If you’re looking for a dish that combines elegance and comfort, look no further than Easy Creamy Chicken Marsala. This delightful one-pan dinner features tender, golden seared chicken breasts surrounded by a rich and velvety sauce made with Marsala wine, fresh mushrooms, and creamy goodness. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just want to treat yourself to an indulgent meal, this recipe manages to deliver restaurant-quality flavor while being simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

The magic of this dish lies not just in its incredible taste but also in its convenience. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick 40-minute cooking time, you can whip up a comforting and satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. This Easy Creamy Chicken Marsala is an impressive yet straightforward recipe that checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and versatility, making it perfect for family gatherings or intimate dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Chicken Marsala

Quick and Easy: With a total cook time of just 40 minutes, you can have a gourmet meal on the table in no time.
One-Pan Wonder: This recipe minimizes cleanup by cooking everything in a single skillet.
Rich Flavor: The combination of Marsala wine and mushrooms creates a deep, savory flavor profile.
Versatile: Perfect for pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Impressive Presentation: A dish that looks and tastes fancy enough for special occasions.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into cooking, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen. Gather all your ingredients and tools for a seamless cooking experience. You’ll need a large skillet, a cutting board, a sharp knife for slicing chicken and mushrooms, and measuring cups for accuracy. Make sure to set out your olive oil, butter, flour, and seasonings. It’s also a good idea to have a spatula or wooden spoon on hand for stirring.

Having everything in place will speed up the process. As you prepare the chicken, take the time to ensure it’s pat dry and seasoned well—this step is crucial for achieving that lovely golden-brown color. Don’t forget to slice your mushrooms and mince the garlic; having these components ready to go helps create the beautiful layers of flavor this dish offers.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 oz cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
0.75 cup dry Marsala wine
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
0.5 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This crucial step helps the chicken sear beautifully. Once dried, season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Next, dredge the chicken in all-purpose flour, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Shake off any excess flour; we want a light coating that enhances the sear without becoming heavy.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown color. This should create a lovely crust that will lock in moisture. Once seared, carefully remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with the sliced cremini mushrooms. Sauté them for 6–8 minutes until they are nicely browned. Don’t rush this step; the mushrooms need time to caramelize, which adds to the sauce’s richness. As they cook, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

It’s time to build flavor! Pour in the dry Marsala wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These fragments are packed with flavor, so be sure to incorporate them into the sauce. Allow the wine to simmer for about 2–3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Next, stir in the low-sodium chicken broth, Dijon mustard (if using), and thyme. Let this mixture simmer for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. After that, slowly pour in the heavy cream—you want to create a rich and creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for an additional 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 6: Cook the Chicken

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Allow it to simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and has absorbed some of that incredible flavor from the sauce. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish your Easy Creamy Chicken Marsala with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This dish pairs excellently with pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up that amazing sauce. Share it with friends and family for a meal they won’t soon forget!

Variations

Protein: Consider using pork tenderloin or turkey in place of chicken for a unique twist.
Vegetables: Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
Spices: Experiment with paprika or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Cooking Notes

For quicker cooking, slice chicken breasts in half horizontally.
Mix shiitake or porcini mushrooms for a deeper, earthy flavor in the sauce.
For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the sauce.
Keep an eye on your sauce thickness; if it gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to adjust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over a bed of fettuccine or linguine pasta for a traditional Italian meal.
Pair with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete dining experience.

Tips

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the safe temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Make it a day ahead; this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld!
For a touch of sophistication, consider serving with a glass of Marsala wine to complement the dish.
If you’re making this for guests, set the table beautifully and enjoy the cooking experience together with friends.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 450
Protein: 35g
Sodium: 650mg

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dish a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove to restore its creamy texture.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add even more flavor and keep the dish juicy.

What can I substitute for Marsala wine?

If you don’t have Marsala wine, consider using sherry or a combination of grape juice and a touch of vinegar for a similar effect.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream to maintain creaminess

Conclusion

Easy Creamy Chicken Marsala is a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire, offering tremendous flavor and elegance with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just for yourself, this recipe promises satisfaction every time. The creamy sauce, hearty chicken, and subtle notes of Marsala wine come together to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. We hope you try it and love it as much as we do! Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you explored in the comments below!