Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe (Restaurant-Quality at Home)
If you’re craving a restaurant-quality Italian dinner that’s elegant yet surprisingly simple, this Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender pan-seared chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich Marsala wine sauce come together in one skillet for a dish that feels luxurious but fits perfectly into a busy weeknight schedule.
Chicken Marsala is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s comforting, deeply flavorful, and endlessly versatile — perfect for family dinners, date nights, or even casual entertaining. Best of all, this version keeps the process streamlined without sacrificing taste or texture.
What Is Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala is an Italian-American dish made with:
- Lightly floured chicken cutlets
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Marsala wine
- A savory pan sauce finished with butter
The sauce is the star — slightly sweet, deeply savory, and silky smooth, thanks to the natural reduction of Marsala wine combined with broth and butter.
Why This Is the Best Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe
This recipe is designed to be:
- Quick and approachable
- Made in one skillet
- Packed with flavor
- Perfectly balanced
No heavy cream is required (though optional), and the sauce relies on proper browning and reduction rather than complicated steps.
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Marsala
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- All-purpose flour
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Cremini or button mushrooms
- Garlic cloves
- Marsala wine
- Chicken broth
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
These ingredients are easy to find and work together to create a bold yet refined flavor profile.
How to Make Easy Chicken Marsala
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets. Season with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cutlets and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add mushrooms and cook until browned and tender. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly.
Step 4: Deglaze with Marsala Wine
Pour in Marsala wine, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer and reduce slightly.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Add chicken broth and simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 6: Finish the Dish
Return chicken to the skillet and simmer gently until heated through and coated in sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Easy Chicken Marsala
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season chicken and dredge lightly in flour.
- Sear chicken in oil and butter until golden; remove.
- Cook mushrooms until browned; add garlic.
- Deglaze pan with Marsala wine and reduce.
- Add broth and simmer until sauce thickens.
- Return chicken, simmer briefly, garnish, and serve.
Notes
Flavor and Texture Breakdown
This dish delivers:
- Juicy, tender chicken
- Deep umami from mushrooms
- Slight sweetness from Marsala wine
- A silky, restaurant-style sauce
Every bite is rich without being heavy.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Marsala
- Use dry Marsala wine, not sweet
- Pound chicken evenly for consistent cooking
- Brown mushrooms well for maximum flavor
- Let the sauce reduce naturally — don’t rush it
- Finish with butter for a glossy texture
Easy Variations
Creamy Chicken Marsala
Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
Garlic Lover’s Version
Double the garlic for deeper flavor.
Low-Carb Option
Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
Extra Mushroom Marsala
Increase mushroom quantity for a heartier sauce.
What to Serve with Chicken Marsala
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttered pasta or egg noodles
- Rice or risotto
- Roasted green beans
- Steamed broccoli
- Garlic bread
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Meal Prep Tip:
Cook chicken and sauce separately for best texture.
Why Chicken Marsala Is Perfect for Any Occasion
- Elegant enough for guests
- Simple enough for weeknights
- One-pan cleanup
- Comforting yet refined
It’s a dish that never goes out of style.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe proves that classic comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and one skillet, you can create a dish that tastes like it came straight from an Italian restaurant kitchen.
Once you try it, it’s guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
