Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe (A 30-Minute Classic)

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish made with pan-fried chicken cutlets and a savory sauce. The signature sauce features Marsala wine, mushrooms, garlic, and herbs, creating a rich, flavorful meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home. It is often served over pasta, polenta, or with a side of roasted vegetables.

Do you want to create a gourmet dish that’s surprisingly simple to make at home? At Recipesmondial, we know that cooking a show-stopping meal can feel overwhelming, especially with a busy schedule or complex instructions. We believe every home cook deserves to create delicious food without the stress. That’s why we’re thrilled to share a classic easy recipe that delivers big on both flavor and simplicity.

Today, we’re sharing our ultimate easy chicken marsala recipe—proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken cutlets bathed in a rich, savory sauce of earthy mushrooms and sweet Marsala wine. This is more than just a simple dinner recipe; it’s a family-friendly meal with restaurant-quality taste that comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal. This flavorful meal made easy is one you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

Confidence in the kitchen starts with clear, step-by-step cooking guidance. That’s exactly what you’ll find here. We will walk you through each step of this iconic chicken marsala recipe, ensuring you get perfect results every time. Get ready to embrace the joy of approachable home cooking and create a dish that’s both elegant and deeply satisfying. Let’s turn everyday ingredients into an unforgettable dining experience!

Why Is This the Best Chicken Marsala Recipe for Beginners?

Searching for a dinner that’s both easy and incredibly flavorful? Many home cooks feel overwhelmed by complex recipes or struggle to plan family-friendly meals. Our Chicken Marsala is designed to solve these exact problems, making it the perfect starting point for beginners.

At Recipesmondial, we believe cooking should be an enjoyable, confidence-building experience. This classic Chicken Marsala recipe delivers on that promise, helping you create a delicious meal without the stress.

Why This Recipe Stands Out for Beginners

• Simple, Everyday Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry staples you can easily find at your local grocery store, so you won’t need to hunt for hard-to-find items.
• Clear, Step-by-Step Guidance: We break down every instruction and avoid technical jargon, so you’ll always know exactly what to do next and can build your confidence in the kitchen.
• Quick Meal Solution: The entire dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want to enjoy more time with your family.
• Reliable & Flavorful Results: Our thoroughly tested recipe guarantees consistent, restaurant-quality results that taste incredible every time you make it.
• Master Essential Techniques: You’ll easily learn valuable skills like how to properly sauté chicken and create a rich pan sauce—techniques you can use in many other dishes.
• Builds Confidence: If you worry about cooking tasty meals quickly or lack confidence in the kitchen, this reliable recipe is the perfect guide to help you succeed.
• Our Recipesmondial Approach: We focus on making cooking accessible and ensuring every meal is a success. This recipe reflects our commitment to simple dinner recipes and approachable home cooking.

We also include practical tips and substitutions, allowing you to adapt the recipe to your specific needs. More than just a meal, this Chicken Marsala is a stepping stone to transforming uncertainty into confidence in the kitchen. Prepare to discover delicious new flavors with ease!

What Ingredients Do You Need for Chicken Marsala?

For the Chicken

Delicious chicken marsala starts with perfectly prepared chicken. You only need a few simple ingredients to create tender, flavorful cutlets that are juicy and seasoned in every bite. It’s the key to flavorful meals made easy.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 1.5 pounds (around 3-4 breasts). We’ll slice these into thin cutlets for quick cooking. This is a fantastic choice for simple dinner recipes.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup. This creates a lovely golden crust and helps thicken the sauce.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon. Essential for seasoning the chicken properly.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon. Freshly ground pepper provides the best flavor.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. For searing the chicken to a perfect golden brown.
• Unsalted Butter: 1 tablespoon. This adds richness and helps the chicken develop a nice crust.

For the Marsala Mushroom Sauce

The rich, savory mushroom sauce is the heart of this easy chicken marsala recipe. Using a few everyday ingredients, you can create its signature depth of flavor. This simple sauce makes approachable home cooking incredibly rewarding.

• Cremini Mushrooms: 8 ounces. Also known as baby bellas, these add a wonderful earthy flavor. Slice them thinly so they cook evenly. White button mushrooms work well as a substitute.
• Shallots: 2 medium, finely minced. They provide a delicate, mild onion flavor. If you don’t have shallots, a small, finely minced yellow onion is a good substitute.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Use fresh garlic for the best aromatic flavor.
• Dry Marsala Wine: 1 cup. This is the star ingredient! It provides the sauce’s signature flavor, so choose a good-quality dry Marsala. Avoid bottles labeled “sweet.”
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup, low sodium. Adds body to the sauce and enhances the overall flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons. Swirling butter in at the end makes the sauce silky and glossy.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped. Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color.

All of these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store. For a smooth and stress-free cooking experience, gather and prepare everything before you begin. This simple approach helps you create family-friendly meals without feeling overwhelmed.

How to Make Chicken Marsala (Step-by-Step)

Ready to make a delicious, family-friendly meal? Follow our simple, step-by-step guide to make classic chicken Marsala. This beginner-friendly recipe transforms everyday ingredients into an impressive, flavorful dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets

First, get the chicken ready. Proper preparation ensures the cutlets cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

1. Pat Dry: Pat the chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for getting a perfect sear in the pan.
2. Slice Cutlets: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create two thinner cutlets, each about 1/2-inch thick.
3. Pound Evenly: Place the cutlets between two pieces of plastic wrap. Gently pound them with a meat mallet or a heavy pan until they reach a uniform 1/4-inch thickness. This ensures they cook evenly.
4. Season: Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and black pepper.
5. Dredge in Flour: Lightly coat each cutlet in all-purpose flour, then shake off the excess. This coating creates a crust and helps thicken the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics

Next, you’ll build the flavor base for the Marsala sauce. This quick step adds incredible depth to the dish.

1. Heat Pan: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté Mushrooms: Add 8 ounces of sliced cremini or button mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in 2-3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about one minute more, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
4. Remove and Set Aside: Transfer the mushrooms and garlic to a plate. Leave the flavorful browned bits (the fond) in the pan for the sauce.

Step 3: Create the Marsala Pan Sauce

Now it’s time to make the rich, savory Marsala sauce that is the heart of this dish.

1. Cook Chicken: Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet if needed. Cook the floured chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be cooked all the way through yet.
2. Remove Chicken: Transfer the browned chicken to the plate with the mushrooms.
3. Deglaze with Wine: Pour 1/2 cup of dry Marsala wine into the hot pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom. This process, called deglazing, is key to a flavorful sauce.
4. Reduce Wine: Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate its flavor.
5. Add Broth and Butter: Stir in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

In this final step, you’ll bring everything together to finish the dish and let the flavors meld.

1. Return Ingredients: Carefully return the chicken cutlets, mushrooms, and garlic to the skillet with the simmering sauce.
2. Simmer Gently: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes. This finishes cooking the chicken and allows it to absorb the sauce. The sauce will also thicken slightly.
3. Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt and black pepper if needed.
4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy this delicious meal, perfect for any night of the week!

Expert Tips for Perfect, Flavorful Results

Getting Your Chicken Just Right

Tender, juicy chicken is the foundation of a perfect chicken marsala experience. Follow these simple steps to prepare it correctly:

• Pound it thin and even. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness. This step not only ensures quick, even cooking but also helps the chicken absorb the delicious Marsala flavor.
• Season with confidence. Generously season both sides of your chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial for building a deep, savory flavor from the very beginning.

The Secret to a Golden Sear

A beautiful golden-brown crust adds incredible flavor and creates the tasty foundation for your pan sauce. Here’s how to achieve a perfect sear:

• Heat the pan properly. Start by heating olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers; that’s the ideal moment to add the chicken.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. To get a proper sear, cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Adding too much at once lowers the pan’s temperature, causing the chicken to steam instead of sear. Give each piece enough space to brown beautifully.
• Sear quickly. Cook for just 2-3 minutes per side, until a golden crust forms. Don’t worry about cooking it completely at this stage, as the chicken will finish cooking later in the sauce.

Crafting the Perfect Marsala Sauce

The rich, savory Marsala sauce is the heart of this chicken marsala recipe. It’s surprisingly easy to make with these professional tips:

• Choose dry Marsala wine. For savory dishes, always choose dry Marsala wine over sweet Marsala, which is better suited for desserts. Check the label to ensure it’s “dry” for the authentic flavor this dish requires.
• Scrape up the “fond.” After searing the chicken, you’ll see flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—this is called “fond.” When you add the Marsala wine, use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up these bits to dramatically enrich your sauce.
• Allow the wine to reduce. Let the Marsala wine simmer for a few minutes. This allows the alcohol to cook off while concentrating the wine’s complex flavors.
• Thicken to perfection. While the flour from dredging the chicken will help thicken the sauce, you can create a slurry for a richer consistency. Simply mix a little cornstarch with cold water and whisk it slowly into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired thickness.

Sautéing Mushrooms for Maximum Flavor

Mushrooms add an earthy depth that complements the Marsala wine beautifully. To get the best taste and texture, be sure to treat them right:

• Don’t wash, wipe them clean. Mushrooms act like sponges, absorbing water that prevents them from browning. Instead of rinsing, gently wipe them clean with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt.
• Give them space. Just like with the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. Sauté the mushrooms in a single layer, working in batches if needed, to ensure they sear properly rather than steam.
• Achieve deep brown color. Continue to sauté until the mushrooms are deeply browned and tender. This caramelization is what unlocks their rich, umami flavor.

By following these expert tips, you’re on your way to creating a truly restaurant-quality chicken marsala at home. Remember, cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful. Recipesmondial is here to help you build confidence in the kitchen and enjoy every delicious bite!

What Should You Serve with Chicken Marsala?

You’ve just created a delicious and flavorful chicken marsala; now it’s time to complete the meal! Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your dinner from good to great. To simplify your meal planning, here are some beginner-friendly ideas to serve alongside your classic chicken marsala.

Pasta and Grains

Because chicken marsala features a rich, savory sauce, a simple pasta or grain is a perfect match for soaking up all that wonderful flavor. These easy-to-prepare options are always a hit.

• Egg Noodles: With their delicate and tender texture, these classic noodles absorb the marsala sauce beautifully, creating a truly comforting combination.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Wonderfully soothing and fluffy, mashed potatoes pair perfectly with the sauce. For an even simpler dinner, you can use a ready-made version.
• Polenta: Soft, creamy polenta offers a unique texture and provides a lovely base for the chicken. Use instant polenta for an even quicker preparation.
• Rice Pilaf: A light and fluffy rice pilaf made with white or brown rice works well, adding a subtle herby note to the meal.
• Spaghetti or Linguine: Any long, thin pasta is a great option. Tossing it lightly with some of the marsala sauce makes for an incredibly satisfying dish.

These simple carbohydrates will enhance your chicken marsala and help stretch the meal for hungry families.

Vegetable Sides

Fresh vegetables balance the richness of chicken marsala while providing vibrant color and essential nutrients. These quick, reliable, and healthy options will help you create a flavorful, complete meal.

• Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans are a simple, easy choice. Add a touch of garlic and olive oil for great flavor.
• Roasted Asparagus: Roasting asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper is quick and elegant. Their slight bitterness cuts nicely through the richness of the sauce.
• Sautéed Spinach or Swiss Chard: Leafy greens like spinach or Swiss chard wilt in minutes with a little garlic, offering a light and healthy counterpoint to the main dish.
• Broccoli Florets: A family-friendly favorite, steamed or roasted broccoli provides a nice crunch and earthy flavor.
• Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots add a touch of color. A little honey or maple syrup enhances their natural sweetness for a simple and delicious side.

These easy-to-prepare vegetable sides will help you create a balanced, complete dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Easy Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Creamy Chicken Marsala

If you love a richer, more indulgent sauce, this creamy variation is wonderfully simple to make. It adds a touch of decadence, making it perfect for special occasions or just a comforting weeknight dinner.

To achieve that luxurious texture, follow the main recipe steps. Then, just before returning the chicken to the pan, incorporate one key ingredient.

• Add Heavy Cream: Stir 1/2 cup (120ml) of heavy cream (or whipping cream) into the finished Marsala mushroom sauce.
• Gentle Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes to let the cream warm through and thicken slightly.
• Combine and Serve: Return the chicken cutlets to the pan, heating everything together until the chicken is warmed through. Serve immediately over pasta or with your favorite sides.

The cream mellows the wine’s flavor slightly, creating an incredibly smooth and velvety sauce that everyone will adore. This is an easy way to customize your meal!

Chicken Marsala Without Wine

If you need an alcohol-free option or simply don’t have Marsala wine, you can still create a flavorful version of this classic dish. This non-alcoholic recipe is easy to make and ensures the meal is accessible to everyone, which is ideal for family dinners or guests with dietary restrictions.

The key is to replace the Marsala wine with ingredients that mimic its sweet, nutty, and savory notes. Here are a few simple substitutions:

• Chicken Broth & White Grape Juice: Combine 1/2 cup (120ml) of quality chicken broth with 1/4 cup (60ml) of white grape juice. The broth provides savory depth, while the grape juice adds a touch of sweetness.
• Mushroom or Vegetable Broth: For a deeper, earthier flavor, use 3/4 cup (180ml) of mushroom or vegetable broth. For a hint of tanginess, add a splash of balsamic vinegar (about 1 teaspoon).
• Non-Alcoholic Marsala Alternative: Some specialty stores carry non-alcoholic cooking wines designed to replicate Marsala. These are a fantastic option if you can find them.

When using these substitutions, follow the main recipe and simply swap the Marsala wine with your chosen alternative. You’ll still achieve a wonderfully rich and satisfying sauce perfect for any home cook.

Baked Chicken Marsala

For a more hands-off approach, try baking your Chicken Marsala. This method is perfect for busy weeknights, turning a quick stovetop meal into an even simpler oven-baked dinner. Baking keeps the chicken tender and juicy while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, delivering impressive results with minimal fuss.

Here’s how to adapt the recipe for the oven:

• Prepare Components: Follow Step 1 (Prepare the Chicken Cutlets) and Step 2 (Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics) from the main recipe. Lightly brown the chicken in a pan and sauté the mushrooms and shallots until tender.
• Assemble in Baking Dish: Arrange the browned chicken in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Scatter the sautéed mushrooms and shallots over the top.
• Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, follow Step 3 (Create the Marsala Pan Sauce) by deglazing the pan and simmering the Marsala wine and broth briefly.
• Pour and Bake: Pour the hot Marsala sauce evenly over the chicken and mushrooms. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
• Baking Time: Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. A meat thermometer should read an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ^[1].
• Finish and Serve: For a thicker sauce, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

This baked method is an excellent way to prepare a flavorful, family-friendly meal. Plus, it frees up your stovetop for cooking side dishes!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Marsala

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Sources

1. https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/safe-minimum-cooking-temperatures
2. https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/chicken-marsala-italy-american-history