Classic Chicken Marsala with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Today, we’re delighted to share a timeless Italian American dish: Classic Chicken Marsala with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. This elegant and flavorful dish is perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in. With tender chicken breasts, rich Marsala wine, and a luscious mushroom sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Marsala is a beloved classic for good reason. The combination of golden-brown chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a silky Marsala wine sauce creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and sophisticated. This dish is ideal for those who love rich, savory meals and enjoy cooking with wine. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Marsala Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, as needed
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup dry Marsala wine
• 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Serving Options:

• Cooked pasta, such as angel hair
• Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). In a bowl, mix 1 cup of flour and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag and pound them to a 1/4-inch thickness. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Cook the Chicken:

3. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat.

4. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and brown them on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

5. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and keep warm in the preheated oven.

Make the Marsala Sauce:

6. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and the quartered mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and juicy, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

7. Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, about 5-7 minutes.

8. Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream and return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook until the sauce thickens and the chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes.

Serve: 

9. Serve the chicken and Marsala sauce over cooked angel hair pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Zip-top bag
• Rolling pin or meat mallet
• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Wooden spoon

Storage Tips:

Leftover Chicken Marsala can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Tips and Variations:

Mushroom Varieties:

• Feel free to use other types of mushrooms like shiitake, button, or portobello for a different flavor profile.

Wine Substitutes:

• If you don’t have Marsala wine, you can use a dry sherry or Madeira as a substitute.

Gluten-Free Option:

• Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make this dish gluten-free.

Extra Vegetables:

• Add sautéed spinach or steamed asparagus to the dish for added color and nutrition.

Food and Drink Pairings:

Pairing Suggestions:

• This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For a red wine option, try a light Pinot Noir.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

FAQs:

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce up to 1 day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

• A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

• A: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of flour with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce while it’s simmering.

More Recipe Suggestions:

Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms and Dijon Sauce

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Bake

Garlic Parmesan Chicken in a Rich Creamy Sauce

Skillet Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce