Chicken Marsala with Mashed Potatoes – Savory, Rich, and Comforting

Chicken Marsala with Mashed Potatoes brings classic Italian-American comfort to your table without the need for complicated techniques. Juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts are coated in a savory mushroom and Marsala-inspired sauce (without wine) and served over creamy, buttery mashed potatoes for the perfect dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy chicken with a flavorful mushroom sauce
• Served over creamy, buttery mashed potatoes
• Quick to prepare but tastes like a restaurant-quality meal
• Pork-free, alcohol-free, and family-friendly
• Perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or cozy weeknights

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marsala

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Peel and chop the potatoes. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside and keep warm.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
6. Add remaining butter to the skillet and sauté mushrooms until golden and soft, about 5 minutes.
7. Stir in chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Optional: Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir into the sauce to thicken further.
9. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
10. Serve the chicken over mashed potatoes, spoon extra sauce and mushrooms on top, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

• Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking
• Use cremini or button mushrooms for a milder flavor, or shiitake for depth
• Substitute Yukon Gold potatoes with Russet potatoes for fluffier mashed potatoes
• Add a teaspoon of garlic powder or roasted garlic to mashed potatoes for extra flavor
• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for color and freshness

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken
• Mash and sauce freeze well separately for up to 2 months
• Thaw frozen components overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve with roasted green beans or steamed broccoli for balance
• Pair with a light side salad and vinaigrette
• Add a warm dinner roll to soak up extra sauce
• Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over mashed potatoes for extra richness

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken?

Yes, but adjust cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked. Bone-in chicken may require 10–15 extra minutes of simmering.

How can I thicken the mushroom sauce without wine?

Cornstarch slurry or reduction works perfectly. Simply stir 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, add to simmering sauce, and cook until thickened.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can make the mushroom sauce and mashed potatoes in advance, then cook chicken fresh when ready to serve. This keeps the chicken juicy and the mashed potatoes creamy.

Can I use a different type of potato for the mash?

Yes. Yukon Gold yields creamy texture, while Russet potatoes create fluffier mashed potatoes. Either works beautifully with the sauce.

Ready to Make It?

This Chicken Marsala with Mashed Potatoes delivers comfort, flavor, and elegance in one plate. With tender chicken, rich mushroom sauce, and creamy potatoes, it’s a dinner that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make.

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