If you are looking for a dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors right into your home kitchen, this Creamy Chicken Marsala Recipe will quickly become a favorite. The tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts soak up every bit of the rich, velvety sauce made from savory mushrooms, a splash of sweet Marsala wine, and luscious cream. It’s a perfect balance of comforting textures and robust flavors that feel special yet surprisingly simple to make. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or your next dinner party centerpiece, this recipe delivers every time in both taste and charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan with a wooden handle holds six browned cooked chicken pieces arranged in a single layer, all showing a golden, crispy texture with some darker spots from cooking. Around the pan on a white marbled surface, there is a small white bowl with a light powder next to the top right, a green container filled with sliced white mushrooms in the top left, a bulb of garlic and a clove at the bottom left, an onion on the bottom right, and a bunch of fresh parsley placed near the bottom right corner. The overall scene is bright with clean, natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may look straightforward, but each plays a crucial role in crafting that iconic creamy and savory flavor profile for your dish. Using the right combination ensures the sauce becomes thick, silky, and deeply flavorful while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.

3 chicken breasts – skinless and boneless: Pound them thin to ensure even cooking and tender texture.
3 Tbsp olive oil: Provides a light, fruity base for searing the chicken golden brown.
¼ cup flour plus 1 Tablespoon for later: Used to create a light crust on the chicken and thicken the sauce.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors naturally.
½ tsp pepper: Adds just enough subtle heat and depth.
2 Tbsp butter: Enriches the sauce and helps sauté mushrooms and onions perfectly.
1 cup mushrooms – sliced: Gives earthy umami notes and hearty texture.
1 medium onion – finely diced: Brings a gentle sweetness and foundation for the sauce flavors.
2 cloves garlic – minced: Pairs beautifully with the Marsala wine for aromatic depth.
½ cup Marsala wine: The star ingredient that infuses the dish with its signature sweet and nutty character.
¾ cup chicken broth: Adds savory moisture to balance the cream and wine.
½ cup heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously smooth, creamy texture that defines this recipe.
Optional garnish parsley: A fresh pop of color and mild herbal brightness at the end.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Marsala Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Pound the Chicken

Start by slicing each chicken breast in half lengthwise so you end up with thinner pieces. This is key because thinner chicken cooks quickly and evenly while staying juicy. Place a piece between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound gently to about ¼ inch thick. This tenderizes the meat and ensures it will soak up all the flavorful sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Dredge the Chicken

On a plate, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoned flour mixture will create a light crust on the surface of the chicken when fried. Coat each piece evenly, shaking off the excess before placing them into the hot olive oil in the skillet. Cooking the chicken in batches prevents crowding and helps you get that perfect golden sear on both sides, cooking through in about 3-4 minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms, Onions, and Garlic

Using the same skillet with all the delicious browned bits left behind, melt the butter and add the sliced mushrooms and diced onion. Cooking these together softens the onion and browns the mushrooms, deepening the flavor base. After about three minutes, sprinkle in the remaining tablespoon of flour and add the minced garlic. Stir for another minute, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan so none of those flavorful bits go to waste.

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer with Marsala Wine

Pour in the Marsala wine and let it simmer for a minute. This step lifts all those tasty browned bits off the bottom of the pan and infuses the sauce with its unique sweet and nutty essence. The aroma alone is enough to make you hungry!

Step 5: Add Broth and Cream, then Thicken the Sauce

Whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the sauce to a boil before reducing it to a gentle simmer. This simmering phase is important as it thickens the sauce beautifully and deepens the flavors. Allow it to cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom, until it reaches a rich, luscious consistency and a deeper golden color.

Step 6: Return Chicken and Finish Cooking

Finally, nestle the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet with the sauce, turning them to coat well and allowing them to heat through for a couple of minutes. This final step melds everything together, ensuring each bite is packed with that creamy Marsala goodness.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Marsala Recipe

The image shows a white pan filled with six golden-brown cooked chicken pieces submerged in a creamy, light beige sauce with sliced mushrooms scattered throughout. The chicken pieces have a crispy texture and are placed in different directions, layered evenly across the pan. The sauce has a smooth, slightly thick consistency with mushroom slices adding texture and small dark spots of seasoning. The pan has a light wooden handle. Around the pan, on a white marbled surface, there is a bunch of fresh green parsley, a whole yellow onion, and a green container filled with raw mushroom slices. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Although this dish is flavorful on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, herbal contrast and a lovely pop of green that makes the presentation feel fresh and inviting. It’s a simple touch that elevates the final plate beautifully.

Side Dishes

Creamy Chicken Marsala pairs perfectly with light, fluffy mashed potatoes or a creamy risotto to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. Alternatively, try it with buttered egg noodles or steamed asparagus for a lighter side that adds texture and color to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken marsala over a bed of polenta or alongside roasted vegetables arranged artfully. You can also spoon extra sauce over the chicken and finish with a few mushroom slices on top to highlight the earthy flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Creamy Chicken Marsala in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce keeps its creaminess well and will taste even better after the flavors have melded overnight.

Freezing

If you want to store this dish for longer, it freezes nicely. Cool completely before placing in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be aware that while the sauce is still delicious, the cream may slightly change texture upon freezing, so stirring well after reheating helps.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream from breaking. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of wine instead of Marsala?

While Marsala wine is traditional and offers a sweet, nutty flavor unique to this dish, you can substitute a dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, for a different but still delicious taste. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly.

What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?

You can substitute half-and-half or full-fat milk mixed with a little flour or cornstarch to help thicken the sauce. The texture won’t be quite as rich, but it will still turn out tasty.

Is it necessary to pound the chicken thin?

Pounding the chicken thin ensures it cooks quickly and evenly, maintaining tenderness without drying out. You can skip this step if you’re short on time, but the texture might be a bit less delicate.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour for dredging and thickening the sauce, and double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free as well. The flavors will remain just as satisfying.

How do I get a good sear on the chicken without overcooking?

Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken and avoid overcrowding the pan, which lowers the temperature. Cook in batches if needed and keep the chicken pieces about ¼ inch thick so they cook through quickly while developing a beautiful golden crust.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Marsala Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare but impressive enough to serve guests or to treat yourself any night of the week. I encourage you to try this recipe soon; once you do, it will become a go-to whenever you want to make something deliciously special!