In Italy, you probably won't find Chicken Marsala on the menu of a restaurant, but it's a very popular dish here in the US because it's plain delicious. Just think of all the incredible ingredients: mushrooms, onions or shallots, seasonings, and a fortified Sicilian wine, Marsala, all coming together to form a tasty sauce that blankets the sautéed chicken breasts. It can't get any better than that!!
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Easy one stove top dinner
The beauty of this easy dinner is that it only takes one pan. It comes together quickly, easily and the dish is not excessively rich.
The first step is to place chicken on a cutting board and with a meat mallet pounding the breast into thin chicken cutlets. This makes them cook quickly, evenly and terrifically juicy and tender.
When you expand the chicken surface, it creates more area to soak up the rich, golden Marsala wine sauce.
Putting it together
It's so simple to make. You season the breast with salt and freshly ground pepper, then in a shallow pan you dredge the meat in Wondra flour.
Now if you don't have Wondra flour that's okay, you can use all purpose. I like using Wondra flour in this type of dish because it's very fine and it doesn't cake onto the meat -- just a light dusting.
First you heat oil and sauté the breasts up in a big skillet until they're a golden brown. Then you transfer them to a large platter -- their friends the mushrooms will join them soon.
Next, add the mushrooms to the same pan you used for the chicken. Sauté them in a tablespoon of olive oil and butter.
The magical sauce
Oh, the aroma is squisito {delicious}! Once the sauté mushrooms are done, you spoon them onto the platter to join the chicken breasts.
Now that magical delicious sauce happens.
The onions and garlic go into the pan for a quick sauté. Just add a bit of chicken stock and a good splash of Marsala to the pan. This will help mix in those tasty brown bits from the pan. And that’s all there is to it!
Grape Vineyards in Marsala, Sicily
Use dry Marsala
When you go to the grocery store, be sure to pick up dry Marsala wine. Avoid sweet Marsala, as it won't work for your recipe.
One time, I made Chicken Marsala, and it smelled amazing. But I didn’t realize what I had done until I plated it. When my Honey took his first bite, I found out just how good it was!
"What the heck is in this sauce!!?" His look told me he wasn't heavenly transported by the taste.
"Marsala?" I replied and went over to take a good look at the bottle. Oops!! There, on the back of the bottle -- serve as dessert wine. Perhaps I should do as Julia Child -- take a swig of the wine I'm using, then I'd know it was the right wine 😉
We did eat the chicken but it was with less enthusiasm than if I had made with regular dry Marsala.
And another caveat -- don't ever purchase cooking wine for anything. That stuff is rot gut!! Yes! I did taste it once and it isn't fit to strip paint.
Putting the finishing touch
Now, back to the one pan chicken recipe.
Once the sauce reduces it just takes a sprinkle of parsley and a bit of butter and the Chicken Marsala is ready to serve. This time, I didn’t make the wide pasta for the Chicken Marsala. Instead, we used some of our thin pasta to serve with the beautiful white asparagus we bought the day before.
If you want to find out how to roast asparagus you can find it here. Normally I serve our Chicken Marsala with wide homemade egg pasta but angel hair pasta would be delicious too.
Honestly, whatever you serve this classic Italian-American dish with -- I know you'll be pleased.
If you love creamy, dreamy, and savory flavors, our Chicken Madeira recipe is one you must try. It's restaurant quality made right in your cucina (kitchen).
Next time try this delicious chicken dinner that is one of the best Italian classics.
And there you have it! Our one-pan chicken marsala is ready. The mushrooms are soaked in that beautiful golden wine sauce, and the chicken is tender and full of flavor. Whether you serve it with pasta, risotto, or simply a crisp side salad, this dish brings restaurant vibes right into your home cucina.
Grazie per aver cucinato con me, amici. Until next time...
Here are more chicken recipes we know you'll enjoy
Chicken Francese -- is an Italian American dish that features chicken cutlets in a rich lemon-butter wine sauce.
Chicken Milanese -- A variation of the usual Chicken Francese recipe using Italian seasoned panko crumbs and dipping it in buttermilk.
Chicken Vesuvio - A one-pan chicken meal with garlic, potatoes, and peas. Delicious and satisfying.
This is just a sample of all the fantastic chicken recipes here.
Tutti a tavola è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima
📖 Recipe
Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe an Italian-American Classic
Equipment Needed
Ingredients
- 24 oz. boneless chicken breasts skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds 680g) pounded until ¼" thick.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup 50 g Wondra flour (can substitute all-purpose flour)
- 5 Tbsp. olive oil
- 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 8 to 10 ounces 230-280g white button mushrooms
- 2 - 3 large cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 2 Tbsp. minced shallots
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ⅔ cup dry Marsala wine
- ⅓ cup chicken stock
- 2 Tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- It is easiest to pound the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap, or in a study zip-top freezer bag. Spritz the chicken with a little water to prevent the meat from tearing. Season the breasts with salt and pepper and dredge in the flour. Shake off the excess flour -- add more flour if needed.
- In a 12" skillet heat 2 tbsp. olive oil and 1 tbsp. butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the pan but don't crowd then. Cook chicken breasts, turning them over midway during cooking, until they are browned on each side. They don't have to be completely cooked through at this point. When browned, transfer the chicken to a large platter and set aside.
- Add 2 tbsp. olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet over high heat until the butter starts to sizzle. Add the sliced mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are a golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the mushrooms to the platter with the chicken.
- Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in the skillet, add shallots and garlic; sauté, stirring, until soft, about 1-2 minutes. Stir the cornstarch into the chicken stock until it is completely dissolved, then mix it with the Marsala. Add the liquid to the skillet; cook, stirring and scraping bottom of pan until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and the chicken to the skillet and cook the the sauce over medium heat, turning the chicken over occasionally, to make sure the breasts are well-basted about 4 - 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in remaining 3 Tablespoons butter and chopped parsley. Taste the sauce to make sure it is well seasoned with salt and pepper. Enjoy the rich flavor in the chicken and sauce served with your choice of pasta or egg noodles.
Notes
- Be sure to use dry Marsala and not sweet.
- Spritz a little water in the plastic bag or on the plastic wrap before pounding the chicken. This will prevent it from sticking or tearing the meat.
Nutrition
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We'll never share your email or send you spam. PromiseOriginally published March 4, 2016. Updated August 25, 2021. The update is to improve on readability and reader experience.
Sam
Yum, this looks like total comfort! I love a good chicken marsala bake but have never tried making it at home. Can't wait to make this.
Eden
This chicken marsala looks amazing! Definitely going to put it in my meal plan!
Eileen Kelly
My family loves Chicken Marsala and I like to try different recipes. I loved using the Wondra in lieu of ap flour. The chicken was very light and tender. A big hit with the family. We will be making this recipe often.
Loreto Nardelli
I make chicken marsala often. Your recipe looks amazing, love the flavors and textures and great tip about using the dry marsala!👍
Jenny
Great dish, we made it yesterday and it was such a hit, we licked our plates! Your Chicken Marsala flavors are my favorite, probably the best recipe out there. I love your tips and warnings, you are always thoughtful when you write your recipes. Thank you!
Sues
This looks so delicious and like the perfect Sunday night meal that the whole family will love!
Anna
This is by far, the best chicken marsala recipe out there! I've tried it twice now, and a whole family loved it! The meat is juicy and full of flavour, the sauce is so creamy and delicious, our plates were literally licked clean! Thank you for sharing this recipe, it's definitely going to be added to our favourites!
Leslie
This sauce truly does look magical! You have one amazing pasta dish for the whole family to enjoy!
Paula Montenegro
I'm glad this dish is in my menu because it's amazing! There's something about mushrooms with sweet marsala that is magic. Thanks for sharing, we love this!
Mikayla
Chicken marsala is one of my favorite ways to serve chicken, and your recipe delivers! Simple, delicious, and a very satisfying dinner for my whole family.
Heidy
I love a good recipe for Chicken Marsala and this one was great. My grandmother even loved it which is saying a lot since she is an old-school little Italian lady from Bellosguardo. She actually loves American Italian food and asked for your recipe. Well done!!!
Catherine
Dear Marisa, your chicken marsala is outstanding! I would love this meal any night this week...it's such a comforting dish. Visiting with you is like a little trip through Italy. I always enjoy stopping by dear. Have a wonderful day! XO
Denay DeGuzman
MMmm..What a delicious chicken marsala recipe! I love all the fabulous flavors and that it's an easy recipe to prepare mid-week. Thank you so much for sharing it!
Jenni LeBaron
It's been a very long time since I've had chicken marsala but I remember it being very tasty! Your recipe looks really spectacular.
Jyothi (Jo)
I made chicken marsala a few days back and I made it in instant pot. It was instant hit with the family. Creamy, delicious decadent mushroom sauce over soft and moist cooked chicken is to die for. All the flavors in this dish is bang on. Yum
Veena Azmanov
I love chicken marsala - in fact, it's my son's favorite dish. I love how simple and it can be to just add marsala and get so much flavor out of one ingredient. Love that this is a one-pot meal.
Valerie
One pan meals are the best any time but especially on busy days. You can't beat the flavors of a one pan meal and only one thing to wash!
Michelle
I've used sweet marsala wine on accident too. It's definitely a surprising and different taste haha
Claudia Lamascolo
We absolutely love marsala. I actually have to use the wine that is made from the family of Carraba. Its my favorite. Its their family wine from Sicily makes such a different flavor from more. I will love this recipe and so will the family.
anvita
Being a Vegetarian I haven't tried Chicken but I could try the sauce sometime.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Anvita! How about with tofu? Sauté the tofu like the chicken then add the rest of the ingredients.
traditionallymodernfood
Never marsala, every time I visit your blog you amaze me with your recipes. Flavorful one pan meal is perfect for weekday dinner
Priya Srinivasan
One pan meals are great for dinners. That too when i have lil or absolutely no energy, but have mouths to feed, they are handy! Dish looks rich and creamy! I have never cooked with wine, for that matter never tasted wine,though i would love to!
karyn
These are the dishes that I love to cook, simple delicious and full of great spicy flavors.. Fantastic recipe
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Karyn! Sometimes the simplest recipes are the very best.
Jessica (Swanky Recipes)
Chicken marsala is the ultimate chicken comfort food! I haven't made this recipe in a long time and now I'm totally hungry for it! Pinning and saving this for later to make the family soon!
Marisa Franca
Let me know how the recipe turns out for you, Jessica! Have a great day!
Uma
I heard that Marsala wine will use in cooking. But I really don't know how to!? Today I learned from your post! I will share with my friends:) Thanks
Marisa Franca
You're welcome, Uma. You can use Marsala in a lot of delicious dishes.
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen
I do love a good one pan meal, they're so tasty and convenient. Hubby can't have mushrooms any more but I know he would have loved this back when he could.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Val! You could make the recipe without the mushrooms, although they do give the dish an added depth.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
The pictures from the vineyards looks so awesome and I am hoping to visit these places at least once in my lifetime. We don't drink and sometimes I feel I miss out on visiting wine tasting spots even here in US. The dish looks lovely and I am sure the wine would have added to the flavor of the dish. Love that it is a one pot meal 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hi, Sandhya! The vineyards are gorgeous, aren't they? If you want to make this dish you could substitute the wine with broth. It wouldn't be quite the same but I believe it still would be good.
swathi
This is creamy rich meal, I need to try your marsala sauce as I didn't get success with other recipes. You made creamy meal in one single pot . Less cleaning that another best part.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Swathi! When you do get marsala just make sure it's not the sweet. That works well with desserts but not so much with chicken.
Christine McMichael
Love chicken marsala, and really loving that this is a one-pan recipe! That's my kind of weeknight dinner 😉 Can't wait to try it!
Marisa Franca
I really like one-pan meals -- just like you! Not only do most of the dishes have fantastic flavor, you can't beat the clean-up!
Daniela Anderson
I love chicken and mushrooms together, they are a match madd in heaven. And one pan dishes can only be amazing! Great recipe!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Daniela! I love to cook but if I can get a break with clean-up, I'll take it. ?
Adriana Lopez Martn
Such a classic is masala sauce this dish looks very appetizing I must make it soon have never made masala so I guess this will be my first =)
Marisa Franca
Hello, Adriana! Such a great flavor -- it's been a while since I've made it. I'm in the mood for it again.
Amanda
This recipe looks delicious. It would be a great meal for entertaining. Since it is one pan, there is plenty of time to spend with the guests.
Marisa Franca
It is a great entertaining meal, Amanda! Guests will think you've slaved all day in the kitchen. ?
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife
We love chicken marsala in our house and make it regularly. Your recipe looks delicious too and I always love the story behind the food - thanks for sharing!
Marisa Franca
You're welcome, Marlynn! We know a good recipe when we taste it, right??
ManilaSpoon
I do love chicken and mushrooms and certainly this dish!! I have only made chicken marsala once and seeing your recipe reminded me I need to make it soon! YUM!
Marisa Franca
It's funny how we sometimes forget about recipes, then we see it and are reminded how good it was. Hope you make it again soon.
Kylee from Kylee Cooks
You and I both love a good one pan meal, and bonus points if it's easy, too! this looks delicious, Marisa - I'd be digging in before you served if I was at your house!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Kylee! Some recipes are just too good to pass up especially if they are easy in preparation and clean-up. ON this we both agree. Hope your Sunday is fantastic!!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
I am loving all these one pan, easy meals I keep seeing lately. We babysit the grandkids 2 weeks a month. This is perfect. I can make it ahead of time, and reheat when I finally get home around 7:30 p.m. So much better than takeout.
Marisa Franca
You'll love it, Gloria! Much! Much! Better than take-out. AWWW! Spending time with the grandkids is so special. Hoping to do lots of that in the coming months.
Veena Azmanov
I have not had a dish with Marsala in years and you are making me drool over this... I can't wait to try this soon.
Marisa Franca
You'll have to make it Veena! It is so good!
Sarah
I agree, it is so popular here in the states because it is delicious! I can never decide if I want to have chicken marsala with pasta or with mashed potatoes. Yum!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Sarah! I've never seen Chicken Marsala with mashed potatoes. But the dish itself is great anyway.
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com
Marisa, I want to reach right into the photo and have a bite of that! We love chicken marsala, and yours looks squisito! Thanks for the reminder about dry marsala. I wasn't aware there was a sweet one, so this could happen to me.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Jean! Thank you! Yep, the sweet Marsala is pretty sweet and it's great for desserts but we certainly didn't like it with a savory dish. Have a great weekend!!
Marisa Franca
You're welcome, Max. It is nice being able to prepare things ahead, especially in busy summer time.
nagi.maehashi@gmail.com
I've never made Marsala sauce with a higher ration of Marsala compared to stock!! I must give this a try Marisa because I know you are such a great cook, I already know this is going to be delicious!! Thank you for the recipe, sharing!! N x
Marisa Franca
Nagi, I know you're going to love it! It gives the chicken a rich taste! Thank you for sharing.
Marie Renello
Dare I say I used sweet once and I liked it! I just added a dollop of mascarpone in the sauce and it made it even better. :))
Marisa Franca
Well, there you go!! I guess it's a matter of taste! And Marie, I did see a recipe for a veal marsala using the sweet version. 🙁
Wendi Spraker
Your Chicken Marsala looks divine! I haven't used Wondra flour before - but I have seen it at the store and "wondraed" what it was for! lol. Thanks for sharing! I have just set out some chicken to thaw for dinner tonight and wondered what I might do with it - this looks like a terrific idea!
Marisa Franca
Hi Wendi! Wondra is also great at making gravy -- it pours like fine sugar. I haven't baked with it but my sister-in-law used to make her pie crust with it and it turned out fantastic. Frankly, she was the pie maker of the family 😉
Ciao Chow Linda
I don't care if you don't find this dish in Italy - it's so delicious it's worth making over and over again.
Marisa Franca
I heartily agree, Linda! Have a wonderful day!
annie@ciaochowbambina
I love meals that are prepared in one pan....especially meals that are this delicious! I'll remember to use the dry Marsala when I make it...I'll learn from your honest mistake! Thanks, dearest!
maria @ close to home
I have eaten chicken marsala out before but never attempted it at home. This looks easy enough to make thaks for sharing.
Marisa Franca
Piacere, Maria! Chicken Marsala is super tasty and incredibly easy to make at home. Hope you give it a try.
Platter Talk
What a beautiful rendition of this classic chicken dish! Thanks for sharing, we cant' wait to try!
Marisa Franca
Let me know how you like it!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables
Wow that sauce sounds amazing! I might have to swap out the chicken for something like eggplant and give this a try! I think my husband would love it 🙂
Marisa Franca
I believe it would work, Liz. How can you go wrong with Marsala, mushrooms and seasonings!!
Lizzie @ Grubdujour
Wow, that looks so juicy, and I love a good one pot dish. Makes me want to be in Italy!
Marisa Franca
Ciao Lizzie! Well you can make Chicken Marsala and pretend you're in Italy. 🙂
Chiara
I use Marsala wine very often, i think it switch on the flavor in many dishes, have a good week my dear, un abbraccio !
Marisa Franca
Ciao Chiara! I do like adding wine to dishes -- it adds a nice depth. I use Vermouth quite a bit along with Sherry. Abbracci!!
Diane P.
This looks like an easy and delicious recipe that I will be trying soon! I know my husband will like it, except for the mushrooms, but that's okay because I LOVE THEM, and I can eat his share!! I also like the fact that it is a one pan meal--who doesn't like that---less dishes to wash! Thanks for another great post, Marisa!
Marisa Franca
Thank you!! Well, Diane, you could take the mushrooms out -- leave a few whole for you and then put the rest in a blender to make a thick sauce 🙂
Jovina Coughlin
Delicious indeed. I am a fan of Wondra also. it is also great for making gravy - dissolves instantly. Love the story of the marsala. I haven't made this dish in awhile, so your post told me it is time to make it again. Looks fantastic.
Marisa Franca
Hello Jovina! I'm ready to make it again -- I don't think I'd get tired of the flavors. Have a great weekend.