This Is My Favorite 30 Minute Meal of All Time - Chicken Marsala Recipe

This Is My Favorite 30 Minute Meal of All Time - Chicken Marsala Recipe is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 540 calories per serving. Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen on YouTube.

Prep: 13 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 53 min

Cost: $21.19 total, $5.30 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.25 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (trimmed, butterflied and flattened into cutlets)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (lightly seasoned with Italian seasoning, cayenne, and low‑sodium all‑purpose seasoning)
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning (for seasoning chicken and flour)
  • 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper (adds subtle heat)
  • 1 tbsp Low‑Sodium All‑Purpose Seasoning (seasoned flour and chicken)
  • 0.25 cup Olive Oil (good quality extra‑virgin)
  • 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter (divided; 2‑3 tbsp for frying, 1 tbsp for finishing sauce)
  • 8 oz Mushrooms (cleaned with a damp paper towel, sliced)
  • 0.5 Shallot (roughly diced; can substitute with 1/4 cup diced onion)
  • 1 tsp Chicken Bouillon Powder (or Better Than Bouillon paste)
  • 1 tbsp Garlic (minced)
  • 3 sprigs Fresh Thyme (leaves stripped; optional)
  • 0.5 cup Marsala Wine (dry Marsala preferred)
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
  • 0.25 cup Heavy Cream (for a rich sauce; can substitute half‑and‑half or whole milk (thinner))
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
  • to taste Black Pepper (freshly cracked)

Instructions

  1. Butterfly and Flatten Chicken

    Place each chicken breast on a cutting board, slice horizontally through the middle without cutting all the way through, then open like a book. Cover with parchment paper and gently pound with a meat mallet until about 1/4‑inch thick and uniform.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Season and Lightly Dredge

    Season both sides of each cutlet with a light dusting of Italian seasoning, a pinch of cayenne, and a sprinkle of low‑sodium all‑purpose seasoning. Place 1 cup of flour in a shallow dish, mix in the same seasonings, then lightly coat each cutlet, shaking off excess.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Prep Mushrooms and Shallot

    Wipe mushrooms with a damp paper towel, trim stems if needed, and slice. Roughly dice half a large shallot. Set both aside.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Shallow‑Fry Chicken Cutlets

    Heat 1/4 cup olive oil and 2‑3 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. When foamy, add the cutlets in a single layer, giving each piece room to breathe. Cook 3‑4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  5. Sauté Mushrooms and Shallot

    Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced mushrooms and diced shallot to the same skillet, stirring occasionally until mushrooms release moisture, turn golden, and shallot softens, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Build the Marsala Sauce

    Season the mushroom mixture with 1 tsp chicken bouillon, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1 tbsp minced garlic, and the thyme sprigs. Stir for 1 minute. Pour in 1/2 cup Marsala wine, increase heat to high, and reduce by half (about 2 minutes). Add 1 cup chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, then stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer, thickening for 10‑12 minutes.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: High then low

  7. Finish Cooking Chicken in Sauce

    Return the partially cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and simmer for another 5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Stir in the remaining 1 tbsp butter for shine, add chopped parsley, and season with fresh black pepper and a pinch of salt if needed.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  8. Plate and Serve

    Transfer the chicken cutlets to a serving platter, drizzle generously with the marsala sauce, and garnish with extra parsley. Serve immediately with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
540
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
30 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free flour, Can be made dairy‑free using plant‑based butter and coconut cream

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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This Is My Favorite 30 Minute Meal of All Time - Chicken Marsala Recipe

Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen

A fast, 30‑minute Italian‑American chicken marsala recipe perfect for hot summer evenings. Tender butterflied chicken cutlets are lightly seasoned, shallow‑fried, then simmered in a rich Marsala wine, mushroom, and cream sauce. Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

EasyItalian-AmericanServes 4

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

Source Video
19m
Prep
25m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
54m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$21.19
Total cost
$5.30
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Butterflying and flattening the chicken evenly ensures quick, uniform cooking.
  • Do not over‑flour the cutlets; excess flour will burn and taste bitter.
  • Reduce Marsala wine fully to concentrate flavor without a raw alcohol taste.
  • Finish cooking the chicken in the sauce so it stays juicy and absorbs the marsala flavor.

Safety Warnings

  • Use caution when handling raw chicken; avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Keep fingers clear of the knife while butterflying the chicken.
  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard or keep the pan at medium heat.

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, adapting the traditional Italian use of Marsala wine. Italian immigrants combined local ingredients like chicken and cream with the sweet fortified wine from Sicily, creating a beloved comfort dish that became a staple of Italian‑American restaurant menus.

cultural
Q

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

A

In the Northeast, cooks often add mushrooms and a richer cream sauce, while some Southern versions omit the cream and finish the sauce with butter only. A few recipes use veal instead of chicken, reflecting the original "Veal Marsala" from Italy.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Chicken Marsala traditionally served in Italian‑American households?

A

It is typically served hot over a bed of buttered pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, with a side of sautéed greens. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of the pan sauce complete the presentation.

cultural
Q

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

A

Chicken Marsala is a popular family‑style dinner for weekend gatherings, holidays like Thanksgiving, and casual dinner parties because it can be prepared quickly yet feels special.

cultural
Q

What makes Chicken Marsala special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

The dish showcases the sweet, nutty flavor of Marsala wine paired with earthy mushrooms and a silky cream sauce, creating a balance of sweet, savory, and umami that is distinct from other Italian sauces.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken in the initial fry, using too much flour which can burn, not reducing the Marsala wine enough, and boiling the sauce after adding cream, which can cause it to split.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicken Marsala recipe use both olive oil and butter for frying?

A

Olive oil raises the smoke point, preventing the butter from burning, while butter adds flavor and richness. The combination gives a golden crust without a burnt taste.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes. Prepare the chicken cutlets and sauce separately, store each in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours, then combine and reheat gently before serving. Avoid freezing the cream‑based sauce.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Chicken Marsala sauce is done?

A

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon, have a glossy sheen, and be thick enough to cling to the chicken without pooling. It should be a deep amber color from the reduced Marsala.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Chicken Marsala is fully cooked?

A

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and be opaque throughout. The sauce should be simmering gently; a quick taste will confirm seasoning.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen specializes in fast, practical home‑cooking tutorials that focus on flavorful meals you can prepare in 30 minutes or less, often with budget‑friendly tips and clear step‑by‑step guidance.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Mr. Make It Happen emphasizes speed and simplicity, using everyday pantry staples and minimal equipment, whereas many traditional Italian channels focus on longer, technique‑heavy preparations. The channel blends classic flavors with modern, time‑saving shortcuts.

channel
Q

What other Italian‑American recipes is the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen known for?

A

Mr. Make It Happen is known for quick versions of classic dishes such as Spaghetti Carbonara, Baked Ziti, Garlic Parmesan Chicken, and Easy Eggplant Parmesan, all presented with a focus on 30‑minute preparation.

channel

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