25 minutes
Total time: about 35 minutes

Variations

• Mushroom Mix: Use a combination of cremini and shiitake mushrooms for deeper flavor.
• No Cream: For a more traditional Italian version, skip the heavy cream and reduce the Marsala and broth until thickened.
• Herbs: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for extra aromatic notes.
• Wine Swap: Substitute dry Madeira or dry sherry if Marsala isn’t available.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the dish (without cream if preferred) for up to 2–3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

What is Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala is a dish of pan-seared chicken cutlets served in a rich Marsala wine and mushroom sauce, often finished with cream.

Can I make it without cream?

Yes, traditional recipes often omit cream, relying on reduced wine and broth for a lighter sauce.

What should I serve with Chicken Marsala?

Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

What wine should I use?

Use dry Marsala wine, not sweet, for authentic savory flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless thighs can be used; adjust cooking time as needed.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer longer to reduce or add a cornstarch slurry if needed.

Can I prepare this ahead?

Yes, cook the chicken and sauce separately, then reheat and combine before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour or a cornmeal dredge.

Can I use dried mushrooms?

Fresh mushrooms are best, but rehydrated dried mushrooms can work; increase liquid accordingly.

How do I keep chicken juicy?

Don’t overcook the chicken; thin pieces cook quickly and stay moist.

Conclusion

This Quick Easy Chicken Marsala is a fantastic balance of rich flavors and simple technique. With golden seared chicken in a creamy mushroom and Marsala wine sauce, it’s perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Prepare it any night of the week and enjoy a restaurant-worthy Italian classic at home.