Chicken Marsala Recipe
Chicken Marsala is a classic dish that combines rich, meaty, and herbal flavors. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a delicate mushroom wine sauce, creating an unforgettable Italian-inspired experience. This recipe transforms everyday pantry ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal, ready in just 30 minutes.
What is Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala features thinly sliced, pan-fried chicken breasts cooked in a luscious sauce made with mushrooms and Marsala wine. The wine, a fortified Italian variety, adds a deep, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor that defines the dish. This simple yet flavorful meal is perfect for any occasion.
How to Make Chicken Marsala
In just a few easy steps, you can make a dish that tastes like it's from your favorite Italian restaurant. Here's a quick breakdown of the process:
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, and oregano. Coat each chicken breast evenly with this flour mixture.
- In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Turn the chicken over, then add sliced mushrooms to the pan. Pour in Marsala wine and cooking sherry. Stir to combine.
- Cover the skillet and allow the dish to simmer for 10 minutes, turning the chicken once. The chicken should be no longer pink in the center, and the juices should run clear.
- Serve immediately, enjoying the rich, flavorful sauce with the tender chicken.
What to Serve With Chicken Marsala
This dish pairs wonderfully with many sides. Try serving it with a creamy risotto, Tuscan white beans, or warm dinner rolls for a complete Italian-inspired meal. The rich sauce also complements mashed potatoes or pasta perfectly.
Can You Freeze Chicken Marsala?
If you have leftovers or want to make it ahead of time, Chicken Marsala can be frozen. Place the cooled dish into a freezer-safe and store for up to two months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it in an oven preheated to 350F until heated through.
Community Tips and Praise
- "This recipe is quick and easy to make," shares home cook Craig. "I added sliced onions and halved plum tomatoes. Served over a bed of white rice. Delicious!"
- "Our new go-to meal!" raves reviewer Kelley. "We couldn't find Marsala wine, so I substituted port wine instead. It was delish! Plus, I added way more mushrooms!"
- "I removed the chicken from the pan while making the sauce and added a little half-and-half to make it creamy," says Jillian. "It turned out great - definitely a keeper!"
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, for coating
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 medium skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (pounded to 1/4-inch thickness)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine
- 1/4 cup cooking sherry
Directions
- Begin by gathering all of your ingredients.
- In a shallow dish or bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and oregano. Coat the chicken breasts in this seasoned flour mixture.
- In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until lightly browned.
- Flip the chicken over, add the mushrooms, and pour in the Marsala wine and cooking sherry. Stir to combine.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with extra sauce and enjoy your homemade Chicken Marsala!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 448
- Fat: 27g (34% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 10g (48% DV)
- Cholesterol: 99mg (33% DV)
- Sodium: 543mg (24% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 13g (5% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 1g (2% DV)
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 29g (58% DV)
- Vitamin C: 2mg (2% DV)
- Calcium: 25mg (2% DV)
- Iron: 2mg (9% DV)
- Potassium: 411mg (9% DV)
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Chicken Marsala is a popular Italian-American dish that has become a staple in many households and restaurants around the world. Known for its rich flavors and relatively simple preparation, this dish features tender chicken breasts cooked in a savory Marsala wine and mushroom sauce. Its combination of earthy mushrooms, sweet wine, and seasoned chicken creates a mouthwatering experience that appeals to both home cooks and professional chefs alike.
History of Chicken Marsala
The origins of Chicken Marsala can be traced back to the Italian island of Sicily. Marsala wine, a fortified wine made in the region, is the star of this dish. The wine itself has been produced since the 18th century, when an English merchant, John Woodhouse, began exporting it to Britain. It wasnt long before Marsala wine found its way into the kitchens of Sicilian homes, where it was used to make a variety of dishes, including this now-classic chicken recipe. Over time, the dish evolved and gained popularity in the United States, where it became a beloved item on Italian-American restaurant menus.
Regional Features of Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala reflects the distinct flavors of Sicilian cuisine, though it has been adapted to suit American tastes. In Italy, traditional Marsala dishes often feature veal rather than chicken. However, in the U.S., chicken has become the more common choice. The dish is typically made with dry Marsala wine, but some variations use sweet Marsala for a richer flavor. The inclusion of mushrooms, often baby bellas or creminis, is another hallmark of this recipe, adding depth to the sauce and enhancing its earthy notes.
What Makes Chicken Marsala Different from Similar Dishes
While Chicken Marsala shares similarities with other Italian-American dishes like Chicken Piccata or Chicken Parmesan, it stands out due to its use of Marsala wine. Chicken Piccata, for instance, uses lemon juice and capers to create a tangy sauce, while Chicken Parmesan is often coated in breadcrumbs and topped with marinara sauce and cheese. Chicken Marsala, however, offers a more complex flavor profile due to the sweetness and richness of the Marsala wine, which pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and mushrooms. The absence of breadcrumbs and cheese also gives Chicken Marsala a more delicate texture, focusing on the sauce as the central component.
Where is Chicken Marsala Typically Served?
Chicken Marsala is a popular choice in Italian-American restaurants, especially in the United States. It is often served as a main course in casual dining establishments, fine dining restaurants, and home kitchens alike. This dish is typically accompanied by sides such as mashed potatoes, pasta, or risotto, which help to soak up the rich Marsala sauce. In some cases, steamed vegetables or sauted greens like spinach or broccoli are served on the side to add balance to the meal. Its versatility and comforting flavors make it a go-to dish for family dinners, holiday gatherings, and dinner parties.
Interesting Facts About Chicken Marsala
- The Marsala wine used in the recipe is named after the Sicilian city of Marsala, where it has been produced for centuries.
- Although Chicken Marsala is a beloved Italian-American dish, it is not commonly found in traditional Italian cuisine. The Italian version often uses veal or pork.
- Some chefs enhance the dish by adding a touch of heavy cream to the sauce, creating a creamy Marsala sauce that balances the wine's sweetness with richness.
- Chicken Marsala is known for being both a quick and elegant dish, making it a favorite for home cooks looking to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you're making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Chicken Marsala offers a perfect blend of flavors that are sure to please any palate. Its historical roots and regional variations make it a true classic in the world of Italian cuisine, and its popularity continues to grow with every year.
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FAQ about Chicken Marsala Recipe
Comments
Susan Harris
01/07/2024 05:06:03 PM
My boyfriend and I absolutely adored this recipe! I added a generous amount of baby portabello mushrooms along with onions and garlic sautéed in butter and oil before cooking the chicken. Following the recommendations of others, I doubled the sauce. After the chicken was cooked, I removed it from the pan, then thickened the sauce with cornstarch and a splash of heavy cream to get it to our preferred consistency. We paired it with mashed garlic red potatoes, and it has quickly become our new favorite dinner! :)
Brian Lopez
08/03/2024 08:09:33 PM
This recipe is a fantastic classic! After reading a few reviews, I took their advice and coated the chicken in seasonings and flour in a bag. I opted for all marsala wine in the sauce and increased the amount of mushrooms. To make it creamy, I removed the chicken from the pan while preparing the sauce and added a splash of half and half - it was a success. I've made this three times already and am finally getting around to writing a review. This recipe is definitely a keeper!
Charles Nelson
02/15/2024 02:11:44 AM
I initially found this dish promising, but upon inspecting the ingredients, I knew it would benefit from some enhancements. To the flour mixture, I added garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and generous amounts of salt and pepper. I reduced the amount of oil and butter to roughly 2 tablespoons of each. Additionally, I sautéed crushed garlic in the oil and butter before incorporating the chicken, resulting in a delicious outcome. My stepdaughter thoroughly enjoyed it. I paired the dish with angel hair pasta and broccoli. Considering a reviewer's advice, I might add cream at the end to create a richer 'gravy' for the dish, as it needed more sauce for the pasta. Overall, this dish was a success! (Updated on 5/22/2010)
Julie Phillips
09/13/2023 09:29:15 AM
Such a fantastic recipe! I prepared it for a big gathering of family and friends who came over to my place after my daughters' dance recital. Since I needed to make a large quantity, I transferred everything to the oven after sautéing the chicken. I also included chicken broth in the sauce and thickened it with cornstarch once it was ready.
Margaret Johnson
05/10/2024 06:31:25 PM
Marsala wine substitute: Replace with ½ cup chicken stock, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Incorporate into your recipe the same way you would use marsala. Serve alongside Tuscan white beans. For a quick version, opt for canned beans.
Amy Martinez
02/18/2024 08:41:21 AM
Fantastic recipe! I made a few tweaks: I marinated the chicken in Marsala and garlic, included fresh garlic and onions, increased the Marsala to two cups and added one cup of heavy cream. I served it over mashed potatoes with parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, and fresh parsley.
Paul Edwards
09/06/2022 08:45:12 AM
Excellent recipe! I decided to increase the amount of sherry and Marsala in the dish. After 10 minutes of cooking, I served the chicken and incorporated approximately 1 teaspoon of Williams Sonoma Chicken Demi-Glaze. I then increased the heat to high and reduced the liquid with mushrooms by half. For a finishing touch, you can either drizzle the sauce over the chicken or, for a creamier option, stir in a tablespoon of butter and 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream. Delicious!
Betty Miller
05/15/2025 07:30:50 PM
Super easy and incredibly tasty! This dish is a frequent request from my family because it's so simple to make. It's perfect for unexpected guests as most of the ingredients are pantry staples. You can easily substitute fresh mushrooms for canned ones if needed. A great kitchen hack is to slice the chicken breasts if you only have two - it cooks faster and still serves a generous portion for four people.
Alexander Mitchell
05/20/2025 10:39:19 PM
This dish was absolutely delightful! I prepared a slurry using 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of water, and added it to the sauce for a thicker consistency. The end result was simply fantastic.
Stephanie Taylor
04/15/2024 11:06:46 AM
I prepared this dish by cutting two large chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four substantial pieces of chicken. Following another reviewer's suggestion, I added garlic slices and increased the amount of wine, butter, and mushrooms. I also used cornstarch to thicken the sauce. This turned out to be one of the best chicken dishes I've ever made or tasted. It's definitely a recipe worth keeping!
Nicholas Phillips
12/02/2023 07:22:03 AM
I absolutely adore this recipe! To enhance the flavors, I recommend incorporating garlic and shallot, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, and adding 1/3 cup of chicken broth and 1/3 cup of sour cream towards the end of the sautéing process.
Kelly Davis
04/22/2025 03:05:38 AM
I've been using this recipe for years. It's better than any restaurant dish I've ever had. The sauce is absolutely heavenly. Typically, I double the sauce because everyone loves to have extra of it. I've served it over rice, egg noodles, mashed potatoes, and various types of pasta. It tastes great on anything, really! I also like to cut the chicken into small pieces instead of leaving them whole.
Joshua Walker
12/13/2024 09:22:32 AM
Delicious!!! 🤤
Sharon White
02/01/2025 02:47:22 AM
Looks great!
Barbara Lee
06/16/2024 03:07:30 PM
It was absolutely scrumptious!
Robert Wright
05/11/2025 10:43:59 PM
I thoroughly enjoyed this dish. It was packed with delicious flavors and the instructions were a breeze to follow!
Melissa Brown
04/26/2024 11:32:34 AM
This dish is often ordered in restaurants, but it's such a breeze to make at home! I love preparing it myself and I like to enhance the flavor by adding a touch of garlic powder to the flour mixture. Absolutely delicious!
Justin Moore
04/05/2025 07:38:35 AM
Simple to prepare.. just allow it to simmer on low heat. I cooked the mushrooms separately in a skillet and then combined them with the chicken. A time-saving technique that doesn't compromise on flavor.
Scott Collins
06/27/2024 09:51:12 AM
I added shallots to mine!