Few dishes capture the elegance of Italian-American cooking quite like Chicken Marsala Recipe with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. With its tender, golden-seared chicken cutlets and rich, velvety mushroom wine sauce, this timeless skillet dinner feels restaurant-worthy — yet it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Rooted in Sicilian culinary tradition and popularized in the United States, Chicken Marsala takes its name from the fortified wine produced in Marsala. The combination of earthy mushrooms, aromatic garlic, butter, and Marsala wine creates a deeply flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to juicy chicken breasts.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, a romantic date night, or a special Sunday meal, this classic Chicken Marsala recipe delivers comfort and sophistication in every bite.

What Is Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish made with lightly floured chicken cutlets that are pan-seared until golden, then simmered in a sauce of Marsala wine and mushrooms. Traditional versions are slightly lighter, but modern adaptations — especially in American kitchens — often include heavy cream to create a richer, creamier sauce.

The wine gives the dish its signature sweet-savory complexity, while mushrooms add depth and earthiness. Together, they form a sauce that is silky, aromatic, and perfect for spooning over pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Marsala Recipe

Quick and ready in under 45 minutes
Made in one skillet for easy cleanup
Perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly sweet
Elegant enough for entertaining
Customizable and beginner-friendly

This easy Chicken Marsala with cream transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet-level meal.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally into cutlets)
½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small shallot (finely chopped)
¾ cup Marsala wine
¾ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the chicken:
Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently pound to even thickness (about ½ inch). Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Dredge lightly:
Coat each piece in flour, shaking off excess. This helps create a golden crust and thickens the sauce later.
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 and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook the mushrooms:
In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until browned and tender, about 5–7 minutes.
Add aromatics:
Stir in shallots and garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Deglaze with Marsala wine:
Pour in Marsala wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.
Add broth and cream:
Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Add thyme if using. Simmer 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens.
Return chicken to skillet:
Nestle chicken back into the sauce. Simmer 3–5 minutes so flavors meld together.
Finish and garnish:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Marsala

1. Use Dry Marsala Wine

Dry Marsala produces a balanced sauce without excessive sweetness. Sweet Marsala can be used if preferred, but adjust seasoning accordingly.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Sear chicken in batches if necessary. Crowding reduces browning and affects flavor.

3. Brown the Mushrooms Properly

Allow mushrooms to caramelize before stirring too often. Browning develops deep umami notes.

4. Adjust Sauce Thickness

If sauce is too thin, simmer longer. If too thick, add a splash of broth.

Best Mushrooms for Creamy Mushroom Sauce Chicken

Cremini mushrooms (earthy and flavorful)
White button mushrooms (mild and classic)
Baby bella mushrooms
Shiitake (for a more intense flavor profile)

Mixing varieties can create a more complex and gourmet flavor.

What to Serve with Chicken Marsala

This Italian chicken skillet dinner pairs beautifully with:

Creamy mashed potatoes
Buttered egg noodles
Al dente fettuccine
Steamed asparagus
Garlic roasted green beans
Warm crusty bread

The creamy mushroom sauce is irresistible — you’ll want something to soak up every drop.

Variations of Chicken Marsala

Lighter Version

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or omit cream entirely for a traditional style.

Gluten-Free

Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

Dairy-Free

Use olive oil instead of butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream (note flavor will change slightly).

Add Spinach

Stir fresh baby spinach into the sauce during the last few minutes for added color and nutrition.

Cultural Background of Marsala Wine

Marsala wine originates from the Sicilian port city of Marsala and has been produced since the late 18th century. Its fortified character makes it perfect for cooking because it withstands heat while intensifying flavor.

In Italian cuisine, Marsala is used in both savory and sweet dishes, but in the United States, it became synonymous with this beloved creamy mushroom sauce chicken.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months (without cream for best results).
Reheat: Warm gently in skillet over low heat. Add splash of broth or cream if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking chicken (leads to dryness)
Using low-quality wine
Skipping the deglazing step
Adding cream too early

Follow the steps carefully for the best classic Chicken Marsala recipe results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare sauce and chicken separately, then reheat together before serving.

Can I substitute Marsala wine?

Dry sherry can work, but flavor will differ.

Is Chicken Marsala Italian?

It’s Italian-American, inspired by Sicilian wine traditions.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Marsala recipe with creamy mushroom sauce combines rustic comfort with refined flavor. The golden seared chicken, velvety sauce, and aromatic herbs create a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable.

Whether served for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this easy Chicken Marsala with cream is guaranteed to impress. With simple techniques and high-impact flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.