If you’ve ever ordered Chicken Marsala at your favorite Italian restaurant and wondered how something so simple tastes so luxurious, you’re in for a treat. This Easy Chicken Marsala with Mushroom Sauce delivers that same rich, savory flavor right in your own kitchen — without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts simmer in a glossy Marsala wine sauce with caramelized mushrooms, garlic, and fresh herbs. The result? A deeply flavorful, slightly sweet, and savory dish that feels elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight dinners.

Inspired by the traditional Sicilian dish known as Chicken Marsala, this version keeps the classic flavors intact while streamlining the method for home cooks. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting guests, or simply craving a comforting Italian chicken dinner, this recipe guarantees impressive results every time.

What Is Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish made with thinly pounded chicken breasts, lightly dredged in flour, pan-seared until golden, then simmered in a sauce made from mushrooms and Marsala wine.

Marsala wine comes from the Sicilian city of Marsala and adds a slightly sweet, nutty complexity to the sauce. When reduced, it transforms into a silky glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken and mushrooms.

Though it originated in Italy, Chicken Marsala became especially popular in the United States, where it’s now a staple in many Italian-American restaurants.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe

Ready in under 45 minutes
Uses simple pantry ingredients
Packed with savory, umami flavor
Elegant enough for dinner parties
Perfect for meal prep or leftovers

This recipe balances simplicity and sophistication. The sauce tastes slow-cooked, but the entire dish comes together quickly in one skillet.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup Marsala wine
¾ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream (optional for creamy version)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken
Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness (about ½ inch). This ensures even cooking.
Season and Dredge
Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Lightly coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned and caramelized, about 6–8 minutes.
Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze with Marsala Wine
Pour in Marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.
Add Broth and Simmer
Stir in chicken broth and thyme. Return chicken to the skillet. Simmer 10–12 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
Optional Creamy Finish
For a creamy Marsala sauce, stir in heavy cream and simmer 2–3 more minutes.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Marsala

Pound for Even Cooking

Even thickness prevents dry edges and undercooked centers.

Don’t Crowd the Pan

Cook chicken in batches if necessary to achieve a proper golden crust.

Use Dry Marsala Wine

Dry Marsala creates balanced flavor. Sweet Marsala will make the dish noticeably sweeter.

Let the Sauce Reduce Naturally

Avoid adding too much flour. A naturally reduced wine sauce has better flavor and texture.

Creamy vs. Classic Marsala Sauce

Traditional Chicken Marsala is made without cream. The sauce thickens through reduction. However, many modern versions add cream for extra richness.

Both are delicious:

Classic: Lighter, more wine-forward flavor
Creamy: Rich, velvety texture with deeper comfort appeal

Choose based on preference — or try both!

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with:

Garlic mashed potatoes
Buttered egg noodles
Creamy polenta
Steamed green beans
Roasted asparagus
Crusty artisan bread

The sauce is the star, so serve it with something that absorbs every drop.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze up to 2 months (without cream for best texture).
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Variations

Mushroom Lovers’ Version

Double the mushrooms for extra texture and umami.

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging.

Dairy-Free

Skip butter and cream. Use olive oil only.

Low-Carb Version

Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.

Cultural Note

Although often associated with Italian cuisine, Chicken Marsala is largely considered an Italian-American creation. It combines Sicilian wine traditions with American-style pan sauces — a delicious example of culinary evolution.

Why This Is the Best Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe

This recipe keeps things approachable while preserving authentic flavor. The balance of seared chicken, caramelized mushrooms, and reduced Marsala wine creates a restaurant-quality meal without requiring advanced techniques.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this easy chicken marsala recipe delivers dependable, mouthwatering results.

Make it once, and it’s guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.

Can I substitute the wine?
For non-alcoholic versions, use additional chicken broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar, though flavor will differ.

Is Chicken Marsala spicy?
No — it’s savory and slightly sweet, not spicy.

This easy chicken marsala with mushrooms proves that elegant dinners don’t need to be complicated. With simple ingredients and one skillet, you’ll create a flavorful Italian chicken dinner that tastes like it came from a fine restaurant — right from your home kitchen.