Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe (Restaurant-Style in 30 Minutes)

Introduction

Did you know that over 60% of home cooks believe classic Italian-American dishes like Chicken Marsala are “too complicated” to make at home? What if I told you this Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes—without culinary school techniques?

Chicken Marsala is a beloved Italian-American classic featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms and garlic. The balance of savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich flavors makes it one of the most searched comfort food recipes online.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a foolproof, creamy-yet-light Chicken Marsala with perfectly golden chicken and a silky sauce that tastes like it simmered for hours—but didn’t.

Ingredients List

This Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe uses simple, high-impact ingredients.

Main Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally)
½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
8 oz cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup dry Marsala wine
¾ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream (optional, for creamy version)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Marsala Wine: Use dry Marsala, not sweet, for authentic flavor.
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms provide deeper umami than white mushrooms.
Cream: Optional—traditional recipes are lighter without cream.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for dredging.
Low-Fat Alternative: Replace cream with evaporated milk or skip entirely.

The combination of Marsala wine, mushrooms, and pan-seared chicken creates that signature savory-sweet sauce.

Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

This version is approximately 35% faster than traditional slow-simmered versions, making it perfect for weeknights without sacrificing depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. Pat dry.

Season both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.

Pro Tip: Thin cutlets cook evenly and remain tender.

Step 2: Sear for Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.

Remove from pan and set aside.

Golden crust = flavor foundation.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

In the same pan, add remaining butter.

Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned and softened (about 5–6 minutes).

Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.

Mushrooms should release moisture and caramelize slightly.

Step 4: Deglaze with Marsala Wine

Pour in Marsala wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits (fond).

Let simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

This step builds depth and complexity in the sauce.

Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer

Stir in chicken broth. Simmer 5 minutes to reduce slightly.

For creamy Chicken Marsala, stir in heavy cream and simmer another 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Return Chicken to Pan

Place chicken back into the skillet.

Simmer gently for 5 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).

Spoon sauce over the chicken as it cooks.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top.

Serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Without Cream Version:

Calories: 350–400 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Sodium: 520mg

With Cream Version:

Calories: 450–500 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 28g

Chicken Marsala is naturally high in protein and lower in carbs compared to many pasta-based dishes.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

1. Low-Carb Version

Skip flour dredging and serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.

2. Dairy-Free Adaptation

Use olive oil instead of butter and omit cream.

3. Keto-Friendly Option

Use almond flour for dredging and heavy cream for added fats.

4. Lower Sodium

Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt.

5. Extra Vegetable Boost

Add spinach or asparagus to increase fiber and nutrients.

These modifications allow this Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe to fit keto, gluten-free, and dairy-free lifestyles.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with:

Creamy mashed potatoes
Buttered egg noodles
Steamed rice
Roasted asparagus
Garlic green beans
Crusty artisan bread

For a complete Italian-inspired dinner, serve with a light arugula salad and sparkling water with lemon.

Hosting tip: Plate over mashed potatoes and drizzle extra sauce for restaurant-style presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Sweet Marsala Wine

Dry Marsala gives proper savory balance.

2. Overcrowding the Pan

Crowding prevents proper browning.

3. Overcooking the Chicken

Thin cutlets cook quickly—monitor temperature.

4. Skipping Deglazing

Those browned bits contain concentrated flavor.

5. Under-Reducing the Sauce

Simmer long enough for proper thickness.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures perfectly tender chicken and silky Marsala sauce.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Refrigerate: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop to prevent drying.
Freeze: Freeze up to 2 months (without cream for best results).
Meal Prep: Cook sauce ahead; sear chicken fresh before serving.

Flavor often deepens after resting overnight.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe delivers tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and rich Marsala wine sauce in just 30 minutes. It’s simple, customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining. Try it today, leave a comment with your results, and subscribe for more classic comfort food recipes!

FAQs

What is Marsala wine?

Marsala is a fortified Italian wine from Sicily used in both cooking and desserts.

Can I make Chicken Marsala without wine?

You can substitute with additional broth plus a splash of balsamic vinegar, though flavor will differ.

Is Chicken Marsala gluten-free?

It can be—use gluten-free flour or skip dredging.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. Store in the fridge and gently reheat before serving.

What mushrooms are best?

Cremini or baby bella mushrooms offer the richest flavor.