Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min

Cost: $13.30 total, $3.33 per serving

Ingredients

  • 5 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1.5 pounds Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless; sliced into cutlets and pounded thin)
  • 1.5 teaspoons Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 0.5 teaspoons Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 0.5 cup + 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour (for dredging chicken and thickening sauce)
  • 0.25 cup + 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces)
  • 8 ounces Cremini Mushrooms (sliced; can substitute button or shiitake mushrooms)
  • 0.75 cup Marsala Wine (dry Marsala; substitute dry white wine + 1 tbsp brandy if unavailable)
  • 0.5 cup Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
  • 0.25 cup Heavy Cream (heavy whipping cream)

Instructions

  1. Mince Garlic

    Smash the garlic cloves and mince them finely.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Prepare Chicken

    Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two cutlets, then pound each cutlet to an even thickness. Sprinkle both sides with 1½ teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Dredge Chicken

    Place ½ cup flour in a shallow dish. Lightly coat each cutlet, shaking off any excess flour.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Heat Oil

    Add ¼ cup olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium‑high until it shimmers.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  5. Brown Chicken

    Place the dredged cutlets in the hot skillet. Cook 3‑4 minutes per side until lightly browned.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  6. Rest Chicken

    Transfer the browned chicken to a wire rack to rest while you make the sauce.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Sauté Mushrooms

    In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Melt over medium heat, then add the sliced mushrooms. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: medium

  8. Add Garlic

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant and translucent.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium

  9. Toast Flour

    Sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour over the mushrooms and garlic, stirring to coat. Cook for 1 minute to toast the flour.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium

  10. Deglaze with Marsala

    Pour in ¾ cup Marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer until the liquid reduces by about half.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium

  11. Add Stock

    Stir in ½ cup chicken stock and let the mixture simmer for 3 minutes to meld flavors.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium

  12. Finish Sauce with Cream

    Reduce heat to low and whisk in ¼ cup heavy cream. Cook for 1 minute until the sauce is glossy.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: low

  13. Reheat Chicken

    Return the rested chicken cutlets to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and simmer 2‑4 minutes until the chicken is warmed through.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: low‑medium

  14. Serve

    Plate the chicken with a generous ladle of mushroom‑Marsala sauce. Serve over freshly cooked linguine or your favorite pasta.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
52g
Carbohydrates
10g
Fat
30g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Contains alcohol

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Chicken Marsala

Recipe by Preppy Kitchen

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.

EasyItalianServes 4

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

Source Video
20m
Prep
22m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
52m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.30
Total cost
$3.33
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Season and pound chicken to an even thickness
  • Dredge chicken and shake off excess flour
  • Achieve a golden brown crust on the chicken
  • Do not let garlic burn
  • Reduce Marsala wine properly
  • Thicken sauce with flour and cream without curdling
  • Reheat chicken gently to avoid overcooking

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with clean hands and sanitize surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Hot oil can splatter; keep a safe distance and use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Do not let garlic burn, as it becomes bitter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Chicken Marsala originates from the Sicily region, where Marsala wine is produced. The dish showcases the Italian tradition of pairing local fortified wine with poultry and mushrooms, creating a comforting, celebratory meal often served at family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Marsala in Italian cooking?

A

In Sicily, the sauce may include shallots and a touch of tomato, while in northern Italy cooks sometimes finish the dish with a splash of cream for extra richness. Some versions also add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme at the end.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Chicken Marsala traditionally served in Italy?

A

Authentic Chicken Marsala is typically served hot, drizzled with the mushroom‑Marsala sauce, and accompanied by a simple side such as buttered pasta, polenta, or roasted vegetables. It is often enjoyed with a glass of the same Marsala wine used in the recipe.

cultural
Q

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

A

Chicken Marsala is a popular dish for weekend family meals, holiday gatherings, and special occasions like birthdays because it feels both elegant and comforting without requiring extensive preparation.

cultural
Q

How does Chicken Marsala fit into the broader Italian cuisine tradition?

A

The dish exemplifies Italian cooking’s focus on high‑quality ingredients, simple techniques, and the use of regional wines to build flavor. It reflects the Italian principle of letting a few ingredients shine together.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Chicken Marsala versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include boneless chicken breast, dry Marsala wine, cremini or button mushrooms, butter, olive oil, and a splash of heavy cream. Acceptable substitutes are dry white wine with a tablespoon of brandy for Marsala, chicken thighs for breast, and half‑and‑half instead of heavy cream.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Chicken Marsala?

A

Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with simple pasta dishes like linguine al limone, creamy risotto, or a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. A side of roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach also complements the rich sauce.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common mistakes include over‑cooking the chicken, letting the garlic burn, and not reducing the Marsala enough, which results in a watery sauce. Also, failing to shake off excess flour can lead to a gummy coating.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicken Marsala recipe use a flour dredge instead of simply seasoning the chicken?

A

The flour dredge creates a light crust that locks in moisture and provides a surface for the sauce to cling to, delivering a richer flavor and better texture than seasoning alone.

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 up to two days ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat gently over low heat and add the cooked chicken just before serving to keep it tender.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen, hosted by John Kanell, specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that focus on classic comfort foods and quick weeknight meals with clear visual instructions.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Preppy Kitchen emphasizes simplicity and speed, using everyday pantry staples and minimal equipment while still preserving authentic flavors. Unlike some channels that delve into complex techniques, Preppy Kitchen delivers reliable, beginner‑friendly recipes that fit a busy lifestyle.

channel

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