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If you’ve ever wished for a restaurant-quality, soul-satisfying dinner that comes together effortlessly, this Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken cutlets bathed in a luscious sauce made from earthy cremini mushrooms, rich Marsala wine, and creamy goodness create a harmony of flavors that will have you swooning from the very first bite. This dish balances comfort and elegance beautifully, making it perfect for both weekday dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
While this Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe may sound fancy, the ingredients are refreshingly simple, each one playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that inviting aroma. Let’s dive into these essentials that make this dish shine.
- Chicken breasts: Cutting them thin allows for quick cooking and a tender bite every time.
- Salt & pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Flour: Perfect for dredging the chicken to achieve a lightly crisp surface and to help thicken the sauce.
- Olive oil: Provides a lovely fruity base for searing the chicken.
- Butter: Splitting this into two additions helps build a rich, silky texture for both the chicken and the sauce.
- Cremini mushrooms: Their earthy flavor and tender bite bring essential umami and depth.
- Fresh garlic clove: Minced for a fragrant kick that blossoms beautifully in the sauce.
- Marsala wine: The star ingredient whose sweet, fortified notes create that signature Marsala sauce.
- Heavy whipping cream: Adds a velvety, luscious finish that makes the sauce irresistible.
How to Make Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you get four evenly thin cutlets. This step is key for quick, even cooking. Season each piece generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to build flavorful layers. Then, coat each cutlet lightly in flour. This not only gives the chicken a delicate crust but also helps thicken our irresistible sauce later on.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil along with one tablespoon of butter in a skillet until shimmering. Add your floured chicken and let it sear without moving it for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until a gorgeous golden crust forms. Once seared, remove the chicken and set it aside. Don’t worry — it will finish cooking nestled in that gorgeous sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms and Build Flavor
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and toss in the sliced cremini mushrooms. Let them cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply browned and release their savory goodness. This step throws in serious umami that is essential to our Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Marsala Wine
Next, add the minced garlic and pour in the Marsala wine, allowing it to bubble and reduce for 2 to 3 minutes. This reduces the alcohol while concentrating the wine’s distinctive sweet and nutty flavors, laying the perfect foundation for our creamy sauce.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Cook the Chicken Through
Pour in the heavy whipping cream and return the chicken to the pan. Let everything simmer together for another 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a silky consistency. Taste and add extra salt and pepper if you like. For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle a bit of chopped parsley on top before serving — purely optional, but so lovely.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of green that brightens the plate and cuts through the richness of the sauce. Some like a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper or a few lemon wedges on the side for a zesty contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles that soak up every last bit of the Marsala sauce. Roasted asparagus, green beans, or a crisp mixed salad help add fresh, crisp textures and balance the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, stack the chicken cutlets on a bed of herb-infused risotto or cauliflower puree. You could even stuff the mushrooms in the sauce around the chicken for a rustic, hearty presentation that invites everyone to dive in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe is wonderfully forgiving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers equally delightful.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool everything completely before freezing to preserve the texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken or breaking the sauce. Adding a splash of water, cream, or broth can bring the sauce back to life beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms offer great earthy flavor and texture, you can substitute with button mushrooms, shiitake, or even portobello slices for a different twist. Each variation will bring its own unique character to the dish.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for Marsala wine?
Yes, you can use grape juice mixed with a splash of balsamic vinegar or chicken broth with a little bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness and acidity of Marsala wine while keeping the sauce alcohol-free.
Can I prepare the dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging the chicken, and just ensure your Marsala wine and other ingredients are gluten-free. The flavors will stay just as delicious.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be creamy and coat the back of a spoon without being too thick or gluey. It will thicken slightly as it simmers with the cream and chicken, so keep an eye on it to reach that perfect velvety texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce separately or make the entire dish up to a day in advance. Just reheat gently when ready to serve, and consider adding fresh herbs at the last minute for brightness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe is a true kitchen gem, effortlessly transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family or creating a cozy date night dinner, the harmony of flavors here will surely make this recipe a beloved staple. Give it a try—you’re going to love every bite!
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Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A quick and flavorful Easy Chicken Marsala recipe featuring tender chicken cutlets in a rich mushroom and Marsala wine sauce, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Flour (for dredging)
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced fairly thin)
- 1 large clove garlic (minced)
- 3/4 cup marsala wine
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
Instructions
- Prep and Season Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets. Season each piece with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then dredge them in flour to coat.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the floured chicken cutlets and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the remaining butter and sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
- Add Garlic and Wine: Stir in the minced garlic and pour in the Marsala wine. Allow the mixture to bubble and reduce for 2-3 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Finish Sauce and Chicken: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and return the chicken to the pan. Simmer together for another 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use dry Marsala wine for the best flavor balance.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta for a complete meal.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian