Discover the perfect chicken marsala recipe that will transform your dinner table into a gourmet experience.
This classic Italian-American dish combines tender chicken cutlets with a rich, savory sauce that will impress both family and guests alike.
We’ve curated 10 outstanding chicken marsala variations that range from traditional preparations to modern interpretations.
Each recipe features carefully selected ingredients and step-by-step instructions to help you create restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
From quick weeknight versions to elegant dinner party showstoppers, you’ll find the perfect recipe to match your cooking style and occasion.
Classic Italian Restaurant-Style Chicken Marsala
Classic Italian Restaurant-Style Chicken Marsala without wine brings you the authentic flavors of Italy right to your kitchen.
This elegant dish features tender chicken cutlets in a rich mushroom sauce that’s perfect for a special dinner at home.
Ingredients:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup grape juice (as non-alcoholic substitute)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Step 1: Butterfly each chicken breast and pound them to ¼-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Dredge chicken pieces in flour, shaking off excess.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: In the same pan, add butter and sauté mushrooms, garlic, and onions until softened.
Step 5: Pour in grape juice and chicken broth. Simmer until sauce reduces by half, about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Return chicken to pan and cook for additional 5 minutes until heated through.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tip: Make sure your pan is really hot before adding the chicken to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust. Additionally, don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken – work in batches if necessary for the best results.
Gluten-Free Mushroom Chicken Marsala
Experience the rich, savory flavors of Gluten-Free Mushroom Chicken Marsala, a classic Italian-American dish reimagined without gluten.
This restaurant-quality meal combines tender chicken cutlets with earthy mushrooms in a delicious sauce that’s perfect for a special dinner at home.
Ingredients:
• 4 chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1/3 cup gluten-free flour blend
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons grape juice (as marsala substitute)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Dredge chicken breasts in gluten-free flour, shaking off excess.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: In the same pan, add mushrooms and garlic. Cook until mushrooms are golden (5-7 minutes).
Step 5: Pour in grape juice and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan.
Step 6: Simmer sauce until reduced by half (about 10 minutes).
Step 7: Return chicken to pan, cook for additional 5 minutes until heated through.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tip: Always check your chicken broth label to ensure it’s gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden gluten. For the best texture, make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a perfect golden crust.
Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Marsala
Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Marsala is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, creamy sauce infused with aromatic herbs and earthy mushrooms.
This restaurant-quality meal takes just 30 minutes to prepare and will impress your dinner guests with its sophisticated flavors.
Ingredients:
• 4 chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp each salt and black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Step 1: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pan, add butter and sauté mushrooms until browned (5-7 minutes).
Step 4: Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Pour in chicken broth, then add heavy cream and herbs. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
Step 6: Return chicken to the pan, coating with sauce. Cook for additional 3-4 minutes.
Pro Tip: For the most tender chicken, ensure you pound the breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the mushrooms – they need space to properly brown and develop their rich flavor.
One-Pan Quick Chicken Marsala
Transform your weeknight dinner into a restaurant-quality meal with this simplified version of Chicken Marsala.
This classic Italian-American dish features tender chicken cutlets in a rich, savory mushroom sauce.
You’ll love how quickly this elegant meal comes together using just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pan, add butter and mushrooms. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden.
Step 4: Add garlic and thyme, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release browned bits.
Step 6: Return chicken to the pan, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tip: Make sure your pan is really hot before adding the chicken to achieve that perfect golden crust. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken – work in batches if necessary for the best results.
Light and Healthy Chicken Marsala
Transform your dinner routine with this lighter version of the classic Italian-American favorite.
This healthier adaptation maintains all the rich, savory flavors you love while cutting down on calories and fat.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining guests.
Ingredients:
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Pound chicken breasts to ¼-inch thickness between plastic wrap.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Add remaining oil and sauté mushrooms and garlic for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Mix chicken broth with cornstarch in a bowl.
Step 6: Pour broth mixture into skillet, add seasonings, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens.
Step 7: Return chicken to pan, coat with sauce, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Pro Tip: For the most tender chicken, let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking. Also, don’t overcrowd your pan when cooking the chicken – work in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect golden crust.
Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
Transform your kitchen into an Italian restaurant with this easy, modified Chicken Marsala recipe made in your slow cooker.
This dairy-free version maintains all the rich, savory flavors of the classic dish while using grape juice and chicken broth as alternatives to traditional wine-based sauce.
Ingredients:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup white grape juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Step 1: Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet and briefly sear chicken breasts until golden brown (about 2 minutes per side).
Step 3: Place seared chicken in your slow cooker.
Step 4: Add mushrooms, onion, and garlic on top of the chicken.
Step 5: Mix chicken broth, grape juice, cornstarch, thyme, and oregano in a bowl.
Step 6: Pour the liquid mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
Step 7: Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tip: For the most tender results, avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking as this releases essential heat and moisture. Also, if your sauce is too thin at the end, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Dairy-Free Chicken Marsala
Transform your dinner routine with this dairy-free version of the beloved Chicken Marsala.
This recipe maintains all the rich, savory flavors of the traditional dish while being completely lactose-free, making it perfect for those with dairy sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
Ingredients:
• 4 chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grape juice (as marsala substitute)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Step 1: Pound chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thickness and season with salt and pepper. Coat with almond flour.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pan, sauté mushrooms, garlic, and shallots until softened (about 5 minutes).
Step 4: Add grape juice and chicken broth. Simmer until sauce reduces by half (about 10 minutes).
Step 5: Return chicken to pan, cook for additional 5 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tip: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken to achieve that perfect golden crust. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken – work in batches if necessary for the best results.
Mushroom Medley Chicken Marsala
Transform your dinner routine with this elegant yet simple chicken dish that combines tender chicken cutlets with a luxurious medley of wild mushrooms in a rich, savory sauce.
This alcohol-free version maintains all the classic flavors while being family-friendly and perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients:
• 4 chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 2 cups mixed mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, and button)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, finely diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons grape juice
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Step 1: Pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap until ¼-inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pan, add butter and sauté mushrooms, shallot, and garlic until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
Step 4: Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and stir for 1 minute.
Step 5: Add chicken broth and grape juice, simmer until sauce thickens (5-8 minutes).
Step 6: Return chicken to pan, coating with sauce. Heat through for 3-4 minutes.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Pro Tip: For the best results, don’t overcrowd your mushrooms while sautéing – this ensures they become golden brown rather than steamed. Also, make sure your chicken is evenly pounded for consistent cooking time.
Air Fryer Chicken Marsala
Air Fryer Chicken Marsala is a delightful twist on the classic Italian-American dish, transformed into a healthier version using your air fryer.
This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts topped with a rich mushroom sauce, all while cutting down on oil and cooking time.
Ingredients:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Step 1: Pound chicken breasts to even 1/4-inch thickness and season with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour.
Step 2: Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place chicken in the basket and spray tops with oil.
Step 3: Air fry at 380°F for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown.
Step 4: Meanwhile, sauté mushrooms and garlic in olive oil in a pan until tender.
Step 5: Mix chicken broth with cornstarch. Add to mushrooms along with heavy cream and thyme. Simmer until thickened.
Step 6: Pour sauce over chicken and garnish with parsley.
Pro Tip: For the juiciest results, let your chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting. Also, don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket – cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and proper air circulation.
Mediterranean Style Chicken Marsala
Transform your dinner routine with this delightful Mediterranean twist on classic chicken.
This vibrant dish combines tender chicken cutlets with a rich, savory sauce featuring mushrooms, herbs, and Mediterranean ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and capers, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will transport you to the coastal regions of Southern Europe.
Ingredients:
• 4 chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
• 3 tablespoons capers, drained
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then dust lightly with flour.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pan, sauté mushrooms and garlic until soft, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add chicken broth, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
Step 5: Return chicken to pan, add herbs, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tip: For the most tender chicken, ensure your cutlets are pounded to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Also, don’t overcrowd your pan when cooking the chicken – work in batches if necessary to achieve the perfect golden crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential ingredients needed for a classic chicken marsala recipe?
You’ll need chicken cutlets, mushrooms, chicken broth, butter, flour, and seasonings. The key is using high-quality chicken breasts and fresh mushrooms for the best flavor.
How do you achieve the perfect golden-brown crust on chicken marsala?
Dredge the chicken in seasoned flour and pan-fry in hot oil until golden brown. Maintain medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan for optimal browning.
What’s the best way to slice mushrooms for chicken marsala?
Slice mushrooms evenly about 1/4 inch thick to ensure uniform cooking. Fresh button or cremini mushrooms work best, and uniform slicing helps them cook consistently.
How long should you simmer the sauce to get the right consistency?
Simmer the sauce for 8-10 minutes until it reduces and thickens slightly. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon without being too thick or runny.
What are the best side dishes to serve with chicken marsala?
Serve your chicken marsala with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. Rice or crusty bread also work well to soak up the delicious sauce.
Final Thoughts
These chicken marsala recipes prove that you can create restaurant-quality meals in your own kitchen.
Remember to pound your chicken breasts evenly for consistent cooking, and don’t overcrowd your pan when sautéing.
Fresh mushrooms and quality broth make a significant difference in the final flavor.
Feel free to adjust seasonings to your taste and serve with your favorite pasta or vegetables.
With these recipes in your cooking arsenal, you’ll master this classic dish and impress your dinner guests every time.
