This easy Chicken Marsala recipe has juicy chicken smothered in a restaurant quality marsala sauce. Serve this with fettuccine pasta or with creamy mashed potatoes!
Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is definitely one of my favorite restaurant dishes, but sometimes, I like my homemade version even better. (And I’m pretty sure you will too!) Luckily, it’s easy to master this Italian-American classic at home!
This glorious sauce has reduced marsala wine, mushrooms, garlic, shallots, butter, chicken broth, seasonings, and my favorite flavor enhancers.
The chicken is smothered in the plentiful sauce that this recipe makes, and it pairs perfectly with pasta or potatoes!
How to Make It
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Sauté mushrooms in butter and set aside. Season chicken with salt/pepper and sprinkle with flour. Sear in olive oil until golden on each side, then set aside.
Deglaze the skillet with dry marsala wine and reduce by half. Add butter, garlic, and shallots. Add flour and cook for 2 minutes.
Add marsala sauce mixture (chicken broth, beef bouillon, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme). Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 7-10 minutes.
Stir in the mushrooms, then add the chicken back and spoon the sauce on top. Heat through for 3-4 minutes, then serve with buttered noodles or mashed potatoes, along with roasted green beans.
Marsala Wine Options
- Best Marsala Wine: Dry Marsala is better to use over sweet marsala, as the dry variety still has a hint of sweetness to it. Sometimes I only have Cribari Marsala available to me, and though it’s sweet, it’s balanced enough to work in this dish.
- Marsala Wine Substitutes: Vermouth, Madeira, port, or dark sherry can be used as substitutes for marsala. 1 tablespoon of brandy or cognac can also be added to dry white wine (such as pinot grigio or chardonnay).
- Non-Alcoholic Substitute: 1/2 cup of white grape juice + 1/4 cup sherry vinegar + 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract.
Pro Tips
- Mushrooms: Cremini, (or baby portobella) mushrooms are best because they have a browner color and firmer texture than white button mushrooms, but white button can certainly be used as well
- Bouillon: I add 1/2 beef bouillon cube for depth of flavor and slightly darker color in this sauce. (It seems counterintuitive to use this in a chicken recipe, but it adds that special “something”!)
- The Worcestershire Sauce adds umami and also can’t be tasted in this soup. Soy sauce can be used as a substitute if needed. The Mustard powder is a flavor enhancer that you can’t taste outright.
- A few drops of Gravy Master or Kitchen Bouquet can add a slightly darker color to this stew if preferred, but it’s not necessary!
- A Fancy Finish: Swirl 1-2 tablespoons of cold butter into the sauce just before serving. This adds a smooth, velvety finish and is a technique used by restaurants for soups and sauces. (Do this when the heat is off.)
- For Serving: Be sure to serve this with my buttered noodles or creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans!
Storage
- Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Leftovers do freeze well!
- If reheating from frozen: Thaw leftover chicken overnight in the fridge (or defrost it in the microwave) and then bake it in a small, lightly greased, covered casserole dish at 350° for 20-25 minutes.
Tools For This Recipe
(Amazon affiliate links)- Check out all of my kitchen essentials here.
- 12-inch cast iron skillet– Similar to what I used for this recipe.
- Large Measuring Cup with a Spout -This is what I use to combine the sauce ingredients at the beginning. The spout makes it easy to add it to the roux in small splashes.
- Kitchen Tongs– makes it easy to handle the chicken when searing.
- My Favorite Chef Knife
- Meat Tenderizer
- Measuring Spoons– I have these magnetic ones which stay nice and organized in my utensil drawer.
- Gravy Master -To give the sauce a darker color. (You can find this at the grocery store.)
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Chicken Marsala Recipe
Ingredients
Mushrooms
- 12 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced/rinsed/dried. See notes.
- 2 tablespoons butter
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt/Pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup flour
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Marsala Sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ beef bouillon cube
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 3/4 cup dry marsala wine, see notes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/8 teaspoon gravy master or kitchen bouquet, optional
- Freshly Parsley, to garnish
Instructions
Prep Work
- Combine Sauce Mixture: Combine chicken broth, beef bouillon, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme. Set aside.
Cook the Mushrooms
- Melt butter over medium-high heat and add the mushrooms. Allow them to brown for 4-5 minutes, stir occasionally as they cook. Sprinkle with a little salt halfway through if desired. Set aside once cooked. (This method is the best way for them to retain their shape, color, texture, and flavor. This way they don't become waterlogged/rubbery by staying in the skillet.)
Dredge/Sear the Chicken
- Slice the chicken in half lengthwise to create 2 thinner slices. Cover with saran wrap and use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound it to ½ inch thick. Pat dry.
- Season each side with salt/pepper. Combine the garlic powder with the flour. Sprinkle it over the chicken and rub it over the surface of each side.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, until a golden crust has developed. Set aside.
Make the Sauce
- Turn the heat off. Add the wine and then set the heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to clean the bottom and sides of the skillet, the “fond” will add more flavor to the sauce. Bring to a gentle bubble and reduce by half, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the butter, garlic, and shallots and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes. The color of the flour mixture should be dark brown.
- Add the sauce mixture (from step 1) in small splashes, stirring continuously. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it simmer and reduce for 7-10 minutes, uncovered. The longer it simmers, the thicker and more concentrated it will get. (Optional: Add 1/8 tsp. Gravy Master or Kitchen Bouquet for a darker color.)
- Add the mushrooms back to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the chicken back and spoon the sauce on top. Cover partially and let it heat through for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve!
Notes
- Best Marsala Wine: Dry Marsala is better to use over sweet marsala, as the dry variety still has a hint of sweetness to it. Sometimes I only have Cribari Marsala available to me, and though it’s sweet, it’s balanced enough to work in this dish.
- Marsala Wine Substitutes: Vermouth, Madeira, port, or dark sherry can be used as substitutes for marsala. 1 tablespoon of brandy or cognac can also be added to dry white wine (such as pinot grigio or chardonnay).
- Non-Alcoholic Substitute: 1/2 cup of white grape juice + 1/4 cup sherry vinegar + 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract.
Pro Tips:
- Mushrooms: Cremini, (or baby portobella) mushrooms are best because they have a browner color and firmer texture than white button mushrooms, but white button can certainly be used as well
- Bouillon: I add 1/2 beef bouillon cube for depth of flavor and slightly darker color in this sauce. (It seems counterintuitive to use this in a chicken recipe, but it adds that special "something"!)
- The Worcestershire Sauce adds umami and also can't be tasted in this soup. Soy sauce can be used as a substitute if needed. The Mustard powder is a flavor enhancer that you can't taste outright.
- A few drops of Gravy Master or Kitchen Bouquet can add a slightly darker color to this stew if preferred, but it's not necessary!
- A Fancy Finish: Swirl 1-2 tablespoons of cold butter into the sauce just before serving. This adds a smooth, velvety finish and is a technique used by restaurants for soups and sauces. (Do this when the heat is off.)
- For Serving: Be sure to serve this with my buttered noodles or creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans!
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Leftovers do freeze well!
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and is per serving. There are 4 servings in this recipe.
Um….yes. I love wine reducted foods so I have always enjoyed a good chicken Marsala. This was the first time I ever decided to make one for my family. It was too die for! I did a few of my own twists but didn’t change the ingredients. I used a chicken and beef bouillon cube instead of broth to make the amount needed. And i added a table spoon of brown sugar to the mushrooms.
My meat was tenderize with my meat tenderize blade. I think it penetrates the flavor more. My meat still was about a half inch thick still.
After Browning the chicken I put it aside and whipped up the sauce (with Marsala cooking wine), but then I added the chicken back for another 10 minutes to let it absorb the favor and simmer on medium heat. I turn the chicken and shifted it twice.
Added the mushrooms and served right out of the pan piping hot.
It was a 10/10. Which is rare in my household…. and I’m the picky one.
Sounds like you nailed it Kaitlin, nice work!🙌 Your description made me hungry! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review💖
Hi Stephanie. This recipe is great as is. I have also made it meatless by using fake chicken strips, vegetable broth and a vegetarian bullion cube. The result is a delicious vegetarian meal 😋
I’m so happy that you love the recipe Joan! Both as-written, and with vegetarian modifications! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! 🙂 -Stephanie
This was so good served with pasta!!!! We added more mushrooms because we are mushroom lovers. Will definitely be making it again, it was one of our favorites!!!
Sounds like a yummy dinner over pasta Jess, nice work😃! I love mushrooms too, my husband not so much though so I always find myself holding back on the mushrooms. Thanks so much for the great review!
I wanted to prepare a great recipe for a friend’s retirement. I am so happy I picked this Chicken Marsala recipe. My friend said it tasted as good as any high end restaurant could make. This delicious dish with flavorful sauce tasted like a chef prepared it. I am definitely adding this to my meal rotation.
I am so happy to hear that! This is the perfect way to celebrate retirement and I’m thrilled that it was such a hit, thank you so much!! -Stephanie
I tried this recipe for the first time last night and it was AMAZING!! I don’t even like mushrooms, but this was fantastic and everyone in my family had seconds! I frequently tweak recipes to fit my tastes, but I made this one exactly as is and it was PERFECT! 10/10 recommend!
I am sooooo happy to hear that Shannon!! My husband doesn’t like mushrooms either, and he always devours this!! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it! -Stephanie 🙂
Simply delicious as is all of your recipes. The sauce is amazing. I love the way you prep recipes out, so easy to follow. This is definitely a keeper!
Thanks so much for the great review Lenette! I’m so happy you found it easy to follow!💖
This recipe was so easy and delicious! I love all of the tips and notes that follow the recipe! This definitely is a keeper!
I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe and found the tips and notes helpful Kristin! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review!❤️
This recipe is absolutely delicious! I made it for my Italian Mother-in-law and she LOVED it!!!! I used the dry Marsala wine, baby portobello mushrooms, and everything exactly as described because I haven’t ever made this before and I was nervous to screw it up if I deviated from the recipe at all. It actually surprised me at how easy it was to make-especially with your photos to look at. I’m so happy my mother-in-law was happy with it. I think I got some bonus points even though I am not Italian. I will be making this often. Thank you so much!
I’m so happy the Chicken Marsala was such a hit with your mother in law Fabian, nice work! I’m extra happy to hear you found it easy to make with the step by step instructions. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and leave a review!💖
You need to go to a quality liquor store and get an imported Marsala…domestics like Cribari, lack flavor. It is defiantly worth the effort!
I would agree with you Antonio, it’s definitely worth the effort, but if someone is in a bind, the alternative will do! 🙂
Could you make this in a crock pot?
Hi Michele, the method here is designed for the stove top as we need to cook down wine and reduce the sauce which requires evaporation.