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Chicken Marsala: A Classic Italian Dish Full of Flavor


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  • Author: Stacy
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Bring the flavors of Italy to your table with this classic Chicken Marsala recipe. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared to perfection and served with a creamy, rich mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. Easy enough for weeknights and elegant enough for dinner parties, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.


Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1011 oz each)
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Sauce

  • 1¼ cups dry Marsala wine
  • 1¼ cups chicken broth (plus 1 tbsp, divided)
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms (sliced)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (minced)
  • 1 tsp fresh oregano (minced)
  • 1½ tsp cornstarch
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (minced, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Reduce the Marsala Wine

  1. Combine 1¼ cups Marsala wine and 1¼ cups chicken broth in a medium saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until reduced to 1 cup, about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally, creating four thin pieces.
  2. Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
  3. Season both sides with salt and black pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off the excess.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. (Internal temperature should reach 165°F.)
  3. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

  1. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter to the skillet.
  2. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
  3. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking and stir until fragrant.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

  1. Pour in the reduced Marsala wine and broth mixture.
  2. Stir in the thyme and oregano, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
  3. In a small bowl, mix 1½ tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp chicken broth to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes, until thickened.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

  1. Turn off the heat and stir in ⅓ cup heavy cream.
  2. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

  1. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let warm for 2 minutes.
  2. Garnish with minced parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Pound Evenly: Ensure the chicken is of uniform thickness for even cooking.
  • Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F.
  • Use Dry Marsala: Dry Marsala wine gives the sauce a savory depth, while sweet Marsala is best for desserts.
  • Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Searing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American