Chicken Marsala
Tender, pan-fried chicken cutlets smothered in a rich, savory mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. This classic Italian-American restaurant favorite is surprisingly easy to make at home for a perfect weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chicken
- b.Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even 1/4-inch thickness. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
- c.In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- d.Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, coating both sides, then shake off any excess flour. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Pan-Fry the Chicken
- b.In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter over medium-high heat.
- c.Once the butter is melted and foaming, carefully place the floured chicken cutlets in the pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
- d.Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- e.Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Mushrooms and Aromatics
- b.Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet.
- c.Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they have released their moisture and started to brown nicely.
- d.Stir in the finely chopped shallots and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create the Marsala Sauce
- b.Pour the dry Marsala wine into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan—this is where the flavor is!
- c.Bring the wine to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce by about half.
- d.Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the sauce back to a simmer and let it cook for 5-6 minutes, until it has thickened slightly.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- c.Spoon some of the mushrooms and sauce over the top of the chicken.
- d.Let everything simmer together for 1-2 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld.
- e.Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always use dry Marsala wine for a savory sauce. Sweet Marsala will make the dish overly sweet.
- 2Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is the most important step for tender, perfectly cooked results.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. This ensures a beautiful golden-brown crust instead of steamed chicken.
- 4For a richer sauce, you can add a splash more heavy cream at the end.
- 5If your sauce isn't as thick as you'd like, you can create a slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce until it thickens.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamier Version
For an extra-creamy sauce, increase the heavy cream to 120 ml (1/2 cup).
Add ProsciuttoAdd Prosciutto
Pan-fry a few slices of prosciutto until crispy before you cook the chicken. Crumble it over the finished dish for a salty, savory crunch.
Herb InfusionHerb Infusion
Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme or a sprig of rosemary along with the mushrooms for a more earthy, aromatic flavor.
Veal MarsalaVeal Marsala
Substitute the chicken with thinly pounded veal cutlets for the most traditional version of this dish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in B Vitamins
Mushrooms and chicken are good sources of B vitamins like Niacin (B3) and Pantothenic Acid (B5), which are crucial for converting food into energy and supporting brain function.
Supports Immune Function
Garlic contains compounds like allicin, known for its immune-boosting properties. Mushrooms also provide selenium, an antioxidant that helps protect the body from damage.
Frequently asked questions
Chicken Marsala can be part of a balanced diet. It's high in protein from the chicken. However, it also contains butter and heavy cream, making it higher in fat and calories. To make it healthier, you can use less butter, substitute the cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk, and serve it with a side of steamed vegetables.