Bold Ina Garten Chicken Marsala Recipe

Chicken marsala whispers culinary magic that transforms weeknight dinners into gourmet experiences.

Tender chicken bathed in a luxurious wine-infused sauce creates an instant classic that sings with Italian-American charm.

Silky mushrooms nestle alongside golden-brown poultry, promising a symphony of flavors in every forkful.

Professional kitchens have long celebrated this deceptively simple dish that packs incredible complexity.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-worthy recipe with just a few strategic techniques.

Layered with umami-rich ingredients and a splash of marsala wine, this dish turns ordinary proteins into something extraordinary.

One taste transports you straight to a cozy trattoria in the heart of Italy.

Brace yourself for a meal that will become an instant family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 4

Ina Garten Chicken Marsala Ingredient Breakdown

• Chicken Breasts: Select plump, evenly colored breasts without bruising or discoloration for consistent cooking.
• Salt: Opt for kosher or sea salt to enhance natural chicken flavors.
• Black Pepper: Choose freshly ground peppercorns for robust, aromatic seasoning.

• All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better texture and golden-brown crust.
• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin olive oil for rich, authentic Mediterranean taste.

• Marsala Wine: Choose authentic Sicilian Marsala for deep, complex flavor profile.
• Cold Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for smooth, silky sauce consistency.
• Shallots: Pick firm, dry shallots without soft spots for sweet, delicate taste.
• Mushrooms: Select firm, unblemished mushrooms with tight, intact caps.
• Parsley: Choose bright green, crisp leaves without wilting for fresh garnish.
• Water: Use filtered water for clean, pure sauce base.

Tools Required for Ina Garten Chicken Marsala

• Meat Mallet: Helps flatten chicken evenly for tender results.
• Plastic Wrap: Prevents chicken from sticking during pounding.
• Large Skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating sauce.
• Shallow Dish: Perfect for flour coating chicken pieces.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to cut chicken breasts and chop ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps measure salt and pepper precisely.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending butter into sauce smoothly.
• Clean Plate: Used for transferring chicken during cooking stages.
• Cutting Board: Provides safe surface for chopping shallots and parsley.
• Spatula or Tongs: Helps flip and move chicken in skillet.

Step-by-Step Ina Garten Chicken Marsala Instructions

• Prep Chicken Cutlets

Slice chicken breasts into thinner pieces and gently pound until they’re evenly flat. Season with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors.

• Create Golden Coating

Dust chicken pieces in seasoned flour, ensuring a light and even layer. Sizzle chicken in hot olive oil until each side turns a beautiful golden brown, creating a crispy exterior.

• Develop Rich Flavor Base

Sauté mushrooms and shallots in the same pan, releasing their deep, earthy essence. Let them caramelize and become wonderfully tender, building layers of delicious complexity.

• Craft Luxurious Sauce

Deglaze the pan with Marsala wine, allowing the liquid to bubble and concentrate. Swirl in cold butter to create a silky, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.

• Finish and Serve

Return chicken to the pan, letting it absorb the rich sauce for a few moments. Transfer to a serving plate and drizzle with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish that adds both color and zesty flavor.

Ways to Customize Ina Garten Chicken Marsala

• Quick Meat Pounding Trick: Place chicken between plastic wrap to prevent splattering and ensure even thickness. This technique helps chicken cook uniformly and prevents messy kitchen surfaces.
• Wine Selection Magic: Choose a quality dry Marsala wine from Sicily for authentic flavor. Avoid cooking wines, which contain added salt and lack depth. Sweet Marsala works beautifully for richer, more caramelized results.
• Temperature Control Hack: Use medium-high heat when searing to develop golden-brown crust without burning. Watch the skillet carefully and adjust heat to maintain perfect browning without scorching chicken or pan.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary alongside parsley for extra aromatic complexity. Experiment with different herb combinations to personalize the dish and create unique taste profiles.

Serving Options for Ina Garten Chicken Marsala

• Pair with Elegant Side Dishes: Serve this chicken marsala alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery risotto to soak up the rich, savory sauce.
• Create a Balanced Plate: Add roasted green vegetables like asparagus or broccolini to complement the deep mushroom and wine flavors of the dish.
• Enhance Wine Experience: Pour a glass of dry Marsala wine or a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir to elevate the meal's sophistication and match the sauce's complexity.
• Presentation Pro Tip: Arrange chicken on a white platter, drizzle sauce generously, and sprinkle fresh parsley for a restaurant-quality visual appeal that makes the dish look as delicious as it tastes.

Ina Garten Chicken Marsala: How to Store Leftovers

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken marsala in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains tender and flavorful.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated chicken marsala in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pack chicken marsala in freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Frozen dishes stay good for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Chop mushrooms, measure ingredients, and slice chicken in advance. Store prepped components separately in sealed containers. This method saves time and makes weeknight cooking faster and more convenient.

Elegant Ina Garten Chicken Marsala Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s chicken marsala combines tender chicken breasts with rich mushroom sauce from Italy. Elegant dinner guests will savor this classic recipe’s harmonious blend of flavors and simple sophistication.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (1 ½ to 2 lbs / 0.68 to 0.91 kg)
• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) dry marsala wine
• 12 oz (340 g) cremini mushrooms, sliced ¼-inch thick
• ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 6 tbsps (85 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• ⅓ cup (8 g) flat-leaf parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create 6 cutlets. Position between plastic wrap and tenderize to 1/4-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Coating and Searing: Dredge chicken cutlets in seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Heat olive oil in cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden-brown, approximately 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
3. Mushroom Base: In the same skillet, sauté cremini mushrooms with salt until moisture releases. Add minced shallots and cook until translucent.
4. Sauce Development: Deglaze skillet with marsala wine and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until liquid reduces by one-third. Whisk in cold butter until sauce becomes silky and smooth.
5. Final Assembly: Return chicken to sauce, cooking for 2 minutes and turning once. Transfer to serving platter. Fold chopped italian parsley into sauce, drizzle over chicken, and garnish with additional parsley sprigs.

Notes

• Meat Preparation Technique: Slice chicken breasts horizontally and pound to 1/4-inch thickness for even, tender cutlets that cook quickly and consistently.
• Flour Coating Secret: Shake off excess flour to create a light, crispy exterior that prevents soggy breading and ensures perfect golden-brown searing.
• Mushroom Moisture Management: Allow mushrooms to release natural water and caramelize properly by avoiding overcrowding in the skillet and stirring intermittently.
• Sauce Finishing Trick: Whisk cold butter into reduced marsala sauce off direct heat to create a silky, emulsified sauce that adds richness and prevents separation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg