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Classic Chicken Marsala

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Tongs
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise for thinner cutlets)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ¾ cup Marsala wine dry, not sweet
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream optional, for a creamier sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken

  1. Place the chicken cutlets between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them lightly to an even thickness (about ½ inch). In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.

Sear the Chicken

  1. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.

Sauté the Mushrooms

  1. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Toss in the mushrooms and cook until browned and softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Deglaze with Marsala Wine

  1. Pour in the Marsala wine and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.

Make the Sauce

  1. Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. If using, add the heavy cream for a richer sauce. Let the sauce reduce slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
    simmering mixture of sliced mushrooms, chicken broth, Marsala wine, and heavy cream

Finish the Dish

  1. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken to coat. Stir in the final tablespoon of butter for extra richness.

Serve

  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.