Easy Michael Symon Chicken Marsala Recipe: Dinner Magic in Minutes

Michael Symon’s chicken marsala represents a sublime Italian-inspired classic that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece.

Delicate chicken breasts get expertly seasoned and seared until achieving a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

The luxurious sauce combines earthy mushrooms with velvety marsala wine, creating depth and complexity in every bite.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this elegant dish comes together without demanding advanced culinary skills.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of savory flavors that dance across your palate with remarkable sophistication.

Professional techniques elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

The key lies in properly browning the meat and developing rich, caramelized notes that intensify the overall taste profile: prepare to impress.

Tips to Elevate Michael Symon Chicken Marsala

• Perfecting Pan Temperature: Keep skillet at medium-high heat to develop rich caramelization without burning.
• Select Supreme Mushrooms: Choose cremini or baby bella varieties for deeper, more robust flavor profile.
• Create Sauce Smoothness: Whisk marsala wine and chicken broth gently to prevent lumps and ensure silky consistency.
• Slice Chicken Strategically: Cut chicken breasts horizontally for even thickness, promoting uniform cooking and tender results.
• Enhance Browning Technique: Pat chicken completely dry before flouring to guarantee maximum golden-brown crispiness.

What Makes Michael Symon Chicken Marsala Exceptional

• Craft Perfectly Browned Chicken: Master the art of achieving a golden, crispy exterior by using a stainless steel pan and shaking off excess flour, creating a restaurant-quality sear that locks in flavor and delivers a delightful crunch.
• Create a Luxurious Sauce: Transform simple ingredients into a rich, velvety Marsala sauce that combines the deep flavors of mushrooms, garlic, and Marsala wine, reducing slowly to develop an intensely delicious coating that clings beautifully to the chicken.
• Quick Weeknight Gourmet Meal: Whip up an impressive restaurant-style dish in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want to enjoy a sophisticated meal without spending hours in the kitchen, proving that gourmet cooking can be simple and accessible.

Gathering Ingredients for Michael Symon Chicken Marsala

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main dish, choose boneless skinless chicken breasts for even cooking.

• Flour, Salt, Pepper: Create a crispy exterior and seasoned coating for the chicken, all-purpose flour works best.

• Butter, Oil: Provide rich flavor and help achieve golden-brown chicken, use a mix of butter for taste and oil for higher heat tolerance.

• Mushrooms, Onions, Garlic: Add depth of flavor and aromatic complexity to the sauce, fresh mushrooms provide best texture.

• Heavy Cream, Marsala Wine: Create a rich, luxurious sauce with deep flavor, use dry Marsala wine for traditional taste.

• Thyme, Parsley: Add fresh herbal notes and bright finishing touch, fresh herbs provide more intense flavor than dried.

How to Cook Michael Symon Chicken Marsala

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

• Salt
• Pepper
• All-purpose flour

Place chicken in the bag, seal tightly, and shake to coat evenly. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear The Chicken

Heat a combination of butter and oil in a stainless steel or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Shake excess flour from chicken before placing in the pan.

Step 3: Cook Chicken To Golden Perfection

Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Transfer to a separate plate.

Step 4: Saute Mushrooms

Melt remaining butter in the same pan. Add mushrooms and cook 3-4 minutes until they brown nicely.

Step 5: Build Flavor Base

• Garlic
• Onions
• Salt

Cook for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Create Marsala Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Marsala wine
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Scrape pan to incorporate browned bits.

Step 7: Reduce Sauce

Bring liquid to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer uncovered 10-15 minutes until sauce reduces by half and thickens slightly.

Step 8: Finish And Serve

Return chicken and its juices to the pan. Gently stir and warm for 2-3 minutes. Optional: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Storing Michael Symon Chicken Marsala Properly

• Cool Completely: Let chicken marsala cool to room temperature before storing to prevent moisture buildup and bacterial growth. Spread dish on a flat surface for even cooling, avoiding condensation that could make sauce soggy.
• Vacuum Seal Method: Pack leftovers in vacuum-sealed bags to maximize freshness and prevent freezer burn. This technique removes excess air, creating an airtight environment that preserves flavor and texture for extended periods.
• Glass Container Strategy: Transfer chicken marsala to high-quality glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Glass prevents flavor absorption, maintains original taste, and allows easy microwave reheating without transferring harmful chemicals found in some plastic containers.

Flavorful Variations on Michael Symon Chicken Marsala

• Spicy Herb Chicken Marsala: Add red pepper flakes and swap thyme for rosemary to create a bolder, more intense flavor profile that kicks up the traditional recipe's warmth.
• Mediterranean Vegetable Fusion: Include zucchini, bell peppers, and kalamata olives to transform the classic chicken marsala into a vegetable-rich Mediterranean-inspired dish with added texture and complexity.
• Lighter Protein Option: Replace chicken with turkey breast or lean pork tenderloin, maintaining the signature marsala sauce while offering a different protein alternative for health-conscious cooks looking to switch up their meal routine.
• Woodland Mushroom Upgrade: Incorporate a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake, porcini, and cremini to enhance the earthy undertones and create a more sophisticated, gourmet version of the traditional marsala preparation.

The Takeaway on Michael Symon Chicken Marsala

Culinary magic unfolds with Michael Symon’s Chicken Marsala, a harmonious symphony of flavors dancing on your plate.

Rich Marsala wine mingles with golden-brown chicken, creating a sensory experience that transcends ordinary meals.

Mushrooms and cream weave a luxurious narrative of comfort and sophistication.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully crafted bite, promising memorable dining moments.

Aromas of thyme and garlic whisper stories of classic Italian-American cuisine.

Passionate cooks and hungry souls will find pure delight in this masterpiece – so grab your skillet, share this recipe, leave a comment celebrating culinary artistry, and spread deliciousness with everyone who appreciates exceptional cooking.

Michael Symon Chicken Marsala Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Michael Symon’s Chicken Marsala delivers a classic Italian-American comfort dish with tender chicken and rich mushroom sauce. Savory wine-infused flavors and perfectly seared medallions invite you to savor a restaurant-quality meal crafted with simple, elegant ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1½ pounds (680 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded ¼-inch thick, or chicken tenderloins

Seasoning and Flour:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 (8-ounce / 227 grams) package pre-sliced bella or button mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped shallots, from 1 medium shallot
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Fats:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

Liquid Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup chicken broth
• ⅔ cup dry Marsala wine
• ⅔ cup heavy cream

Herbs:

• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Combine flour, 0.75 teaspoons (3.7 milliliters) of salt, and 0.25 teaspoons (1.2 milliliters) of pepper in a plastic bag. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces by sealing and shaking the bag, ensuring even distribution of seasoned flour.
2. Heat butter and oil in a stainless steel or non-stick skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully shake excess flour from chicken before gently placing pieces into the hot pan.
3. Sear chicken for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping once, until achieving a golden-brown exterior and nearly complete internal cooking. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
4. Melt remaining butter in the same skillet. Add mushrooms and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they develop a rich, caramelized color, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Incorporate minced garlic, diced onions, and an additional 0.25 teaspoons (1.2 milliliters) of salt. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to release aromatic flavors.
6. Pour in heavy cream, Marsala wine, fresh thyme, remaining salt, and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan, scraping up flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
7. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer uncovered, allowing the sauce to reduce and concentrate, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
8. Monitor sauce consistency, aiming for a thin, velvety cream sauce that will slightly thicken during final cooking stages.
9. Return chicken and accumulated plate juices to the skillet. Gently fold chicken into the sauce, warming thoroughly for 2 to 3 minutes.
10. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

• Discover the secret to perfectly crispy chicken with a light dusting of flour that transforms your ordinary meal into a restaurant-quality dish.
• Stainless steel pans work magic by creating those irresistible golden-brown edges that make everyone’s mouth water.
• Professional chefs know the trick of gently shaking off extra flour ensures a delicate, even crust that locks in juicy flavors.
• Patience during pan-searing rewards you with a stunning caramelized exterior that speaks volumes about your cooking skills.
• Temperature control is your best friend when aiming for that picture-perfect chicken with a crisp, not burnt, finish.
• Minimal flour coating prevents soggy results and guarantees a light, crisp texture that will impress family and friends.
• Practice makes perfect – don’t be afraid to experiment with different flour amounts to find your ideal golden-brown technique.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg