Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Hilltop Recipes on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 21 min | Total: 46 min

Cost: $17.85 total, $4.46 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless; sliced horizontally to create 4 cutlets)
  • 1 tsp Salt (for seasoning)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 0.5 cup All-Purpose Flour (for dredging chicken)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for pan‑frying)
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (for mushroom sauce)
  • 8 oz Mushrooms (sliced; button or cremini)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (grated)
  • 1 cup Marsala Wine (dry Marsala)
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
  • 0.25 cup Heavy Cream (for richness)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped for garnish)
  • 2 lb Russet Potatoes (peeled and cubed)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced for mash)
  • 2 tbsp Butter (softened for mash)
  • 0.5 cup Milk (whole or 2% milk)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt (for mashed potatoes, adjust to taste)
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground for mash)

Instructions

  1. Slice and Season Chicken

    Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and slice horizontally to create two thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Dredge in Flour

    Place the flour in a shallow dish. Lightly coat each cutlet, shaking off excess.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Pan‑Fry Chicken

    Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the cutlets and cook 3‑4 minutes per side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: medium-high

  4. Set Chicken Aside

    Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm while you make the sauce.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Sauté Mushrooms

    Add the remaining 1 tbsp butter and a splash of oil to the same skillet. Add sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release moisture and turn golden, about 6‑8 minutes.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Add Garlic

    Stir in the grated garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT30S

  7. Deglaze with Marsala

    Pour the Marsala wine into the pan, scraping the browned bits (fond) from the bottom. Let it reduce by half, about 1 minute.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium-high

  8. Add Broth and Cream

    Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Finish the Dish

    Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and let everything simmer on low heat for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: low

  10. Prepare Garlic Mashed Potatoes

    While the sauce simmers, place cubed potatoes in a saucepan, cover with water, and boil until fork‑tender (10‑12 minutes). Drain, return to pot, add butter, milk, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: medium

  11. Plate and Garnish

    Spoon a generous portion of garlic mashed potatoes onto each plate, place a chicken cutlet on top, drizzle with the mushroom‑Marsala sauce, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Sulphites

Last updated: April 16, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Chicken Marsala

Recipe by Hilltop Recipes

A classic Italian‑American chicken marsala served over creamy garlic mashed potatoes. Tender chicken cutlets are pan‑seared, then simmered in a rich mushroom‑Marsala sauce finished with heavy cream and fresh parsley.

EasyItalian-AmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
11m
Prep
38m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
59m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.85
Total cost
$4.46
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Do not overcook the chicken; it should be golden outside and juicy inside.
  • Ensure mushrooms are browned and moisture evaporated for a rich sauce.
  • Deglaze the pan properly to lift the fond and concentrate flavor.
  • Allow the sauce to thicken before serving; adjust with extra simmer time if needed.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard or keep a safe distance.
  • Marsala wine contains alcohol; keep away from children and do not ignite near open flames.
  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Marsala in Italian-American cuisine?

A

Chicken Marsala originated in the United States in the early 20th century, inspired by the Italian region of Sicily where Marsala wine is produced. Italian immigrants adapted the traditional veal Marsala to use more affordable chicken, creating a beloved comfort dish that symbolizes the fusion of Italian flavors with American home cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Marsala in Italy?

A

In Italy, the classic version uses veal (in the region of Sicily) and a dry Marsala wine reduction. Some northern regions add cream for a richer texture, while southern cooks may keep the sauce lighter, omitting dairy and focusing on the wine’s bright acidity.

cultural
Q

How is Chicken Marsala traditionally served in Italian households?

A

Traditionally, Chicken Marsala is served hot, sliced or whole, over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, polenta, or pasta, allowing the silky mushroom‑Marsala sauce to coat the starch. It is often accompanied by a simple green salad and a glass of dry white wine.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Marsala associated with in Italian culture?

A

Chicken Marsala is a popular weekend family dinner and is often prepared for holidays such as Easter or Christmas Eve when a comforting, yet elegant, main course is desired. Its rich flavor makes it suitable for both casual gatherings and more formal celebrations.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are used in Chicken Marsala versus common substitutes?

A

Authentic Chicken Marsala calls for dry Marsala wine, fresh button or cremini mushrooms, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Common substitutes include dry sherry for Marsala, vegetable broth for chicken broth, and half‑and‑half instead of heavy cream. Gluten‑free flour can replace all‑purpose flour for a wheat‑free version.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Chicken Marsala?

A

Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with classic Italian sides such as garlic mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, sautéed spinach, or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. A crisp Pinot Grigio or Verdicchio complements the wine‑based sauce.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Marsala?

A

Common mistakes include over‑cooking the chicken cutlets, which makes them dry; overcrowding the pan, which steams rather than browns the mushrooms; and not reducing the Marsala enough, resulting in a watery sauce. Follow the timing cues and deglaze properly for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicken Marsala recipe use both butter and oil for sautéing instead of just one fat?

A

Butter adds a rich, nutty flavor while oil raises the smoke point, preventing the butter from burning during the high‑heat sear. Combining both gives a golden crust on the chicken and mushrooms without a burnt taste.

technical
Q

Can I make Chicken Marsala ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the mushroom‑Marsala sauce a day ahead, refrigerate it in an airtight container, and gently reheat before adding the cooked chicken. Store the cooked chicken separately and combine just before serving to keep it moist.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Hilltop Recipes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Hilltop Recipes specializes in approachable, family‑friendly home cooking tutorials that focus on classic comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and step‑by‑step guidance for home cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Hilltop Recipes' approach to Italian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Hilltop Recipes emphasizes simple, ingredient‑driven Italian dishes that require minimal specialty equipment, often adapting traditional recipes for the American pantry while preserving authentic flavors. The channel’s clear visual cues and pacing set it apart from more elaborate or restaurant‑style tutorials.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Crispy Chicken Breast with Cheesy Pasta
6

Crispy Chicken Breast with Cheesy Pasta

A comforting, family‑friendly dinner featuring breaded chicken breast strips served over creamy garlic‑cheese pasta. The chicken stays crispy while the sauce is rich, velvety, and perfect for spreading on bread. Easy to make in under 1½ hours.

1 hr 15 minServes 4$20
American
Learn How To Make The Most Flavorful Chicken Alfredo In Less Than 30 Minutes
7

Learn How To Make The Most Flavorful Chicken Alfredo In Less Than 30 Minutes

A creamy, restaurant‑style Chicken Alfredo made from scratch with juicy seasoned chicken breasts, a rich butter‑cream‑Parmesan sauce, and fettuccine noodles. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal‑prep.

70 minServes 2$18
Italian
Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo With The Fancy Pasta
6

Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo With The Fancy Pasta

A rich, creamy chicken alfredo pasta that’s juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly quick to make. Tender seared chicken, al dente pasta, and a silky sauce of heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, Italian and Cajun seasonings come together for a comforting Italian‑American dinner.

50 minServes 4$10
Italian-American
30 minute One Pan Lemon Chicken Pasta (creamy)
3

30 minute One Pan Lemon Chicken Pasta (creamy)

A quick, lazy‑day dinner that comes together in one skillet in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken breast, garlic‑infused pasta, a silky lemon‑cream sauce, and Parmesan make a bright, comforting meal with only five core ingredients.

30 minServes 2$11
Italian
My Family RAVED Over This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe
7

My Family RAVED Over This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

A flavorful weeknight dinner featuring seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich sun‑dried tomato, spinach and mushroom cream sauce, served alongside crispy cheesy garlic bread. The dish balances bright tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, and melty Italian cheeses for a comforting yet elegant meal.

1 hr 23 minServes 4$31
Italian-American
Chicken Marsala Recipe
9

Chicken Marsala Recipe

A classic Italian‑American dish featuring pan‑seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. This recipe walks you through every step—from seasoning and dredging the chicken to deglazing the pan and finishing the velvety sauce—so you can recreate restaurant‑quality Chicken Marsala at home.

49 minServes 4$16
Italian
Chicken Marsala
10

Chicken Marsala

A quick and comforting Italian classic, Chicken Marsala features tender chicken cutlets in a silky mushroom‑Marsala cream sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner and pairs beautifully with linguine or your favorite pasta.

55 minServes 4$13
Italian
Ultimate Classic Chicken Marsala
11

Ultimate Classic Chicken Marsala

A rich, saucy chicken marsala made with tender boneless skinless chicken thighs, a mix of cremini and button mushrooms, sweet Marsala wine, and beef stock. Finished with a butter‑flour roux and fresh parsley, this comforting dish is perfect over egg noodles or pasta.

1 hrServes 4$19
Italian-American