Name: Easy Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts; 1 large egg; 3 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp dried paprika; 1/4 tsp garlic salt; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 brown onion (peeled and sliced); 3 cloves garlic (peeled and minced); 250 g (8 oz) mushrooms (sliced, mixture of chestnut and button mushrooms recommended); 180 ml (3/4 cup) dry Marsala wine; 300 ml (1 1/4 cups) chicken stock; 3 tbsp double/heavy cream; 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s absolutely packed with flavor yet surprisingly simple to pull together, you’re going to adore this Easy Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe. I first stumbled upon this dish when I needed something quick but comforting, and let me tell you, it has become a family favorite for good reason! The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and that rich Marsala wine sauce is pure magic. Keep reading because I’m sharing every detail you need to nail this recipe every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You’ll have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich Flavor without Fuss: The Marsala wine adds deep, savory notes that make it taste fancy, but it’s simple to make.
Juicy Tender Chicken: The chicken stays perfectly moist thanks to the pan-frying and sauce combo.
Versatile and Customizable: Swap mushrooms or adjust the wine for your taste, making it your own signature dish.

This image shows a close-up of four golden-brown fried chicken pieces in a creamy light brown sauce. The sauce has visible sautéed sliced onions and mushrooms, both light golden and brown in color. Small bits of fresh green parsley are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of bright green. The chicken pieces have a crispy texture with dark specks of seasoning. The dish is in a pan placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms, Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms, Chicken Marsala recipe, flavorful Chicken Marsala, simple Chicken Marsala dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Easy Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe are straightforward but well balanced. Each one plays a role in building that silky sauce and tender chicken. Grab good-quality Marsala wine and fresh mushrooms for the best results!

Flat lay of two large raw chicken breasts, one whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small mound of plain all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl with coarse salt, a small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl with paprika powder, a small white bowl with garlic salt, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a chunk of unsalted butter on a white ceramic dish, one peeled brown onion sliced into rings on a white plate, three peeled garlic cloves minced, a mix of fresh chestnut and button mushrooms sliced on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with amber-colored dry Marsala wine, a small white bowl with light golden chicken stock, a small white bowl with thick heavy cream, and a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic dish, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms, Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms, Chicken Marsala recipe, flavorful Chicken Marsala, simple Chicken Marsala dinner

Chicken breasts: I recommend splitting them horizontally so the pieces cook evenly and stay juicy.
Egg: Acts as the glue to help the flour coating stick to the chicken for a lovely golden crust.
All-purpose flour: This is for dredging, which gives the chicken that crisp texture.
Salt and black pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning your chicken and sauce.
Paprika and garlic salt: These add subtle warmth and a little extra depth to the flavor.
Olive oil: Use good olive oil for frying to get that nice golden crust without burning.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps sauté the veggies.
Brown onion: Sliced thinly, it softens beautifully and adds sweetness.
Garlic cloves: Minced for that punch of aromatic flavor.
Mushrooms: I like a mix of chestnut and button mushrooms for texture and earthiness.
Dry Marsala wine: The star that gives this dish its name and unmistakable flavor.
Chicken stock: Builds the sauce base and keeps things savory and moist.
Double/heavy cream: Just a splash to round off the sauce with silkiness.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Easy Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it depending on what’s on hand or who I’m cooking for — feel free to get creative yourself!

No-alcohol version: When I tried this without Marsala wine (using extra chicken stock instead), the sauce was still rich and flavorful—great for family dinners if you want to skip the booze.
Different mushrooms: I’ve used shiitake and cremini before, which add a fun twist and seasonal flair.
Adding veggies: Throwing in some baby spinach or roasted red peppers at the end gives it a lovely color and extra nutrients.
Spicing it up: A pinch of chili flakes added with the garlic gives it just enough kick without overpowering.

How to Make Easy Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken

Start by slicing those large chicken breasts in half horizontally — this helps everything cook quickly and evenly without drying out. Next, lightly whisk your egg in a shallow bowl, and in another, mix your flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic salt. Dip each chicken piece first in the egg, then dredge it thoroughly in the flour mix. The coating seals in moisture and creates that beautiful golden crust you want. I like to lay the coated chicken on a plate ready for frying so I’m organized.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken Just Right

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your chicken pieces and let them fry undisturbed until golden on one side — about 3-4 minutes — then flip and repeat. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed. When both sides are beautifully golden, set the chicken aside on a warm plate. This step locks in juiciness you’ll thank me for later.

Step 3: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Mushrooms

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add your butter. Once melted, toss in the sliced onion and cook until soft and lightly translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic along with those gorgeous mushrooms. Cook for roughly 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and started to brown. This is where the base of your sauce really starts to shine.

Step 4: Build the Sauce with Marsala and Stock

Pour in the dry Marsala wine and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate those flavors — this step is key for that classic Marsala taste. Then, nestle the chicken pieces back into the pan and add the chicken stock. Simmer gently again for another 5 minutes; this helps the chicken finish cooking while soaking up all those wonderful flavors.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Parsley

Stir in the double cream to give your sauce luxurious smoothness. Then turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for that bright, fresh finish. Serve this right away while the sauce is warm and silky.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe

Pat Dry Your Chicken: Before coating, drying the chicken well helps the flour stick better and produces a crispier crust.
Don’t Skip Reducing the Wine: Simmering the Marsala wine properly cuts the alcohol bite and intensifies the flavor—a step I learned after some early mistakes.
Use a Mix of Mushrooms: Adding chestnut or cremini mushrooms with button mushrooms creates a richer, more interesting texture and depth.
Rest the Chicken Briefly: Letting the chicken rest a minute after frying keeps it juicy and ensures it doesn’t dry out once the sauce is added.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe

The image shows a white plate with three main parts: bright green cooked green beans placed on the left, a creamy mound of pale yellow mashed potatoes with a small pool of light brown gravy sitting on top in the upper right, and a golden brown cooked chicken piece covered with sliced sautéed mushrooms and chopped green parsley in the bottom right. A fork with a piece of chicken is resting on the edge of the plate, and the plate is set on a white marbled surface with a piece of off-white cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms, Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms, Chicken Marsala recipe, flavorful Chicken Marsala, simple Chicken Marsala dinner

Garnishes

I always finish with fresh chopped parsley—its bright, herbaceous kick cuts through the richness so well. Sometimes I even add a little lemon zest for a surprising fresh twist that wakes up the dish.

Side Dishes

This chicken marsala is lovely with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. Green veggies like garlic sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli add color and balance the richness beautifully. I’ve also served it with buttery egg noodles for something a bit different but equally delicious.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the chicken on a bed of wild mushroom risotto or alongside herbed roasted potatoes. Garnishing with a sprig of thyme or a drizzle of extra sauce around the plate makes it look restaurant-quality without the fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that the sauce thickens overnight, so just add a splash of chicken stock or water before reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe with great results — just cool it completely, freeze in portions, and thaw overnight in the fridge. The mushrooms hold up well, and the sauce stays creamy after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of stock or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can toughen the chicken and make the sauce separate.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! I’ve tried substituting the Marsala wine with extra chicken stock or a grape juice plus a splash of vinegar to mimic the acidity. While the flavor won’t be exactly the same, it still turns out deliciously rich and satisfying.
What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe?

I prefer a mix of chestnut and button mushrooms because the chestnuts add a nice earthy complexity while the button mushrooms are mild and tender. But shiitake, cremini, or even portobello also work wonderfully depending on what you can find.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Slicing the breasts thinly and not overcooking during the pan-fry stage helps immensely. Also, letting the chicken simmer gently in the sauce for the final step ensures it stays moist and tender.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs actually stay juicier and more forgiving when cooked. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly, but they work great for this recipe.
What can I serve with Easy Chicken Marsala?

Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans all complement the creamy Marsala sauce nicely, soaking up every last drop.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe brings a touch of Italian flair right to my kitchen without requiring hours of prep or fussy ingredients. Every time I make it, my family goes crazy for the rich sauce and tender chicken — it feels special yet totally doable no matter your cooking skill. If you’re craving an easy weeknight meal that tastes like a restaurant classic, this is the one to try. Trust me, it’ll become one of your go-to dishes, just like it did for me!