• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Recipes by Nora
  • Recipe Index
  • About me
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About me
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About me
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Chicken Recipes

    Chicken Marsala Recipe

    Published: Oct 27, 2022 by Nora Reyes · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. · 2 Comments

    86 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Chicken Marsala consists of pan-seared chicken cutlets with a rich sauce made from a reduction of Marsala wine and mushrooms. This Italian-American dish is quick and simple to make!

    Cream Chicken Marsala served on a plate.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients you’ll need
    • Notes and substitutions
    • How to make this recipe
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Other chicken recipes you may like
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients you’ll need

    Individual ingredients for Creamy Chicken Marsala
    Salt and pepper are not in the picture.

    Dry Marsala wine is a key ingredient in this recipe.

    Marsala wine in a bottle and some in a measuring cup.

    Notes and substitutions

    • Mushrooms: I used cremini or baby bella mushrooms. You can also use white or button (mild-tasting), shiitake (meaty and umami-rich), portobello (meaty, mature version of cremini), porcini (very flavorful and usually sold dried), or a combination.
    • Dry Marsala wine: This fortified wine imparts a nutty, caramelized flavor to the dish. You can also use dry Madeira wine, dark Sherry wine, or a wine you enjoy drinking. Avoid Marsala cooking wine if possible because they are generally heavily salted.
    • Cream: You can use heavy cream, light cream, or half-and-half. Remember that the lower the fat content, the higher chances of curdling at high temperatures.

    How to make this recipe

    Step 1: Butterfly 2 pounds of chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally in half.

    Step 2: Cut them into smaller pieces, then trim any membranes or fats.

    Butterflying chicken breast with a knife. Chicken cutlets on a parchment paper.

    Step 3: Place the chicken between sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Pound them thin (about ½ inch) for quick and even cooking.

    Step 4: Season them with salt and pepper, then lightly coat them with flour.

    Pounding chicken cutlets placed in between sheets of parchment paper using a meat mallet. Dredging a chicken cutlet in flour.

    Step 5: Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it gets very hot, add olive oil to coat the bottom.

    Step 6: Sear chicken until lightly browned on each side, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

    Searing the chicken cutlets in the pan. Turning the seared chicken cutlets using a pair of tongs.

    Step 7: Sear 12 ounces of mushrooms, adding oil as needed, for about 2 minutes without touching them. Season with salt and pepper, then mix them.

    PRO TIP: Do not season the mushrooms too soon. Salt draws out moisture—you'll end up steaming them rather than browning them.

    Mixing the browned mushrooms in the pan using a spatula.

    Step 8: Add 2 shallots, 4 garlic cloves, and ¼ teaspoon dried thyme. Let them cook for a minute.

    Added the dried thyme to the mushrooms in the pan.

    Step 9: Deglaze the pan with 1½ cups of Marsala wine and scrape the fond or browned bits on the bottom. Let it reduce by half for about 5 minutes.

    Add chicken stock/broth (1 teaspoon chicken base or bouillon dissolved in 1 cup of water). Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes.

    PRO TIP: After being reduced, Marsala wine becomes slightly sweet. Taste and add salt as needed.

    Pouring Marsala wine to the mushrooms in the pan.

    Step 10: Bring the chicken back and add ½ cup of cream.

    Adding cream to the chicken and the sauce in the pan.

    Step 11: Spoon the sauce over the chicken, then let it heat through for a minute. Turn off the heat.

    The chicken and the sauce simmering in the pan.

    Garnish this creamy Chicken Marsala with fresh parsley. Serve with pasta or mashed potatoes and a side of vegetables or salad.

    You may also like to try Lemon Chicken Piccata, Chicken Pastel, Chicken Empanada, or Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry.

    Cutting a small piece of chicken on the plate.

    Recipe FAQs

    What is Chicken Marsala?

    Chicken Marsala is an Americanized Italian dish with seared chicken cooked in a pan sauce made with cremini mushrooms and a reduction of Marsala wine. Adding cream to the sauce makes it silky and balances the wine's acidity.

    Can I omit the cream?

    Yes, you can skip the cream. Traditional Chicken Marsala uses butter instead of cream. Add about 3 tablespoons of butter to thicken the sauce and make it silky.

    Will I taste the alcohol in the dish?

    The alcohol evaporates, leaving a concentrated flavor that makes the dish delicious. If alcohol is a concern, you can replace it with grape juice or stock/broth.

    Can I use chicken thighs for Chicken Marsala?

    Yes, you can. However, Chicken Marsala is one of those recipes best made with chicken breast. If you are using chicken thighs, you will need to cook them slightly longer.

    Other chicken recipes you may like

    • Chicken Afritada on a plate.
      Chicken Afritada
    • Filipino Chicken Curry on a plate.
      Filipino Chicken Curry Recipe
    • Filipino Fried Chicken on a plate.
      Filipino Fried Chicken Recipe
    • Chicken Tinola in a bowl.
      Chicken Tinola Recipe
    Phone showing how to tag me on Instagram.

    Did you make this recipe? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes.  Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this recipe are welcome, too!

    Let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube. Be sure to tag me when you try any of my recipes @recipesbynora!

    📖 Recipe

    Creamy Chicken Marsala on a plate.

    Chicken Marsala

    Creamy Chicken Marsala consists of pan-seared chicken cutlets with a rich sauce made from a reduction of Marsala wine and mushrooms.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 458kcal
    Author: Nora Rey
    Cost: $10-$12

    Equipment

    • Large skillet or a sauté pan
    • Meat mallet or rolling pin

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds chicken breasts boneless and skinless
    • ¼ cup all-purpose flour for dredging
    • Olive oil (about ¼ cup) for searing and sautéing
    • 12 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced (see note)
    • 2 shallots minced
    • 4 garlic cloves minced
    • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1½ cups dry Marsala wine (see note)
    • 1 teaspoon chicken base or bouillon dissolved in 1 cup of hot water
    • ½ cup heavy or light cream (see note)
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Butterfly chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally in half. Cut them into smaller pieces, then trim any membranes or fats.
    • Place the chicken between sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Pound them thin (about ½ inch) for quick and even cooking. Season them with salt and pepper, then lightly coat them with flour.
    • Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it gets very hot, add olive oil to coat the bottom. Sear chicken until lightly browned on each side, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
    • Sear the mushrooms, adding oil as needed, for about 2 minutes without touching them. Add salt and pepper, then mix them.
    • Add shallots, garlic, and thyme. Let them cook for a minute.
    • Deglaze the pan with Marsala wine and scrape the fond or browned bits on the bottom. Let it reduce by half for about 5 minutes. Add chicken stock/broth and let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes.
    • Bring the chicken back and add cream.
    • Spoon the sauce over the chicken, then let it heat through for a minute. Turn off the heat.
    • Garnish with fresh parsley.

    Notes

    • Mushrooms: I used cremini or baby bella mushrooms. You can also use white or button (mild-tasting), shiitake (meaty and umami-rich), portobello (meaty, mature version of cremini), porcini (very flavorful and usually sold dried), or a combination.
    • Dry Marsala wine: You can also use dry Madeira wine, dark Sherry wine, or a wine you enjoy drinking. Avoid Marsala cooking wine if possible because they are generally heavily salted.
    • Cream: You can use heavy cream, light cream, or half-and-half. Remember that the lower the fat content, the higher chances of curdling at high temperatures.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 458kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 35gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 854mgPotassium: 853mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 339IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg
    Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided here is solely for informational purposes. I am not a certified nutritionist, and this data hasn't been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or any other authority. It shouldn't be seen as health or nutrition advice. The figures are estimates calculated from various food composition databases and might vary based on product types, brands, natural variations in produce, and ingredient processing methods. Individual results may differ.
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @recipesbynora or tag #RecipesByNora!

    More Chicken Recipes

    • Chicken Caldareta
      Chicken Caldereta Recipe
    • Chicken Pochero scooped by a spoon.
      Chicken Pochero Recipe
    • Adobong Puti on a plate.
      Adobong Puti Recipe
    • Chicken Adobo in a bowl.
      Chicken Adobo Recipe
    86 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    About the author

    Hi, I'm Nora! 

    Whether you're new to Filipino food or have loved it for so long, I sure am happy you're here!  I hope you'll find useful recipes that you can enjoy and share with family and friends.

    Learn more about me →

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kristine

      July 21, 2023 at 11:52 am

      5 stars
      Omg! This looks so delicious!!! Where can i get Marsala wine from?

      Reply
      • Nora Rey

        July 23, 2023 at 3:07 am

        Marsala wine is commonly available in liquor stores, wine shops, or some larger grocery stores with a well-stocked wine section. If you have trouble finding it, consider ordering it online.

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Nora! Whether you're new to Filipino food or have loved it for so long, I sure am happy you're here!  I hope you'll find useful recipes that you can enjoy and share with family and friends.

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Grilled Pork Belly on a plate with pickled vegetables and spicy vinegar dipping sauce.
      Inihaw na Liempo Recipe
    • Beef stir fry with onions and peppers in a wok zoomed in.
      Beef Stir Fry with Onions & Peppers
    • Mackerel on Olive oil on a plate.
      Mackerel in Olive Oil
    • Beef Caldereta topped on a rice served on a plate.
      Beef Caldereta Recipe
    • Buko Pandan on a glass dish cup topped with ice cream covered be rice crisps.
      Buko Pandan Salad Recipe
    • Assorted Filipino foods on a table covered in banana leaf for a Kamayan Feast.
      Kamayan Feast: Bringing Family and Friends Together

    Seasonal Desserts

    You must use the category name, not a URL, in the category field.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Accessibility Statement
    • Cookie Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Image Use & Copyright
    • Privacy Policy

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2023 RECIPES BY NORA

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie SettingsAccept
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    86 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.