If you are looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken Marsala Recipe is your new best friend. It brings together tender chicken breasts bathed in a rich, velvety sauce of Marsala wine, earthy mushrooms, and a subtle buttery finish that will make every bite downright irresistible. Perfect for both cozy weeknights and special occasions, this recipe blends simple ingredients with an elegant flair that never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each component in this dish plays a crucial role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, creating that signature creamy texture, or adding the lovely golden color that makes your plate pop. These straightforward ingredients come together harmoniously to deliver a classic, mouthwatering result.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking and a tender bite every time.
- 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced: Mushrooms add earthiness and a meaty texture that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 3/4 cup dry Marsala wine: The star ingredient that infuses the sauce with its iconic sweet and savory complexity.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Provides depth and moisture without overpowering the wine’s delicate flavors.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden brown, adding richness and crisp edges.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Added in two parts, it enriches the sauce with a glossy smoothness and luscious finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that lift and balance the entire dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Marsala Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Dredge them lightly in flour to help achieve that beautiful golden crust when cooked. This little step ensures every bite has a delightful, slightly crispy texture that holds up well under the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Heat olive oil and half of the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden color and are cooked through. Afterward, remove them from the skillet and set aside—this creates the perfect caramelized base flavor for the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
In the same skillet that holds the rich browned bits, toss in the mushrooms. Cooking them until they turn a deep golden brown, about 5 minutes, intensifies their flavor and gives the sauce that earthy goodness it’s known for.
Step 4: Add Marsala Wine and Simmer
Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the pan gently to lift all those flavorful browned bits off the bottom. Allow this to simmer for a few minutes; this not only reduces the wine slightly but also concentrates its sweet and spirited profile, which is essential to the sauce’s signature taste.
Step 5: Incorporate Chicken Broth and Return Chicken
Next, add the chicken broth and nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet. Let everything simmer together for around 5 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to soak up that luscious sauce.
Step 6: Finish With Butter for Creaminess
Stir in the remaining butter until it melts completely into the sauce, creating a glossy, silky coating that clings to the chicken and mushrooms beautifully. This final touch gives the dish its indulgently creamy texture, truly making it the star of any meal.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Marsala Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness, balancing the richness of the sauce. You might also consider a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to introduce a subtle nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, which soak up the Marsala sauce perfectly. For lighter options, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus provide crispness that nicely contrasts the silky chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving the chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or even creamy polenta adds interesting textures and a refined touch. For a rustic feel, plate the dish family-style in a large skillet so guests can help themselves, encouraging a warm and inviting dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Marsala Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken as it chills, so you can loosen it with a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, making it perfect for future easy meals. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce remains creamy and smooth. Avoid high heat, which can toughen the chicken and separate the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor, though cooking times might need slight adjustment to ensure they’re fully cooked through.
What if I don’t have Marsala wine? What can I substitute?
Dry sherry or a sweet white wine mixed with a touch of brandy can be good stand-ins. Just keep in mind these alternatives will subtly change the flavor profile.
Is it necessary to dredge the chicken in flour?
While not mandatory, dredging helps create a delicious crust and thickens the sauce gently. You can skip it if you prefer a lighter coating and sauce texture.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
You can swap the butter for dairy-free margarine or olive oil, and the dish will still be tasty, though slightly less creamy in texture.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and feels firm yet still juicy. Cooking it properly ensures tenderness without drying out.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the comfort and elegance of a homemade Creamy Chicken Marsala Recipe to elevate your dining experience. This wonderfully balanced dish invites you to savor every luscious bite, and once you try it, I have no doubt it will become a cherished staple in your kitchen. So grab your skillet, bring on the Marsala, and treat yourself to a meal that feels both luxurious and lovingly simple.
Print
Creamy Chicken Marsala Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed to golden perfection and simmered in a rich, savory Marsala wine and mushroom sauce. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of cremini mushrooms with the sweetness of dry Marsala wine, creating a luscious sauce that complements the juicy chicken, ideal for a comforting yet elegant dinner served in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Flour for dredging
Sauce and Cooking
- 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 3/4 cup dry Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Season and Dredge Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper, then lightly coat each breast in flour to help create a golden crust and aid in sauce thickening later.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the floured chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the same skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until they become browned and tender, absorbing the savory flavors left behind by the chicken.
- Deglaze with Marsala Wine: Pour in the dry Marsala wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Let the wine simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce and intensify in flavor.
- Add Broth and Simmer with Chicken: Stir in the low-sodium chicken broth, then return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer everything together for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld and the chicken finish cooking.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened, which enriches the texture and flavor of the dish.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts and spoon the mushroom Marsala sauce over the top. Serve warm for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- If desired, you can thicken the sauce further with a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) added during the simmer step.
- Use dry Marsala wine rather than sweet for a more balanced flavor.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for a juicier option but will require longer cooking time.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, polenta, or pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
