Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe: A Simple Italian Classic

If you’re craving a simple yet flavorful dinner, you’ve come to the right place! This easy Chicken Marsala recipe is everything you need—quick, savory, and perfect for a family meal. 

With its tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich Marsala wine sauce and accented by earthy mushrooms, this dish will feel just like a restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen. 

I promise, it’s absolutely wonderful, and I’m excited to guide you through this easy-to-make recipe!

Why You’ll Love Easy Chicken Marsala

Let’s face it—weeknight dinners can sometimes feel like a rush. But with this easy Chicken Marsala, you get a deliciously satisfying dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. 

This recipe uses minimal ingredients, including chicken breast, Marsala wine, and mushrooms, which you probably already have on hand. It’s the perfect way to treat your family to a comforting meal without the stress of complicated prep or cooking techniques. 

Plus, it’s super flexible! You can easily adjust ingredients to your liking or dietary needs—whether you’re swapping out the wine or using different types of mushrooms, this recipe is all about making your life easier. Trust me, you’ll love how quickly and easily this meal comes together.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Marsala

Here’s the simple, straightforward list of ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (flattened to an even thickness for quicker cooking)
• 1 cup Marsala wine (make sure to use the sweet variety, not dry)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium is best)
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms (I recommend cremini or white button mushrooms)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging the chicken)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
• 2 tablespoons butter (adds a rich flavor to the sauce)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional, but adds a lovely earthy flavor)
• Chopped parsley (for garnish, if desired)

Feel free to adjust the quantities or swap ingredients based on your preferences. For example, if you’re gluten-free, you can easily replace the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

How To Make Easy Chicken Marsala

Now, let’s walk through this easy Chicken Marsala recipe step-by-step. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together!

Step 1: Prepare the chicken. Start by flattening your chicken breasts to an even thickness. You can do this by placing the chicken in a zip-top bag and gently pounding it with a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper, then dredge them lightly in flour. Shake off the excess flour so that it’s just a thin coating.

Step 2: Sear the chicken. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the sauce. In the same skillet, add the butter and sauté the onions for about 2 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook them until they’re tender and browned, about 5 minutes. Next, pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the pan (this is where all the flavor is!). Let the sauce simmer for about 8 minutes, reducing slightly.

Step 4: Combine everything. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the sauce. Allow the chicken to cook in the sauce for another 5-7 minutes, soaking up all the delicious flavors. If you like a thicker sauce, you can simmer it a bit longer or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy! Once the chicken is tender and the sauce is flavorful, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and serve. You’ll find that the chicken breasts are wonderfully juicy, and the sauce is perfectly balanced between savory, sweet, and rich.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Marsala

Here are some additional tips to take this recipe from great to absolutely wonderful:

1. Searing the chicken: Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken—this ensures that it gets a nice golden crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as that can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear.
2. Marsala wine: It’s crucial to use sweet Marsala wine for the best flavor. Dry Marsala will make the sauce too sharp and less flavorful.
3. Mushroom variety: Feel free to get creative with the mushrooms! While cremini and white mushrooms are classic, you can also try shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a different texture and flavor.
4. Make it ahead: This dish actually reheats beautifully, so if you want to save time during a busy weeknight, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the chicken in the sauce.

How To Serve Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is so versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas for pairing:

• Pasta: Serve it over a bed of fettuccine or spaghetti for a hearty meal.
• Mashed potatoes: The creamy potatoes pair beautifully with the rich sauce, soaking up all the goodness.
• Rice or risotto: A simple side of rice or risotto is perfect for balancing out the bold flavors of the Marsala wine sauce.
• Steamed vegetables: Pair this dish with a side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or roasted asparagus for a complete, balanced meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This easy Chicken Marsala recipe provides a well-balanced meal full of protein and savory flavors. Here’s a basic breakdown:

• Calories: Around 350-400 calories per serving (depending on the portion size and sides).
• Protein: Approximately 35g per serving.
• Carbs: 20g per serving (mostly from the sauce and any side dishes you add).
• Fat: 15g per serving (from the olive oil, butter, and chicken).

For a lower-carb option, consider serving it without potatoes or pasta, and pair it with a side of roasted veggies instead.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will continue to flavor the chicken as it sits.
• Reheating: When reheating, it’s best to do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the sauce from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to keep moisture in.
• Freezing: If you have leftovers or want to meal prep, you can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

This easy Chicken Marsala recipe is truly a winner—quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for busy nights when you still want a comforting, delicious dinner. I really appreciate how simple it is to pull together, yet it still tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant. I hope you give it a try and see just how easy it is to make this wonderful dish for your family!

Let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear what you think! And if you’re looking for more quick dinner ideas, check out some of my other recipes that are just as easy and delicious.