Chicken Marsala Recipe (VIDEO) (2024)

Chicken Marsala is an Italian classic with juicy pan-seared chicken in a creamy and savory marsala wine sauce. You can easily re-create this restaurant-quality Chicken Marsala from the comfort of your own kitchen. You will only hope for leftovers after making this dish.

We love recreating our favorite restaurant recipes. Some of our best copycat recipes include Chicken Madeira inspired by Cheesecake Factory, Chili’s-inspired Cajun Chicken Pasta, andShrimp Pasta from Olive Garden. They can be made at a fraction of the price, are often healthier, and are great crowd-pleasers. This Olive Garden-inspired Chicken Marsala recipe is no exception.

Chicken Marsala Recipe (VIDEO) (1)

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Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe

It’s easier than you think to re-create this classic Italian-American Chicken Marsala. It’s such a special dish for Valentine’s Day or a date night in, but it’s also a dish the whole family loves.

This chicken marsala is great served up with some Creamy Mashed Potatoes or even pasta with a side of Roasted Asparagus or Caesar Salad. Serve this to your dinner guests and they will always be impressed. P.S. This recipe is easy to scale and can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd. Watch the video tutorial below and you will be a pro in no time.

Chicken Marsala Video

I hope this Chicken Marsala recipe becomes a new favorite chicken dinner for you. If you enjoyed this video, please subscribe to our Youtube Channeland make sure to click the bell icon so you can be the first to know when we post a new video.

What is Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala is essentially thin chicken cutlets that are pan-seared and served in a creamy and flavorful mushroom wine sauce. Marsala wine originated in western Sicily, Italy back in the 1700s. While chicken marsala itself might not be found in many restaurants in Italy, it is an Italian-inspired dish and can be found in many Italian restaurants here in the US.

Chicken Marsala Recipe (VIDEO) (2)

Marsala Chicken Ingredients

This Italian-American dish is made with simple ingredients, just be sure to source the right Marsala wine (see tips below):

  • Chicken breast – 2 large chicken breasts cut in half will make 4 cutlets (you can also substitute with 1 1/4 lbs of chicken tenders).
  • Flour, salt, and pepper – for dredging the chicken
  • Olive oil and butter – combining olive oil and butter adds rich flavor to the sauce and prevents the butter from burning since the oil has a higher smoke point.
  • Mushrooms – give depth and flavor to the creamy sauce.
  • Onion powder and garlic – add great flavor while keeping the sauce smooth.
  • Marsala wine sauce – is made up of dry marsala wine, chicken stock, and heavy whipping cream.
Chicken Marsala Recipe (VIDEO) (3)

Common Questions

What is the Best Wine for Chicken Marsala?

Use dry marsala wine, NOT sweet marsala. Sweet Marsala is meant to be used for dessert recipes and won’t work well. If your grocery store doesn’t sell liquors, you can find marsala at your local liquor store. The first time I made Chicken Marsala with sweet wine and I took a long pause from the dish after that only to discover I was using the wrong wine!

Can I Substitute the Wine?

If you are not able to find Marsala wine, a Madeira wine would also work, as we used in our Chicken Madeira. If alcohol is a concern, most of the alcohol is cooked out in the pan so you just get the added flavor and the sauce ends up with an insignificant amount of alcohol. If you are looking to make it wine-free, you could just use more broth and boil that down, but the flavor profile wouldn’t be quite the same.

Can I substitute the mushrooms?

I would argue that mushrooms are a key ingredient, but you will still have a tasty chicken Marsala without mushrooms. You might sautee/ caramelize some sliced fresh onion instead to compensate for some of that lost flavor.

How to Make Even Chicken Cutlets

Cut both of your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make 4 even cutlets. Place between plastic wrap and pound to even 1/3″ thick cutlets. By pounding your chicken to even thicknesses ensures they will get cooked evenly. You can save yourself some prep by using chicken tenders instead.

Chicken Marsala Recipe (VIDEO) (4)

Pro Tip: To test for doneness and prevent overcooking, use an instant-read thermometer and cook just until the chicken breast has reached a safe internal temperature of 165˚F.

Tips for a Perfect Creamy Marsala Sauce

When cooking with wine, the acidity and alcohol combined with cream may cause the sauce to clump or separate if you change the recipe or process. Follow these tips to help prevent that from happening to your sauce:

  • Avoid light cream or “half & half” which doesn’t play well with wine and can curdle.
  • Older cream can curdle easier, purchase within a few days of use.
  • Stir the sauce while slowly adding the cream
  • Keep the sauce at a simmer after adding the cream and avoid a rapid boil.
  • Patience is important – don’t rush the process of thickening the sauce.
Chicken Marsala Recipe (VIDEO) (5)

Make Ahead

Leftovers of Chicken Marsala keep really well and in general, anytime you have chicken in a creamy sauce, it reheats well without having that ‘reheated chicken flavor.’ The chicken will taste even better after absorbing the flavors for a day or two.

  • To Store – Once the dish is made, let it cool to room temperature then cover and refrigerate. According to the USDA, cooked chicken should be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
  • Reheating – As a rule of thumb, you should reheat food using the same method it was cooked. Transfer the chicken to a skillet and reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Do not boil or the chicken will overcook and the sauce may separate.

More Chicken Dinner Recipes

If you loved this Chicken Marsala recipe, you should check out some of our other delicious chicken dinners:

  • Chicken Parmesan
  • Instant Pot Whole Chicken
  • Spatchco*ck Chicken
  • Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
  • Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Marsala Recipe

4.99 from 458 votes

Author: Natasha Kravchuk

Chicken Marsala Recipe (VIDEO) (7)

Easy restaurant-style Chicken Marsala made from the comfort of your own kitchen. This recipe features pan-fried juicy chicken topped with a creamy marsala wine sauce.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

Servings: 4 people

  • 1 1/4 lbs chicken breast, (2 large), or chicken tenders
  • 1/2 tsp salt , or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 8 oz brown button mushrooms, halved or thickly sliced if very large
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 cup dry marsala wine, (not sweet)
  • 3/4 cup chicken stock, reduced-sodium
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  • Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make 4 even cutlets. Place between plastic wrap and pound until 1/3" thick. Season chicken all over with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper, dredge in flour (shaking off the excess) and then set aside.

  • Heat a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add 2 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter. Once butter and oil are hot, add dredged chicken and saute until golden and cooked through; about 3-4 minutes per side (don't over-cook). Set chicken aside and tent with foil to keep warm.

  • Add more oil to the pan if needed along with mushrooms and saute until excess liquid from mushrooms evaporates and mushrooms are golden brown (5 min). Stir in 1/2 tsp onion powder and 2 minced garlic cloves and saute another 30 seconds or until fragrant.

  • Add 3/4 cup marsala wine, scraping the bottom of the pan. Increase the heat and cook until mostly reduced down (4-5 min) then add 3/4 cup chicken stock and while stirring add 1/2 cup heavy cream in a steady stream. Lower the heat to keep at a simmer and continue to simmer and reduce sauce another 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season sauce with 1/4 tsp salt or season to taste.

  • Return chicken to pan and sprinkle the tops with 2 Tbsp chopped parsley. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and keep on the heat until heated through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency (2 minutes). Keep in mind, the sauce will thicken more as it cools.

Nutrition Per Serving

449kcal Calories12g Carbs35g Protein25g Fat11g Saturated Fat140mg Cholesterol538mg Sodium817mg Potassium1g Fiber2g Sugar736IU Vitamin A6mg Vitamin C36mg Calcium2mg Iron

  • Full Nutrition Label
  • Nutrition Disclosure

Nutrition Facts

Chicken Marsala Recipe

Amount per Serving

Calories

449

% Daily Value*

Fat

25

g

38

%

Saturated Fat

11

g

69

%

Cholesterol

140

mg

47

%

Potassium

817

mg

23

%

Carbohydrates

12

g

4

%

Fiber

1

g

4

%

Sugar

2

g

2

%

Protein

35

g

70

%

Vitamin A

736

IU

15

%

Vitamin C

6

mg

7

%

Calcium

36

mg

4

%

Iron

2

mg

11

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Keyword: chicken marsala

Skill Level: Easy/Medium

Cost to Make: $$

Calories: 449

Natasha Kravchuk

Chicken Marsala Recipe (VIDEO) (8)

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

Chicken Marsala Recipe (VIDEO) (2024)

FAQs

Can you use regular Marsala wine for Chicken Marsala? ›

Chicken Marsala typically uses dry Marsala wine. Dry Marsala is a fortified wine that adds a rich, slightly sweet flavor to the dish without being overly sweet. It's important to use dry Marsala rather than sweet Marsala, as the latter can make the dish too sweet and overpower the other flavors.

What is traditionally served with Chicken Marsala? ›

  • Rice. Rice is a classic, gluten-free side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken Marsala. ...
  • Risotto. For a classic Italian side dish, consider risotto, a creamier alternative to plain rice. ...
  • Egg Noodles. ...
  • Angel Hair Pasta. ...
  • Zucchini Noodles. ...
  • Polenta. ...
  • Mashed Potatoes. ...
  • Boursin Hasselback Potatoes.
Mar 17, 2023

Is sweet or dry Marsala wine better for Chicken Marsala? ›

Should you use sweet or dry Marsala in your Chicken Marsala recipe? It doesn't make a huge difference, and either option will produce delicious results, but I would go for dry because the sweet Marsala has a bit too much sugar for such a savory dish.

What can I use if I don t have Marsala wine for Chicken Marsala? ›

Possible substitutes would be a dry Madeira wine or a darker sherry such as Oloroso. If you don't have these then you could also use port or red vermouth.

What can you use instead of Marsala wine for Chicken Marsala? ›

What can I use instead of marsala wine? The best substitute for marsala wine is madeira, another kind of fortified wine with a similar flavour profile. Other alternatives include other fortified wines such as commandaria, sherry, vermouth, and port.

Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of Marsala wine? ›

Combine a cup of white grape juice with balsamic vinegar to mimic the acidity and depth of Marsala. Mix fruit juices such as cherry or cranberry with a splash of sherry vinegar for a robust flavor.

What is the best wine to use in chicken marsala? ›

For cooking savory dishes like this one, use a secco (dry), fine (aged one year) ambra or oro Marsala. This impressive dish leans on the wine's flavor profile, giving it a deep and nutty richness. Even better, it comes together quickly, which makes it just as suitable for busy weeknights as weekend entertaining.

Can you use any red wine instead of Marsala? ›

No. Marsala wine has a flavor that is very distinctive from red wine. Most simply put, it's significantly sweeter, and also doesn't have the tannins that red wine has.

What's a good side to go with Chicken Marsala? ›

For a balanced meal, pair it with starchy sides like Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Italian pasta such as Fettuccine. Add color with vegetables like Steamed Asparagus or Roasted Brussels Sprouts, and don't forget bread like Garlic Knots or Cheesy Garlic Bread to mop up the sauce.

Does the alcohol cook out of Chicken Marsala? ›

The sauce is made with Marsala wine which is a dry and sweet wine which has a 15-20% alcohol content but don't worry, all of the alcohol will cook out of the sauce. The wine creates a nutty and rich caramelized sauce for the chicken.

What is the difference between Chicken Marsala and chicken francese? ›

Chicken Francese shares the same basic preparation as Chicken Marsala, but foregoes the Marsala wine and mushrooms in favor of a white wine and lemon-butter sauce.

Does Marsala wine need to be refrigerated after opening? ›

Marsala is a partially oxidized fortified wine, and as such does not require refrigeration after opening. The wine was originally fortified with distilled spirits to better preserve the wine. I would recommend refrigerating the dry style Marsala, as further oxidation would be more noticeable than in the sweeter style.

Can I use red wine instead of Marsala for Chicken Marsala? ›

You could even try a potent dry red tossed in with a bit of sugar and an orange peel as a comparable substitute. “As long as the wine has a little bit of sugar and falls in the 15% to 20% alcohol range, it's going to work in the dish,” Ziata says.

Is Chicken Marsala Indian or Italian? ›

Chicken marsala (Italian: pollo al marsala or scaloppine al marsala) is an Italian-American dish of chicken escalopes in a Marsala wine sauce. It is a variation of traditional Italian scaloppina dishes, of which there are many varieties throughout Italy.

What is a Marsala sauce made of? ›

Add olive oil to heavy hot saucepan. Add onions, garlic, mushrooms, saute until mushrooms are tender. Add flour and cook about 1 minute then deglaze pan with Marsala wine. Add beef stock and cook until thick and flavors are blended.

What does Marsala have in it? ›

Marsala wine is made with local white grape varietals including Grillo, Inzolia, Catarratto, and Damaschino (although it can also be blended with red grapes.) As with all fortified wine, Marsala is supplemented with a distilled spirit — in this case, it's usually brandy.

What makes a Marsala? ›

Marsala is made from a blend of wines - usually from three local grape varieties (Grillo, Cataratto and Inzolia). The blend is fortified with neutral grape brandy then sweetened, either with boiled down must (mosto cotto) or with grape juice whose fermentation has been stopped with spirit (mistela).

What type of Marsala wine is best for Chicken Marsala? ›

For cooking savory dishes like this one, use a secco (dry), fine (aged one year) ambra or oro Marsala.

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