Chicken Marsala Recipe – Simple, Elegant, and Delicious

There’s nothing quite like a restaurant-quality meal that you can make right at home, and Chicken Marsala delivers just that. Tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce infused with herbs make every bite unforgettable. This Italian-American classic combines simplicity with elegance, perfect for cozy family dinners or when you want to impress guests. Save this recipe on Pinterest and make it your go-to for weeknight luxury.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Juicy, pan-seared chicken in a luscious mushroom cream sauce.
  • Ready in under 40 minutes — ideal for busy evenings.
  • Made with everyday ingredients and no special equipment.
  • Perfect to pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
  • A restaurant-style dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

Overhead view of ingredients for creamy chicken marsala

  • 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cups cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step-by-step collage of preparing creamy chicken marsala

  1. Prepare the chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. Cook the mushrooms: In the same skillet, add mushrooms and sauté for 5–6 minutes until browned. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, thyme, and basil. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until thickened slightly.
  5. Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is creamy.
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Mushroom choice: Cremini or baby bella mushrooms give a deep, earthy flavor, but white mushrooms also work well.
  • Add richness: For a thicker sauce, stir in an extra tablespoon of butter at the end.
  • Make it dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a lighter version.
  • Add texture: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or a handful of crispy onions before serving.
  • Meal prep: Slice and season chicken ahead of time to make cooking faster on busy nights.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm gently over low heat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce smooth.
  • Freeze: Let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

Creamy chicken marsala served with mashed potatoes and green beans

  • Serve with: Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or creamy risotto.
  • Pair with: Steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or a crisp green salad for balance.
  • Bread pairing: Add garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up every drop of that rich sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are excellent for this recipe. They stay juicy and absorb the creamy Marsala-style sauce beautifully.

Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?

Absolutely. You can substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version. The sauce will still be rich and delicious.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be tender, juicy, and easy to cut.

What can I serve Chicken Marsala with?

It pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Ready to Make It?

This Chicken Marsala is comfort food perfection — creamy, savory, and ready to impress. Pin it now to save it for your next dinner night or family gathering!

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creamy chicken marsala with mushrooms and herbs

Chicken Marsala


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  • Author: Myla
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, savory mushroom sauce — this Chicken Marsala is rich, flavorful, and perfect for dinner nights.


Ingredients

Scale

2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped


Instructions

1. Slice and season chicken, then dredge in flour.

2. Heat butter and oil in a skillet; sear chicken on both sides until golden.

3. Remove chicken and add mushrooms; sauté until browned.

4. Add garlic, then pour in broth and cream. Simmer until slightly thickened.

5. Stir in herbs and seasoning.

6. Return chicken to skillet; cook until fully done and sauce is creamy.

7. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

Add Parmesan for extra flavor.

Best served with mashed potatoes or pasta.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 610mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg

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