Chicken Marsala Recipe (2024)

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by Sandyon Aug 17, 2020 (updated Apr 30, 2022)

Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe is a creamy, sweet chicken recipe that comes together quickly, served with your favorite pasta! Watch the video!

Chicken Marsala Recipe (1)

Today I’m sharing a not-complicated delicious Chicken Marsala Recipe for casual entertaining, with your favorite pasta. If you love salmon, you may also want to try my Salmon Mushroom Zoodle Marsala!

Table of Contents

Chicken Marsala

It’s good enough for company, and great served with this Quick Easy Green Salad Recipe!

Chicken Marsala Recipe (2)

Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe

I can think of several reasons why it’s not easy to host a dinner – we’re too busy, we don’t know what to cook, or we just lack the confidence to invite others into our space (a whole new list of fears).

This simplerecipe will hopefully inspire you to get into the kitchen, whip up this delightful Easy Chicken Marsala recipe, cook some pasta, set out a salad – and wah lah!

A true comfort dish!

Chicken Marsala Recipe (3)

You’re on your way to easy entertaining, and beautiful hospitality, when you get to share your life with others around the table.

Chicken Marsala Recipe (4)

Which Marsala wine is best for chicken marsala?

For this recipe, and any savory recipe, you want to use a dry marsala.

If making a dessert or sweeter recipe, use a sweet marsala!

Chicken Marsala Recipe (5)

What ingredients do I need for chicken marsala?

Most recipes are basically the same, but for mine, you need these ingredients:

  • Shallots and onions
  • Chicken breasts
  • Baby bella mushrooms
  • Dry marsala cooking wine
  • Butter and sour cream
  • Don’t forget your favorite pasta! Standard is spaghetti pasta!

Chicken Marsala Recipe (6)

We used one of our favorite kitchen pieces, my Le Creuset 3.5 quart brasier (I love the stainless steel one because it’s light enough to add to a dinner board).

This is one of my favorites because it not only holds a lot of food, but it’s also pretty for serving the food on a casual evening!

From the stove to the table! Serve with a side of your favorite pasta!

Chicken Marsala Recipe (7)

Easy Chicken Recipe

Sauté the onions and mushrooms, removing them to a bowl.

Then cook the chicken in the same pan (after shaking the chicken in a Ziploc bag with flour, salt, and pepper).

Chicken Marsala Recipe (8)

Combine it together, add the marsala, and cook down. Right before serving, garnish with parsley!

Serve over spaghetti pasta!

Beautiful.

Check out my LeCreuset braiserfor this recipe! Or try Creamy Garlic Pork Marsala!

Chicken Marsala Recipe (9)

3.72 stars (84 reviews)

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Chicken Marsala

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 35 minutes mins

Total Time: 45 minutes mins

Yield: 6

Ingredients

  • 4 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2-3 shallots, chopped
  • 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
  • 24 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups Marsala cooking wine (dry)
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons chopped parsley, or cilantro
  • 16 ounces linguini pasta, I use DeLallo brand

Instructions

  • In a large frying pan or 3.5 quart braiser, heat the olive oil on medium heat; add the shallots, onion and garlic and cook until tender. Remove from the pan into a bowl; set aside.

  • Coat the chicken in the flour and salt and pepper (using a Ziploc bag to shake the chicken in). In the same large pot over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil and saute half the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove to a plate and keep warm. Repeat with a second tablespoon of the oil and the remaining chicken, removing to the separate plate to keep warm.

  • Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet and stir in the mushrooms. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until tender. Off heat, add in the marsala and cook for 1 minute, scraping any browned bits from the skillet. Pour the sauce into a separate pan.

  • Add the chicken back to the pan, placing the onion mixture on top.

  • Next, add the cornstarch to 1/4 cup cold water, and whisk until smooth. Pour into the marsala sauce/mushrooms and heat on high, stirring until thick. Add the melted butter; stir. Add the sour cream; stir.

  • Pour the marsala sauce over the chicken, onions, and mushrooms in the pot. Bring the chicken marsala to a boil, then gently simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.

  • Meanwhile, prepare pasta following package directions, about 11 minutes.

  • Garnish the chicken with chopped parsley. Serve over cooked pasta.

Notes

Originally posted SEP 2015

Cuisine: Italian

Course: Main Course

Author: Sandy / Reluctant Entertainer

Did you make this recipe?Tag @reluctantentertainer on Instagram and hashtag it #reluctantentertainer!

Chicken Marsala Recipe (10)

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Chicken Marsala Recipe (15)

Hello and welcome to my home and table!

I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...

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Main Dishes One-Pot Meal Recipes Videos

originally published on Aug 17, 2020 (last updated Apr 30, 2022)

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34 comments on “Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe”

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  1. AngieReply

    Chicken Marsala Recipe (16)
    You really need more great reviews for this recipe. Delish &Easy! Thank you for sharing :)

  2. Linda EllisonReply

    Hi Sandy. Recently, I can no longer view your videos within recipes. As an example I clicked on today’s email regarding Chicken Marsala, clicked on the recipe, and can see the photo of the video, the ad plays, but the recipe video will not play. This has occurred for about the last month or so. I don’t have problems with other recipe videos. I also note you are now using Mediavine. Could it have something to do with that? Is anyone else have difficulty? Thank you. Love your recipes.

    • Sandy

      Hi Linda. I’ve used MV for years! We don’t see a problem. Can you try again?

  3. JillReply

    Chicken Marsala Recipe (17)
    Absolutely delicious! My first time making it. Everyone loved it! Pretty easy to make. I was worried at first making the marsala sauce that I was making it too strong, but it magically comes together once the rest of the ingredients are added. Thank you! This definitely increased my confidence in being a better cook. :-)

    • Sandy

      thank you Jill :)

  4. MelissaReply

    Do I drain off the marsala wine after cooking the mushrooms in it?

    • Sandy

      No!

  5. Romney AkslandReply

    Chicken Marsala Recipe (18)
    What a scrumptios dinner recipe!! Thank you! It was sooo goood!

  6. Monica TovarReply

    It turned our delicious!! I followed the recipe step by step.

  7. RachelReply

    Chicken Marsala Recipe (19)
    5 stars! This recipe is amazing! I’ve made chicken marsala before and never been impressed but this was restaurant quality. And it heats up great too!

    • Sandy

      Thank you Rachel, we love this recipe, too!

  8. Barb.Reply

    Can this recipe for Chicken Marsala be made earlier in the day?

    • Sandy

      Yes!

  9. SFReply

    You mention adding the sour cream right before serving, but then lower down in the recipe section it states adding the sour cream before bringing the sauce to a boil and then simmering for 15 minutes – just want to make sure I do the correct thing, as I am hoping to make this dish for the first time when I have guests over this weekend. Looks delicious!

    • Sandy

      Sylvia, follow the instructions – ENJOY!

  10. JayneReply

    Here is a great way to clean that hard to remove crud on your pot. Fill pan with water, float a Bounce fabric softener cloth in the water. Yes! A dryer cloth! Soak over night, and in the morning, presto , you’ll be able to just wash it off, like a breeze!

  11. Holly JReply

    This was wonderful. Thank you for sharing. I had a bit of leftover asparagus that I threw in with the vegetables. It is now in my “Keepers” file.

  12. Aggie | Aggie's KitchenReply

    I started buying these purple sponges because of you Sandy! LOVE them! This recipe looks so comforting and delicious, my kind of entertaining meal for sure.

  13. Lori @ RecipeGirlReply

    Amazing and flavorful dinner! I will be making this for my family this fall!

  14. CarolynReply

    Oh I think I need those scrubbers. It’s wonderful that you can use it on enamelled surfaces!

  15. Erin @ Texanerin BakingReply

    What stops me is having to clean up. I’m afraid I’m terribly messy and even the thought of having people over gives me anxiety.

    And wow – those sponges look great! I’ll have to buy a pack for my husband, the dish washer. :D

  16. Brian @ A Thought For FoodReply

    I’m the same way… love just putting out some pans and salad and read and cheese (oh and wine) and just going to town. I haven’t had chicken marsala in years but it used to be a favorite when I ate meat.

  17. Heidi LarsenReply

    Marsala me everything, but especially chicken and mushrooms. Welcome back!

    • Sandy

      Thanks Heidi. I agree .. marsala anything … I love, too!

  18. Senika @ Foodie Blog StalkerReply

    I usually use the excuse that the house needs to be sparkling clean to have guests over (which means guests would never come over!). LOVE meals you can just place on the table and guests can serve themselves! I’ve never attempted chicken marsala but yours looks phenomenal – pinned!

  19. TidyMomReply

    I’m in love with the Extreme Sponge!! and this recipe sounds wonerful Sandy!

    • Sandy

      Thanks, Cheryl! I’ve got my kids using it now, too :)

  20. CarolReply

    Can you recommend a Marsala wine? When I have made Chicken Marsala in the past it never tasted quite right. I used a dry Marsala purchased at a nice wine shop, but the flavor was not the same as restaurant quality. What do you mean by “cooking Marsala?” Sweet or dry? Thank you, love your blog!

    • Sandy

      I usually use Holland House Marsala, Carol. :)

    • Jeweley

      Use a cooking wine not drinking wine.

  21. Karen @ On the Banks of Salt CreekReply

    I love Chicken Marsala! I’m going to have to give this a try soon.

    • Sandy

      Thanks, Karen! :)

  22. Debi+BReply

    My biggest factor for not entertaining more often is worrying about what I should make for dinner. I tend to overthink everything. The Chicken Marsala would definitely be a great choice:-)

    • Sandy

      Hi, Debi. I’ve been there, too. Which is why I resort to salmon so much! It’s easy, only takes 12 minutes to cook, and I don’t have to think much about it. :)

Chicken Marsala Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Does chicken marsala use sweet or dry Marsala wine? ›

However, when we tried both styles in recipes for chicken Marsala, mushroom stuffing, and zabaglione, tasters preferred the dry style in all instances. Though both were acceptable, tasters found that dry Marsala offered more depth of flavor, while sweet Marsala added sweetness and some flavor but wasn't as complex.

What wine is good for 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.

What can you use instead of heavy cream in chicken marsala? ›

To make this recipe a little lighter than your traditional Italian chicken marsala, you will see that I've created this recipe using full fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream. If that's not your thing, feel free to stick to the heavy cream.

What is a substitute for marsala wine in 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.

What's the difference between chicken piccata and chicken Marsala? ›

While both chicken piccata and chicken Marsala are cooked in the same way, there are a few key differences between the two dishes. Chicken piccata isn't creamy. It's cooked with white wine, chicken broth, capers, and lemon juice. It's tangy and bright instead of rich and creamy.

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.

Can I use cabernet sauvignon for Marsala? ›

She recommends avoiding heavy Cabernet Sauvignons and other full-bodied reds as a direct swap as these risk overpowering the final dish.

Why is chicken marsala called chicken marsala? ›

The first hint to the origins of chicken Marsala is the name of the dish itself. Marsala is a city in the province of Trapani, in Sicily, home to this fortified wine. Marsala wine is gold-colored and is known for its deep, intense flavor.

Can you use pinot grigio for chicken marsala? ›

One popular wine pairing for Chicken Marsala is Pinot Grigio. This dry white wine from Northern Italy has a light body and bright acidity that helps to cut through the rich sauce of the dish.

What alcohol goes with Chicken Marsala? ›

Paired with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay or Chenin Blanc, this easy Chicken Marsala is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but it's also elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. The Marsala wine, bacon, butter sauce will have you licking your plate!

Can I use chardonnay for Chicken Marsala? ›

The best chicken marsala wine pairing is with lighter red wine types or a full-bodied white wine. Red wine examples include Malbec and Pinot Noir, and white wines include Riesling or Chardonnay.

What sides 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.

What is Marsala cream sauce made of? ›

Who would have thought everyday ingredients like mushrooms, cream, marsala wine, and garlic can be transformed into such a tasty sauce? Of course, marsala is the star here. It's a fortified wine (like port) that adds such a deep, rich flavor in this Italian restaurant favorite!

What is chicken masala made of? ›

Chicken masala is a simple Indian dish made with chicken, spices, herbs, onions and tomatoes. Serve this with rice or any flatbreads like naan, roti or paratha.

What does Marsala consist of? ›

Marsala is produced using the Grillo, Inzolia, Catarratto and Damaschino white grape varietals, among others. Marsala contains about 15–20% alcohol by volume. Different Marsala wines are classified according to their color, sweetness, and duration of their ageing.

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