This Creamy Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish featuring pan-fried chicken breast fillets smothered in a rich marsala-mushroom cream sauce. It’s a quick yet elegant meal, perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 9 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ medium shallot, diced
• 8 ounces cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced
• ¾ cup chicken stock
• ½ cup dry marsala wine
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Directions

1. Season chicken with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Dredge in 8 tablespoons flour until evenly coated.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side; set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic, shallot, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are tender and browned, about 4 minutes; season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Whisk in remaining 1 tablespoon flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
5. Stir in chicken stock and marsala wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Stir in heavy cream; season with salt and pepper to taste. Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
7. Serve immediately over mashed potatoes, pasta, or with crusty bread.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 450
• Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 45g

A Classic Italian-American Dish

Chicken Marsala has been a favorite in Italian-American cuisine for years. The dish originates from the island of Sicily, where Marsala wine is produced. Traditionally, the dish combines lightly pan-fried chicken with a savory sauce made from Marsala wine, which lends a sweet and slightly nutty flavor. Over the years, various versions of Chicken Marsala have emerged, with the addition of cream and mushrooms to create a richer, more decadent sauce. This creamy version is particularly beloved because it offers a smoother, more velvety finish, balancing the slightly tangy notes of the wine with the earthiness of the mushrooms.

In this recipe, the chicken fillets are coated in flour and lightly browned, providing a crisp exterior. The sauce, which is created by deglazing the pan with Marsala wine and chicken stock, forms the base of the dish. The addition of heavy cream creates a luscious, silky texture, while the sautéed shallots and garlic infuse the sauce with depth. Mushrooms, typically cremini or white button mushrooms, add an earthy flavor that complements the richness of the cream.

The Perfect Meal for Any Occasion

One of the best things about this Creamy Chicken Marsala recipe is its versatility. It is quick enough to prepare on a weeknight but refined enough to serve at a dinner party or holiday gathering. The combination of savory flavors and elegant presentation makes it an excellent choice for entertaining, yet it’s simple enough for a cozy family meal. The sauce is rich and luxurious, but the chicken remains the star of the dish with its tender, juicy texture. Whether paired with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread, the sauce complements any side, making it a well-rounded and satisfying dish.

How the Ingredients Work Together

The key to a great Chicken Marsala lies in the quality and balance of its ingredients. The chicken breasts are lightly seasoned and dredged in flour, which helps create a golden brown crust when pan-fried. This crispy exterior gives the chicken a satisfying texture and allows it to hold up against the rich, creamy sauce. The flour also contributes to thickening the sauce as it cooks, ensuring it clings to the chicken and creates a velvety finish.

The Marsala wine, both dry and slightly sweet, is a crucial element in the dish. It deglazes the pan after the chicken is cooked, releasing any flavorful browned bits stuck to the skillet. These caramelized morsels add a deep, savory umami flavor to the sauce. The addition of chicken stock provides a savory base for the sauce, while the heavy cream enriches it, giving it a smooth, luxurious texture that contrasts nicely with the hearty chicken and mushrooms.

Mushrooms play an important role as well. Their earthy, umami-rich flavor complements the wine and cream, creating a balanced profile. Cremini mushrooms, with their deeper flavor, work wonderfully in this dish, but button mushrooms can also be used for a milder taste. The shallots and garlic provide aromatic depth, with the garlic offering a punch of flavor and the shallots adding a subtle sweetness.

Cooking Tips for Success

To make the perfect creamy Chicken Marsala, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When pan-frying the chicken, be sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cooking the chicken in batches allows it to brown evenly and prevents it from steaming.

2. Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This helps retain the juices, keeping the chicken moist and tender.

3. Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken stock to reach your desired consistency.

4. Use a Good Marsala Wine: The quality of the Marsala wine can make a difference in the flavor of the dish. While a less expensive option will work, using a good quality dry Marsala will enhance the overall taste of the sauce.

5. Serve Immediately: Creamy Chicken Marsala is best served fresh, as the sauce can thicken as it cools. If you need to reheat, do so gently over low heat, adding a little more chicken stock or cream if necessary.

Pairing with Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, making it a versatile main course. Here are a few ideas for sides that complement the rich flavors of Chicken Marsala:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, buttery texture of mashed potatoes is the perfect accompaniment to the rich sauce. The potatoes soak up the Marsala sauce, creating an irresistible bite.
• Pasta: Serve Chicken Marsala with pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti for a more filling meal. The pasta can be tossed in some of the leftover sauce to soak up the flavors.
• Steamed Vegetables: To balance out the richness of the dish, steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus provide a fresh contrast.
• Crusty Bread: Freshly baked bread or garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.

Nutritional Considerations

While Creamy Chicken Marsala is certainly indulgent, it does offer some nutritional benefits. Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, providing a hearty, satisfying base for the dish. The mushrooms and shallots add valuable nutrients like fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. The heavy cream, while rich in fat, contributes to the smooth texture of the sauce and can be balanced by pairing the dish with lighter side options like vegetables or whole grains.

For those looking to lighten the dish, there are a few adjustments that can be made. Consider using a lower-fat cream or substituting some of the cream with more chicken stock for a lighter sauce. You can also reduce the amount of oil and butter used for pan-frying the chicken, or opt for skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier alternative.

Conclusion: A Flavorful and Elegant Dish

In conclusion, Creamy Chicken Marsala is a flavorful, elegant, and comforting dish that brings the rich flavors of Marsala wine and mushrooms together in a creamy sauce that perfectly complements pan-fried chicken. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. The versatility of Chicken Marsala makes it a great option for any occasion, and its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a staple in many home kitchens. With the right technique and a few tips, you can make this dish your own and enjoy it with your favorite sides, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.