Classic Chicken Marsala with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality dinner that delivers both elegance and comfort, this Classic Chicken Marsala with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is the answer. It’s a dish that feels gourmet but is entirely approachable for home cooks of all skill levels. With tender pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms and garlic, every bite offers a burst of savory flavor balanced by subtle sweetness.

Perfect for romantic date nights, family dinners, or impressing dinner guests, this timeless Italian-American recipe is a must-have in your cooking rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Marsala is the kind of dish that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal. With just a few pantry staples, it delivers depth, richness, and that wow-factor you usually only get at high-end restaurants. The creamy mushroom Marsala sauce elevates the seared chicken into something truly special.

This recipe is:

• Easy to follow, even for beginner home cooks

• Ready in under an hour

• Made with simple ingredients

• Customizable for different tastes or dietary needs

Whether you’re making dinner for a loved one or feeding a crowd, this dish hits all the right notes of cozy, classy, and crave-worthy.

Ingredients for Classic Chicken Marsala

For the Chicken:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Marsala Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, as needed

• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3/4 cup dry Marsala wine

• 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Serving Options:

• Cooked pasta (such as angel hair)

• Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

• Lemon wedges

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Cutting board and knife

• Meat mallet or rolling pin (for pounding chicken)

• Mixing bowl

• Tongs or spatula

• Baking dish

• Oven (preheated to 200°F for warming)

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Zip-top bag (for pounding chicken)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 200°F. This low heat will keep your chicken warm while you finish the sauce.

Pound each chicken breast to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet inside a zip-top bag to prevent mess. In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Dredge the pounded chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

2. Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on both sides—about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the browned chicken to a baking dish and place it in the preheated oven to stay warm.

3. Make the Mushroom Marsala Sauce

In the same skillet, melt another 2 tablespoons of butter if needed, and add the quartered cremini mushrooms. Sauté until mushrooms are browned and have released their juices, around 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Pour in the dry Marsala wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer until reduced by about half—this concentrates the flavor and creates a rich base.

4. Finish the Sauce

Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream and return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the chicken. The result? A silky, glossy sauce that clings to every bite.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Plate the chicken over cooked angel hair pasta and spoon the creamy mushroom Marsala sauce generously over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish.

Tips, Tricks & Recipe Variations

Time-Saving Tip:

Use pre-sliced mushrooms and thin-cut chicken breasts to reduce prep time.

Gluten-Free Version:

Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour.

No Marsala Wine?

Use dry sherry or a mix of white wine and a splash of brandy as a substitute. Avoid sweet Marsala, as it can overpower the dish.

Make It Dairy-Free:

Replace the butter with extra olive oil and use a non-dairy cream alternative such as coconut cream or oat-based cooking cream.

Add Veggies:

For a more complete one-pan meal, toss in some baby spinach or blanched asparagus just before serving.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery.

If freezing, store the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Perfect Pairings

Side Dishes:

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Roasted green beans

• A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

Wine Pairing:

Serve with a dry Italian red such as Chianti or a rich white like Chardonnay to complement the creamy sauce and savory chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Marsala wine?

Marsala is a fortified wine from Sicily, typically used in Italian cooking. For this recipe, a dry Marsala is essential for a balanced, savory flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce a few hours in advance. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely—especially if you reduce the wine slightly or allow it to cook off more. The alcohol content largely evaporates during simmering, leaving behind rich flavor.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes, the sauce will still be delicious without cream—just more brothy. You can thicken it slightly with a cornstarch slurry if desired.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Chicken Marsala with Creamy Mushroom Sauce proves that you don’t need a culinary degree to create something extraordinary. With just a few quality ingredients and a solid skillet, you’ll be plating up restaurant-worthy meals right from your own kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining friends, this dish never fails to impress.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family—and make sure to subscribe to the blog for more easy-to-follow, flavor-packed recipes delivered right to your inbox. Happy cooking!