Chicken Marsala Recipe for a Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home
Chicken Marsala is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a velvety mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. It’s a timeless Italian-American favorite that feels elegant but is surprisingly simple to make at home!
The first time I made Chicken Marsala, I was nervous about using wine in cooking, but the results were incredible! It’s now one of my go-to recipes for a cozy date night or when I want to impress guests.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Marsala
This recipe brings the bold flavors of Marsala wine and earthy mushrooms together with tender, golden chicken. The sauce is rich, slightly sweet, and perfect for pairing with pasta, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread for soaking up every drop!
Your Grocery List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup Marsala wine
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Techniques for Perfect Chicken Marsala
Follow these tips to ensure your Chicken Marsala turns out restaurant-quality every time:
- Thinly Pound the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook quickly and evenly.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if needed to ensure a golden crust.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Let the Marsala sauce simmer gently to deepen the flavors without reducing too much liquid.
What Pizza Pairs Best with Chicken Marsala?
If you’re looking to serve a crowd, pairing Chicken Marsala with the right kind of pizza is a fun and delicious option! Here are a few ideas:
- White Pizza: A creamy white pizza with garlic, ricotta, and mozzarella complements the richness of the Marsala sauce beautifully.
- Mushroom Pizza: A classic mushroom pizza with fresh thyme or truffle oil echoes the earthy flavors of the dish.
- Margherita Pizza: The bright, fresh flavors of tomato, basil, and mozzarella balance the richness of the Marsala sauce perfectly.
Serve both dishes family-style, and let everyone dig in!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Chicken Marsala tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together:
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
- Creative Leftovers: Serve leftover Chicken Marsala over a bed of creamy polenta or stir into pasta for a quick meal.
Make It Even Better
Want to elevate your Chicken Marsala? Try these tips:
- Add Pancetta: Sauté diced pancetta with the mushrooms for extra richness.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for dredging the chicken, and the sauce will be naturally gluten-free!
- Herb Boost: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Fun Facts
Did you know Marsala wine originates from Sicily, Italy? It’s traditionally a sweet wine, but the dry version is often used in savory cooking for its complex flavor profile.
Pairings
Serve Chicken Marsala with buttery mashed potatoes or pasta to soak up the sauce. Add a side of sautéed green beans or roasted asparagus for a complete meal. For dessert, tiramisu or panna cotta is the perfect Italian-inspired finish.

Classic Chicken Marsala
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3/4 cup Marsala wine
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Sauté the mushrooms and garlic for 4-5 minutes, until the mushrooms are golden and tender.
- Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm over pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.