How to Make Classic Chicken Marsala: A Simple and Mouthwatering Recipe
Chicken Marsala is a beloved Italian-American dish that’s both elegant and incredibly flavorful. It’s made with tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, slightly sweet Marsala wine sauce. Though it sounds fancy, Chicken Marsala is actually very simple to prepare and makes for the perfect dinner, whether you’re entertaining guests or cooking for your family.
In this blog, we’ll show you step-by-step how to create this classic dish in simple English, so you can try it in your own kitchen. Ready? Let’s dive in!
What Is Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala is a dish that originated in Italy and is now widely enjoyed around the world. The recipe involves pan-frying chicken breasts and smothering them in a sauce made from Marsala wine, mushrooms, butter, and various seasonings. The Marsala wine gives the sauce its unique flavor—slightly sweet and savory, with hints of caramel and fruit.
Marsala wine is the hero of this dish, so it’s worth buying a good-quality bottle from your local store. Choose a dry or sweet Marsala wine based on your preference, though dry wine is commonly used in savory recipes.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Classic Chicken Marsala:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 cup cremini or white mushrooms, sliced thin
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Marsala wine (dry or sweet)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Chicken Marsala
Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality Chicken Marsala in the comfort of your own kitchen:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by prepping your chicken breasts. If the breasts are very thick, slice them in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets. You want the chicken to cook quickly and evenly. Place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a rolling pin or meat mallet until they’re about 1/2-inch thick.
Once the chicken is ready, season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
Pour the flour onto a wide plate or shallow bowl. Take each chicken breast and coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. This step ensures a golden-brown crust when you cook the chicken and helps to thicken the sauce later.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the floured chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. You’ll be adding it back to the sauce later, so don’t worry about it getting cold.
Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced mushrooms. If needed, add a little more oil or a small knob of butter to the pan. Sauté the mushrooms for 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden and tender. Add the minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Add the Marsala wine to the skillet with the mushrooms and garlic. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavor to deepen. Next, add the chicken broth and butter to the pan. Stir gently and let the sauce simmer for another 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Once the sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over them. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your Chicken Marsala is ready! Transfer the chicken and sauce to a serving platter or plate. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color (if you like). Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Tips for the Best Chicken Marsala
- Don’t skip the Marsala wine. It’s the key ingredient that gives this dish its signature flavor.
- Use fresh mushrooms. They add depth and texture to the sauce.
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness. This ensures it cooks evenly and quickly.
Closing Thoughts
Chicken Marsala is a classic dish that’s easy to make yet elegant enough to impress your family and friends. With its rich and comforting flavors, it’s bound to be a hit at the dinner table. The best part? The recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
So grab your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of wine, and whip up this delicious dish. You’ll be thrilled with the results—and maybe even inspired to make it again and again!
Let us know how your Chicken Marsala turns out in the comments below. Happy cooking!
