Try This Classic Chicken Marsala Recipe Tonight – Rustic Italian Elegance

When crafting a classic chicken marsala, passionate home cooks unlock an Italian-inspired culinary magic that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Kitchen skills merge with traditional flavors in this elegant dish.

Tender chicken breasts dance with rich mushroom sauce, creating a symphony of tastes that whisper comfort and sophistication.

Delicate wine-infused notes elevate each bite beyond ordinary weeknight meals.

Mushrooms sautéed to golden perfection complement the succulent chicken, promising a restaurant-quality experience right at your dining table.

Mastering this recipe means you connect with generations of Italian cooking wisdom.

One forkful will transport you to a charming trattoria in tuscany, inviting pure gastronomic delight.

Why Classic Chicken Marsala Is A Timeless Favorite

• Masterful Technique Matters: Carefully butterflying and pounding chicken creates perfectly uniform cutlets that cook evenly and stay incredibly tender.
• Transform Simple Ingredients: The parmesan-infused flour coating elevates basic chicken into a restaurant-quality dish with incredible depth of flavor.
• Quick Gourmet Dinner Solution: This classic chicken marsala comes together in minimal steps, delivering a sophisticated meal that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
• Restaurant-Worthy Flavor at Home: By using simple techniques like deglazing the pan and developing a rich marsala sauce, home cooks can create a luxurious dish that rivals professional restaurant offerings.

What You’ll Need For Classic Chicken Marsala

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender cut that serves as the main protein for this classic Italian-American dish.

• All-Purpose Flour, Parmesan Cheese: A seasoned mixture that creates a crispy, golden exterior for the chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the flavor of the coating.

• Olive Oil, Butter: A combination that provides rich flavor and helps achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.

• Marsala Wine: A fortified wine that adds depth and sweet complexity to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional savory liquid for the sauce reduction.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic base to the sauce.
• Mushrooms: Brings an earthy, umami flavor to complement the chicken.

• Parsley, Thyme: Fresh herbs that add brightness and a final aromatic touch to the dish.

How To Cook Classic Chicken Marsala Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Cutlets

Slice chicken breasts horizontally, creating butterflied pieces. Pound each piece between plastic wrap until uniformly thin, ensuring even cooking and tender texture.

Step 2: Create Seasoned Coating

Mix flour with grated parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to develop a delicious, crispy exterior for the chicken.

Step 3: Coat Chicken

Dip each chicken piece into the seasoned flour mixture. Gently shake off excess coating to prevent clumping during cooking.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Fat

Combine olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Heat over medium-high temperature until the mixture becomes hot and starts to shimmer.

Step 5: Cook Chicken Cutlets

Carefully place coated chicken into the hot pan. Cook until each side turns golden brown and reaches proper internal temperature.

Step 6: Rest Chicken

Transfer cooked chicken to a warm plate. Keep chicken warm while preparing the sauce.

Step 7: Sauté Aromatics

Add minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook briefly to release its fragrant oils without burning.

Step 8: Cook Mushrooms

Introduce sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté until they release moisture and develop a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Step 9: Create Marsala Sauce

Pour marsala wine and chicken broth into the skillet. Scrape up browned bits from the pan to build depth of flavor.

Step 10: Reduce Sauce

Simmer sauce for several minutes. Allow liquid to reduce and concentrate, creating a rich, luxurious consistency.

Step 11: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Return chicken to the skillet. Gently coat each piece with the delectable marsala sauce.

Step 12: Garnish and Finish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and thyme over the dish. Add a burst of fresh herb flavor and visual appeal.

Step 13: Serve Immediately

Plate the chicken immediately. Spoon extra sauce over the top to maximize flavor and presentation.

Pro Tips For Juicy Classic Chicken Marsala

• Flatten for Tenderness: Butterflying and pounding chicken breasts ensures even thickness, resulting in uniform cooking and juicy meat.
• Season Flour Smartly: Mix parmesan cheese into flour for an extra layer of flavor and crispy texture that elevates the entire dish.
• Control Oil Temperature: Keep skillet at medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden-brown crust without burning the coating.
• Deglaze for Depth: Scraping browned bits from the pan when adding marsala wine and broth intensifies the sauce's rich, complex flavor profile.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Let sauce simmer and reduce slowly, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth consistency and concentrate delicious flavors.

Tasty Ways To Switch Up Classic Chicken Marsala

• Gluten-Free Marsala: Replace flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version, maintaining the crispy exterior while eliminating wheat.
• Vegetarian Marsala Alternative: Swap chicken for thick portobello mushroom steaks, using the same cooking technique and marsala sauce for a hearty plant-based option.
• Low-Carb Chicken Option: Use crushed pork rinds or grated parmesan cheese instead of flour for a keto-friendly coating that provides crispy texture without added carbohydrates.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate dried oregano, basil, and rosemary into the flour mixture, enhancing the dish with Mediterranean flavor profiles and aromatic herbs.

What To Serve Alongside Classic Chicken Marsala

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a dry Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay that complements the marsala sauce's rich, savory profile and cuts through the creamy mushroom flavors.
• Serve with Garlic Parmesan Risotto: Create a creamy side dish that mirrors the parmesan coating on the chicken and absorbs the delicious marsala sauce perfectly.
• Match with Roasted Asparagus: Prepare tender asparagus spears with olive oil and sea salt to provide a light, green vegetable contrast to the hearty chicken dish.
• Create a Fresh Herb Salad: Toss mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and acidity that balances the deep, wine-based sauce's intensity.

How To Store Classic Chicken Marsala For Later

• Transfer leftover chicken marsala to an airtight container, seal tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Keep sauce and chicken together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Pack chicken marsala in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring optimal taste and texture when thawed.
• Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth.

FAQ Guide For Classic Chicken Marsala Lovers

• Why is butterflying and pounding chicken important?

Butterflying and pounding chicken ensures even thickness, which helps the meat cook uniformly and prevents dry or undercooked sections, resulting in tender and perfectly cooked cutlets.

• Can I use a different type of wine instead of marsala?

While marsala wine provides a unique flavor, you can substitute with dry sherry or madeira wine. However, each substitution will slightly alter the traditional taste profile of the classic chicken marsala.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking, which can make the meat tough and dry.

Classic Chicken Marsala Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory classic chicken marsala brings Italian culinary elegance to dinner tables with tender chicken and rich mushroom wine sauce. Hearty flavors and simple ingredients combine for a restaurant-quality meal you can confidently create at home.

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Ingredients

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Chicken:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Marsala Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup marsala wine
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic

Coating and Garnish:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese
• 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or white button)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme

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Instructions

1. Carefully butterfly and pound chicken breasts to uniform 1/4-inch thickness, creating tender, even cutlets for consistent cooking.
2. Combine flour and parmesan cheese in a shallow dish, seasoning the mixture with salt and pepper for a flavorful coating.
3. Gently dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage while shaking off excess.
4. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the mixture is shimmering and fragrant.
5. Carefully place coated chicken cutlets into the hot pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and achieving an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Remove chicken and set aside, maintaining warmth while preparing the sauce.
7. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without burning.
8. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
9. Pour marsala wine and chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to enhance sauce complexity.
10. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to reduce and concentrate flavors until slightly thickened.
11. Return chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the luxurious marsala sauce.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and thyme, adding a vibrant, herbaceous finish to the dish.
13. Serve immediately, spooning additional sauce over the chicken for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Select chicken breasts of uniform size to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound chicken to precise 1/4-inch thickness, preventing uneven cooking and tough meat.
• Mix freshly grated parmesan with flour for an extra layer of savory depth and crispy coating that enhances overall flavor profile.
• Pat chicken completely dry before dredging to help flour mixture adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Choose a quality marsala wine for authentic flavor – dry marsala works best for this classic recipe, providing rich, complex undertones.
• Test skillet temperature by dropping a flour pinch into oil; it should sizzle immediately, indicating perfect cooking heat.
• Low-carb variation: Replace flour coating with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a gluten-free alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg