Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the sun dips below the horizon and the evening chill sets in, I find myself craving comfort food that warms the soul. Enter Chicken Marsala—a delightful twist on Italian-American cuisine that effortlessly transforms your dinner into something special. This dish showcases tender, pan-fried chicken bathed in a rich, savory marsala wine sauce adorned with sautéed mushrooms and shallots. The best part? You can whip it up in under 75 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without the fuss. Whether you serve it over buttered noodles or creamy mashed potatoes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Ready to bring the flavors of Italy to your table? Let’s dive into this delightful Chicken Marsala! Why is Chicken Marsala so special? Flavor Explosion: The rich blend of sweet Marsala wine and savory mushrooms creates an unforgettable taste sensation that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Quick & Easy: In just 75 minutes, you can serve this delectable dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with buttered noodles or even creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal that meets any craving. Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining, this recipe is bound to impress all your guests, whether they are fans of Italian food or trying it for the first time. Comfort Food Classic: Chicken Marsala embodies the essence of Italian-American cuisine, bringing warmth and comfort to your dinner table. Give it a try alongside other favorites, like Hawaiian Chicken Salad or Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas, and watch as it quickly becomes a staple in your home. Chicken Marsala Ingredients For the Chicken Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenders – ensures tenderness without the need for a meat mallet. All-Purpose Flour – helps achieve a crispy exterior when pan-fried. Garlic Powder – adds depth of flavor without the work of fresh garlic. Onion Powder – provides subtle sweetness and depth. Italian Seasoning – offers a classic Italian flavor profile. Cayenne Pepper – adjust based on heat preference. Black Pepper & Salt – balance the flavors of the dish. For Cooking Olive Oil – ideal for frying the chicken; can substitute with vegetable oil. Unsalted Butter – enriches the sauce and imparts a rich, creamy texture. For the Sauce Shallots – adds a mild onion flavor for a lovely aromatic touch. Cremini & Shiitake Mushrooms – contribute texture and umami; can replace with button mushrooms if necessary. Cornstarch – essential for a silky sauce; can substitute with flour. Chicken Bone Broth – enhances flavor; vegetable broth can be a substitute. Minced Garlic – preferable for a more aromatic sauce. Dry Marsala Wine – essential for authenticity; swap with a dry sherry if needed. Fresh Parsley – brightens the dish without overpowering flavors. For Serving Egg Noodles – any pasta can be used, or replace with mashed potatoes for a different presentation. Cubed Unsalted Butter & Garlic for Noodles – enhances the flavor of your noodle base. This flavorful Chicken Marsala recipe promises to fill your home with warmth and comfort while delivering a delightful culinary experience. Enjoy! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Marsala Step 1: Prep Chicken Begin by preparing your chicken tenders for the Chicken Marsala. In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, ensuring they are fully coated. This will help achieve a crispy exterior when frying. Step 2: Cook Chicken Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the coated chicken tenders in the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Step 3: Sauté Base In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and sliced cremini and shiitake mushrooms to the pan. Sauté for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are caramelized and have released their moisture, creating a flavorful base for the Chicken Marsala. Step 4: Create Sauce Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in 1 cup of dry Marsala wine, scraping any browned bits from the skillet. Allow the wine to reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes, then add 1 cup of chicken bone broth and a cornstarch slurry. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sauce thickens, approximately 5-6 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet to heat through. Step 5: Cook Noodles While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and toss them with 2 tablespoons of cubed unsalted butter and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a rich and flavorful base. Step 6: Serve To serve, place a generous portion of the buttery noodles on each plate. Top with the caramelized chicken and sauce, ensuring each plate receives the rich flavors of the Chicken Marsala. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor, and enjoy your comforting meal! How to Store and Freeze Chicken Marsala Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Marsala in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled down before sealing to avoid condensation. Freezer: To freeze, portion the Chicken Marsala into airtight containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the sauce’s richness. Airtight Guidance: Always use airtight containers when storing in the fridge or freezer to prevent freezer burn and maintain the flavor of your Chicken Marsala. Chicken Marsala Variations & Substitutions Feel free to put your own spin on Chicken Marsala with these exciting variations! Chicken Breasts: Swap chicken tenders for chicken breasts or thighs for a heartier feel. Cooking times may slightly increase, so always check for doneness. Mushroom Variety: Replace cremini and shiitake mushrooms with button mushrooms for a milder flavor or try portobello for a meatier texture. Each addition brings its unique twist to the sauce. Wine Alternatives: If you don’t have Marsala wine, opt for a dry white wine or even a splash of brandy as a delicious substitute. The sauce may taste slightly different, but still delightful! Pasta Choices: Switch buttered egg noodles for whole grain or gluten-free pasta. For a comfort twist, consider creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the sauce beautifully. Heat Factor: Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your preference. Adding diced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes can ramp up the spiciness for those who love a kick! Vegetarian Style: For a meat-free version, swap the chicken for hearty cauliflower steaks or Portobello mushrooms while keeping the rich marsala sauce. It’s a fantastic way to cater to your veggie-loving friends! Creamy Twist: Incorporate a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream into the sauce for a luscious finish. This twist creates a rich and comforting blend that is sure to impress guests. Flavor Boost: Enhance the umami by adding a tablespoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the simmering sauce. A little goes a long way in adding complexity to your dish. Elevate your kitchen game with Chicken Marsala and consider pairing it with other delightful recipes like Grilled Buffalo Chicken or the delicious Sticky Chicken Rice. Enjoy experimenting! Expert Tips for Chicken Marsala Pat Dry: Make sure to pat the chicken dry before dredging to ensure a crispy crust when frying. Quality Wine: Use a good quality dry Marsala wine, as it is the heart of the sauce; cooking wines often lack flavor and can affect the dish’s taste. Stir Constantly: When sautéing the mushrooms, stir frequently to prevent burning and to achieve a uniform caramelization. Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save some pasta water; it adds creaminess to the noodles and helps the sauce bind together beautifully. Adjust Heat: Feel free to tweak the cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference; start light and add more as needed for your Chicken Marsala. Make Ahead Options Preparing your Chicken Marsala in advance is a fantastic way to save time on busy evenings! You can season and dredge the chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance; store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crispiness. Additionally, the sauce can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just reheat it gently on the stove. To serve, pop the chicken back in the skillet for a couple of minutes to warm through, then toss with the freshly boiled noodles tossed with butter. This way, you’ll enjoy a delicious and comforting Chicken Marsala that tastes just as fresh and delightful as when made from scratch! What to Serve with Perfect Chicken Marsala with Buttered Noodles As you savor the delightful flavors of this comforting dish, consider these amazing accompaniments to create a memorable meal experience. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery richness of mashed potatoes beautifully contrasts the savory sauce, providing a hearty touch to your plate. Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of the luscious marsala sauce, adding a delightful crunch. Fresh Garden Salad: A mix of crisp greens drizzled with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the Chicken Marsala. Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies bring a sweet, caramelized flavor and vibrant color, enhancing both texture and nutrition on your plate. Steamed Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears add a refined touch, with their bright color and fresh flavor complementing the savory dish perfectly. Italian Wine: A glass of dry white wine or a light red enhances the dining experience, pairing beautifully with the wine sauce in the Chicken Marsala. Tiramisu: End your meal on a sweet note with a classic Italian dessert, offering a creamy, coffee-flavored indulgence that perfectly contrasts the savory main. Creating a complete meal with these favorites will leave your loved ones delighted and satisfied! Chicken Marsala Recipe FAQs What type of chicken is best for Chicken Marsala? I recommend using boneless skinless chicken tenders for this recipe, as they ensure tenderness without the need for pounding. If you prefer, chicken breasts or thighs can be substituted, but ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. How should I store leftover Chicken Marsala? Leftover Chicken Marsala can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s important to let it cool down before sealing to avoid condensation, which can make the chicken soggy. Can I freeze Chicken Marsala? Absolutely! To freeze, portion the Chicken Marsala into airtight containers, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the sauce. What if my sauce is too thin? No worries if you find your sauce isn’t thickening as expected. You can create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into your simmering sauce and let it cook for a few more minutes until it thickens. Stir regularly to avoid lumps. Are there any dietary considerations for Chicken Marsala? If you’re preparing this dish for someone with dietary restrictions, it’s important to note that it contains gluten from the all-purpose flour and egg noodles. For a gluten-free alternative, you can use gluten-free flour for dredging and serve it over gluten-free pasta or mashed potatoes. How can I ensure my chicken is perfectly cooked? To achieve perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F is the magic number! Also, allow your chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help keep it juicy and tender. Enjoy experimenting with these tips to make your Chicken Marsala shine! Savor Every Bite of Homemade Chicken Marsala Tonight This Chicken Marsala recipe features tender chicken in a rich marsala wine sauce with mushrooms, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: Italian-AmericanCalories: 480 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenders ensures tenderness without the need for a meat mallet1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour helps achieve a crispy exterior when pan-fried1 teaspoon Garlic Powder adds depth of flavor without the work of fresh garlic1 teaspoon Onion Powder provides subtle sweetness and depth1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning offers a classic Italian flavor profile1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper adjust based on heat preference1 teaspoon Black Pepper balance the flavors of the dish1 teaspoon Salt balance the flavors of the dishFor Cooking2 tablespoons Olive Oil ideal for frying the chicken; can substitute with vegetable oil2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter enriches the sauce and imparts a rich, creamy textureFor the Sauce2 tablespoons Shallots adds a mild onion flavor for a lovely aromatic touch1 cup Cremini & Shiitake Mushrooms contribute texture and umami; can replace with button mushrooms if necessary2 tablespoons Cornstarch essential for a silky sauce; can substitute with flour1 cup Chicken Bone Broth enhances flavor; vegetable broth can be a substitute2 cloves Minced Garlic preferable for a more aromatic sauce1 cup Dry Marsala Wine essential for authenticity; swap with a dry sherry if needed2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley brightens the dish without overpowering flavorsFor Serving8 ounces Egg Noodles any pasta can be used, or replace with mashed potatoes for a different presentation2 tablespoons Cubed Unsalted Butter enhances the flavor of your noodle base2 cloves Garlic for Noodles Equipment Large SkilletShallow DishPot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by preparing your chicken tenders for the Chicken Marsala. In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, ensuring they are fully coated.Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the coated chicken tenders in the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and sliced cremini and shiitake mushrooms to the pan. Sauté for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are caramelized and have released their moisture.Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in 1 cup of dry Marsala wine, scraping any browned bits from the skillet. Allow the wine to reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes, then add 1 cup of chicken bone broth and a cornstarch slurry. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sauce thickens, approximately 5-6 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet to heat through.While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and toss them with 2 tablespoons of cubed unsalted butter and a splash of reserved pasta water.To serve, place a generous portion of the buttery noodles on each plate. Top with the caramelized chicken and sauce, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 560mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 7IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 15mg NotesMake sure to pat the chicken dry before dredging to ensure a crispy crust when frying. Use a good quality dry Marsala wine for best results, and don’t forget to save some pasta water to add creaminess to the sauce. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
