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Classic Chicken Marsala

Tender, pan-seared chicken cutlets smothered in a rich, savory pan sauce made with cremini mushrooms, garlic, sweet Marsala wine, and a touch of butter.

Classic Chicken Marsala
Prep 15 min Cook 20 min Total 40 min Level Intermediate
Serves 4

Ingredients

Chicken & Dredge

  • 2 large Boneless skinless chicken breasts — Halved horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets
  • 0.5 cup All-purpose flour — For dredging
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt — Divided
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper — Freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil — For searing
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter — For searing

Marsala Mushroom Sauce

  • 8 ounces Cremini mushrooms — Cleaned and thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves Garlic — Minced
  • 0.5 cup Dry Marsala wine — Do not use 'cooking wine'
  • 0.5 cup Chicken broth — Low sodium preferred
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter — Cut into pieces, kept cold
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley — Chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound gently with a meat mallet to an even 1/4-inch thickness.

    ~5 min
    Even thickness ensures the chicken cooks at the same rate.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.

    ~3 min
    A light coating of flour helps to brown the chicken and slightly thickens the sauce later.
  3. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the chicken cutlets. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

    ~8 min
    Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  4. In the same skillet, add the sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook over medium heat, undisturbed for 3 minutes to allow browning. Stir and continue cooking until they release their moisture and brown completely, about 2-3 more minutes. Add the minced garlic and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.

    ~6 min
    Avoid salting the mushrooms too early, as this draws out moisture and prevents them from getting a good sear.
  5. Pour in the Marsala wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a boil and let it reduce by half, about 2 minutes.

    ~2 min
    The fond is packed with flavor and is crucial for a rich sauce.
  6. Add the chicken broth and simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons of cold butter until completely melted and the sauce is glossy.

    ~5 min
    Using cold butter helps to emulsify the sauce, giving it a velvety texture.
  7. Return the chicken cutlets and any resting juices back to the skillet. Simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to heat through and coat the chicken in the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

    ~2 min
    Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta to soak up the sauce.
Nutrition
420
Calories
36
Protein (g)
14
Carbs (g)
22
Fat (g)
9
Sat. Fat (g)
1
Fiber (g)
3
Sugar (g)
580
Sodium (mg)
120
Cholesterol (mg)
Equipment
  • Large heavy-bottomed skillet
  • Meat mallet
  • Tongs
  • Whisk
Tips & Storage
  • Use a high-quality dry Marsala wine (labeled 'secco') from the wine aisle, rather than 'cooking wine' from the vinegar aisle, which contains added salt and preservatives.
  • For a deeper flavor, you can add a splash of heavy cream at the end along with the butter.
  • Wiping the mushrooms clean with a damp paper towel instead of rinsing them prevents them from absorbing excess water.
  • Storage: Store leftover Chicken Marsala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
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🤖 This recipe was created with AI assistance. If you spot a mistake or something that doesn't look right, please report it.