How to Make Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms (Better than Chicken Marsala!)
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms (Better than Chicken Marsala!) is a medium Italian recipe that serves 4. 480 calories per serving. Recipe by Giovanni Siracusa on YouTube.
Prep: 22 min | Cook: 22 min | Total: 54 min
Cost: $10.53 total, $2.63 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Chicken Breast (whole breasts, skinless, trimmed)
- 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour (for light coating, sifted)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 2 units Shallot (medium, minced)
- 8 oz Shiitake Mushrooms (stems removed, sliced)
- 8 oz Button Mushrooms (cleaned, sliced)
- 0.75 cup White Wine (dry, such as Pinot Grigio)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
Instructions
Fillet the chicken
Place each chicken breast on the cutting board, hold it steady with one hand and slide the fillet knife horizontally to slice the breast into thin cutlets about 1/4‑inch thick.
Time: PT10M
Lightly coat with flour
Place the flour in a shallow dish, sprinkle the cutlets with a pinch of salt and pepper, then toss them in the flour until lightly coated. Shake off excess.
Time: PT5M
Sauté shallots
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the minced shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium‑high
Cook the mushrooms
Add the sliced shiitake and button mushrooms to the skillet. Stir and let them cook until they release their moisture, soften, and develop a light golden color, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Deglaze with wine
Pour 1/2 cup of dry white wine over the mushrooms. Increase the heat slightly and let it simmer until the alcohol evaporates and the liquid reduces by half, roughly 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high
Add the chicken
Nestle the flour‑coated chicken cutlets into the mushroom‑wine mixture. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute on each side just to develop a light color.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Finish the sauce and simmer
Add the remaining 1/4 cup white wine and the 2 tbsp butter. Stir until the butter melts, then lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let the chicken finish cooking for 5‑10 minutes until tender and the sauce thickens.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: low
Garnish and serve
Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and serve immediately with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 480
- Protein
- 32g
- Carbohydrates
- 10g
- Fat
- 22g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, High protein, Low carbohydrate
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Chicken Tenderloins, Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, Vegetable oil
- Instead of Shallot: Yellow onion, Red onion
- Instead of Shiitake Mushrooms: Portobello mushrooms, Cremini mushrooms
- Instead of Button Mushrooms: White button mushrooms, Baby Bella mushrooms
- Instead of White Wine: Chicken broth, Apple cider vinegar diluted 1:4
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Olive oil, Margarine
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Fresh basil, Fresh thyme
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt, Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper, Garlic powder
Equipment Needed
- Fillet Knife
- Cutting Board
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Plate (optional)
- Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Filleting the chicken to an even thin thickness.
- Ensuring the wine fully evaporates before adding the chicken.
- Covering and simmering on low heat to keep the chicken tender.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra depth, add a pinch of dried thyme or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, substitute half of the white wine with chicken broth.
- Serve over al dente pasta or creamy polenta to soak up the sauce.
Troubleshooting
Chicken is dry or tough.
Make sure the chicken cutlets are thin and do not over‑cook. Simmer on low heat covered for the full 5‑10 minutes and test tenderness with a fork.
Sauce is watery.
Allow the wine to reduce fully before adding the chicken, and finish uncovered for the last couple of minutes to thicken.
Mushrooms release too much liquid and become soggy.
Cook the mushrooms over medium heat without crowding the pan; let excess moisture evaporate before adding wine.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months; reheat gently on the stovetop.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Slice mushrooms and mince shallots up to 24 hours ahead; store in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Coat the chicken in flour and keep covered in the fridge for up to 12 hours before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of creamy chicken and mushrooms in Italian cuisine?
While not a traditional regional dish, creamy chicken and mushrooms reflects the Italian love for simple, rustic sauces that let high‑quality ingredients shine. Combining wine, butter, and fresh herbs is a classic Italian technique used in many second‑course (secondo) dishes.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken and mushroom dishes in Italy?
In northern Italy, especially Lombardy and Piedmont, chicken is often braised with mushrooms, butter, and white wine, similar to this recipe. In the south, tomatoes and olive oil replace butter, creating a lighter, tomato‑based sauce.
How is creamy chicken and mushrooms traditionally served in Italian households?
It is typically served as a secondo alongside a starch such as risotto, polenta, or crusty bread to mop up the sauce, and accompanied by a simple green salad.
What occasions or celebrations is chicken and mushrooms commonly associated with in Italian culture?
Chicken and mushroom dishes are popular for weeknight family meals and also appear on casual dinner tables during holidays like Ferragosto when a quick yet elegant main course is desired.
What makes this creamy chicken and mushrooms recipe special compared to classic chicken marsala?
The recipe skips the separate cooking steps and uses a single pan, allowing the mushrooms to stay in the sauce for a melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture. It also relies on butter and wine for richness rather than cream, giving a silky mouthfeel without dairy heaviness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy chicken and mushrooms?
Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken, not reducing the wine enough, and overcrowding the pan which steams the mushrooms instead of browning them. Follow the critical steps to ensure tenderness and a thick sauce.
Why does this recipe add white wine twice instead of using chicken broth?
The first addition deglazes the pan and builds flavor, while the second addition, combined with butter, creates the creamy texture. Wine also adds a subtle acidity that helps tenderize the thin chicken cutlets.
Can I make this creamy chicken and mushrooms ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the mushrooms and chicken coating ahead. Store the cooked dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
What does the YouTube channel Giovanni Siracusa specialize in?
The YouTube channel Giovanni Siracusa focuses on approachable Italian home cooking, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that blend traditional techniques with modern, time‑saving shortcuts for everyday meals.
How does the YouTube channel Giovanni Siracusa's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
Giovanni Siracusa emphasizes one‑pan, streamlined methods that reduce cleanup while preserving authentic flavors, whereas many other Italian channels often demonstrate more elaborate, multi‑pan preparations.
What other Italian recipes is the YouTube channel Giovanni Siracusa known for?
Giovanni Siracusa is known for recipes such as Lemon Pork Chops, Classic Spaghetti Carbonara, and Quick Margherita Pizza, all presented with clear visuals and practical tips for home cooks.
Last updated: August 27, 2026
