FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You Need My Chicken Marsala Recipe
• What Is Chicken Marsala?
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Chicken Marsala
• My Recipe Tips
• Serving Ideas
• More Easy Italian Inspired Dinners
• Tools I Use For This Recipe
• Chicken Marsala Recipe (Easy & Creamy) Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

Back when we first met, my husband asked me what my favorite restaurant was. Being in college at the time, I certainly couldn’t afford to go anywhere fancy, and my parents never went out growing up… I told him Olive Garden. I’ve expanded my palate a lot since those days and it’s not my top choice anymore, but their creamy chicken Marsala is still one of my favorites. Today’s easy chicken Marsala recipe is inspired by that restaurant — and it’s the perfect dish for a date night at home and weeknights alike.

Marsala chicken may look impressive, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. Just like my sun dried tomato chicken similar to marry me chicken , zesty lemon chicken piccata , and creamy chicken Florentine , it’s made in one pan in less than 30 minutes. Despite the simple method, the chicken is juicy and tender, while the classic wine sauce makes it more than “just” a chicken dinner .

Why You Need My Chicken Marsala Recipe

• Tender, juicy chicken
• Thick, creamy sauce
• Buttery, garlicky flavor with a hint of sweetness
• One pan for easy cleanup
• No dredging or white flour needed
• Naturally gluten-free
• Easy for weeknights, but special for date nights or company

What Is Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala is an Italian-American dish that consists of sauteed chicken cutlets in a Marsala wine mushroom sauce, sometimes with cream added.

Creamy chicken Marsala recipes like this one are a little similar to creamy mushroom chicken , but the Marsala wine provides a unique, slightly sweet flavor.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my creamy chicken Marsala recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Chicken – I used boneless skinless chicken breasts and sliced them in half lengthwise, which helps them cook quickly and at the same rate. Boneless skinless chicken thighs are also a great option for chicken Marsala, though less common.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper – For seasoning the chicken.
• Olive Oil – For sauteing. A classic choice for an Italian dish like this, but you can substitute avocado oil or your favorite cooking oil.
• Butter – Butter makes the base of the sauce for the richest flavor. Use unsalted butter, because otherwise this dish will be too salty from the other ingredients.
• Garlic – Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, or jarred minced garlic for convenience.
• Cremini Mushrooms – Sometimes these are called “baby bellas” at the store. Other fresh mushrooms such as sliced portobellos, shiitake, or everyday white mushrooms will work as well.
• Marsala Cooking Wine – Marsala wine is the star of the chicken Marsala sauce! It’s a delectable brandy fortified wine with an unforgettable flavor. I used Marsala cooking wine, but you could use sweet Marsala wine, dry Marsala wine, or even vermouth. You could use extra broth (in addition to what is already in the recipe) as an alcohol-free substitution for the wine, but the flavor will be different.
• Chicken Broth – Use reduced sodium store-bo ught or homemade chicken broth to avoid an overly salty dish. If you like, you can use chicken bone broth for extra richness and nutrition.
• Arrowroot Powder – Just a tablespoon helps thicken the sauce without any flours, making it a great cornstarch substitute . You could also use cornstarch if it fits your lifestyle. Feel free to omit the thickener altogether, but be aware that the sauce will be thinner.
• Heavy Cream – You can make chicken Marsala recipes without cream, but I totally recommended it to create a sauce that’s thick, smooth, and (of course) creamy. If you need a dairy-free substitute, full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream are good alternatives.
• Fresh Parsley – Optional, for garnish. You could use other herbs such as fresh basil or rosemary if you prefer.

How To Make Chicken Marsala

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Butterfly. Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise, making 4 pieces total. Pat dry with paper towels.

VARIATION: Pound whole chicken breasts instead.

Instead of slicing chicken, you can pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet. Either slicing or pounding are both methods to tenderize the meat and helps the chicken Marsala cook evenly.

1. Season. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet (I recommend a cast iron skillet like this one ) over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
3. Saute the mushrooms. Without wiping the pan, add butter and melt. Add mushrooms, and saute until they are golden brown and their liquid has evaporated.
4. Add aromatics. Add minced garlic to the pan. Saute until fragrant.
5. Deglaze and simmer. Add the wine to the chicken Marsala pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this is called deglazing). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer until the volume of the liquid is reduced by half.

1. Thicken. Whisk the arrowroot powder with a little chicken broth in a small, shallow bowl, then add to the pan.
2. Make it creamy. Add the heavy cream. Simmer, stirring until sauce thickens.

1. Finish. Add the chicken back to the pan and heat until the chicken is warm. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed. Garnish the finished chicken Marsala recipe with fresh parsley, if desired.

My Recipe Tips

• Turn the heat up if needed. If the mushroom liquid or Marsala wine is not evaporating quickly enough, you can turn the heat up to medium-high as needed.
• Deglaze the pan. After adding the Marsala wine, scrape the bottom of the pan to release any brown bits. This adds a lot of flavor to the final dish.
• Beware of curdles. Acid from the wine can sometimes cause cream to curdle. To prevent this, make sure the wine has reduced by half before adding the broth and cream.

Serving Ideas

What goes with chicken Marsala recipes? There are so many options:

• Starches – The classic options for serving creamy chicken Marsala over is over pasta or mashed potatoes. For lighter options, try fast baked spaghetti squash , easy zucchini noodles , or quick mashed cauliflower .
• Soup – If you want the full Olive Garden experience, you have to have soup AND salad. Pair this dish with a classic copycat Zuppa Toscana soup .
• Simple Salads – My favorite pairing is a Caprese salad , but other Italian salads (like roasted vegetable salad , or marinated artichoke salad ) would also compliment chicken Marsala with mushrooms nicely.
• Easy Veggies – I like serving this marsala chicken recipe with simple veggies like roasted fennel or roasted green beans , but when I need a faster side, air fryer eggplant is quick and easy.

More Easy Italian Inspired Dinners

Italian recipes are some of my favorites because they’re so fresh and easy! If you like this recipe for chicken Marsala, try some of these meals next:

Tools I Use For This Recipe

• Cast Iron Skillet – You can use any heavy bottom skillet, but I recommend cast iron to absorb and distribute heat more evenly. This helps to brown the chicken perfectly, and creates a smooth and creamy chicken Marsala sauce.
• Whisk – I love the comfortable grip on this one.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 2 10-oz Boneless skinless chicken breasts ▢
• 1 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter (or ghee) ▢
• 2 cloves Crushed garlic (minced) ▢
• 10 oz Cremini mushrooms (sliced) ▢
• 3/4 cup Marsala cooking wine ▢
• 1/2 cup Chicken broth, reduced sodium ▢
• 1 tbsp Arrowroot powder (optional; you can also use cornstarch or omit altogether, but the sauce will be thinner if you omit) ▢
• 1/4 cup Heavy cream (for creamy sauce, can omit if you like) ▢
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, making 4 pieces total. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (I recommend cast iron like this one ) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 4-7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
3. Without wiping the pan, add the butter and melt over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, and saute for about 5 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown and their liquid has evaporated. (You can turn the heat up to medium-high as needed to evaporate the liquid.)
4. Add the minced garlic. Saute for about 1 minute , until fragrant.
5. Add the Marsala wine to the pan. Bring to a boil, turning up the heat to do so if necessary. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits (this is called deglazing). Simmer for 3-5 minutes , until the volume of the liquid is reduced by half.
6. Whisk the arrowroot powder and chicken broth in a small bowl. Add the chicken broth mixture and heavy cream to the pan. Simmer, stirring and scraping any browned bits from the bottom, for 3-4 more minutes , until the sauce thickens.
7. Add the chicken back to the pan. Heat for a minute or two until the chicken is warm. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 piece of chicken with Marsala sauce

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you reduce the liquid easily, build a rich flavor, and keep the sauce smooth and creamy!
• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave on low until heated through.
• Freeze: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and stir the sauce if it separates!
• Note on nutrition info: The nutrition info does not include the optional arrowroot powder and parsley.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my 30 Dinners In 30 Minutes !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Easy Creamy Chicken Marsala Recipe

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Chicken Marsala Recipe (Easy & Creamy)

This easy chicken marsala recipe features tender meat and mushrooms in a rich Marsala wine sauce. Creamy chicken marsala is irresistible!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/chicken-marsala/

Ingredients

• 2 10-oz Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter (or ghee)
• 2 cloves Crushed garlic (minced)
• 10 oz Cremini mushrooms (sliced)
• 3/4 cup Marsala cooking wine
• 1/2 cup Chicken broth, reduced sodium
• 1 tbsp Arrowroot powder (optional; you can also use cornstarch or omit altogether, but the sauce will be thinner if you omit)
• 1/4 cup Heavy cream (for creamy sauce, can omit if you like)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, making 4 pieces total. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (I recommend cast iron like this one ) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 4-7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
3. Without wiping the pan, add the butter and melt over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, and saute for about 5 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown and their liquid has evaporated. (You can turn the heat up to medium-high as needed to evaporate the liquid.)
4. Add the minced garlic. Saute for about 1 minute , until fragrant.
5. Add the Marsala wine to the pan. Bring to a boil, turning up the heat to do so if necessary. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits (this is called deglazing). Simmer for 3-5 minutes , until the volume of the liquid is reduced by half.
6. Whisk the arrowroot powder and chicken broth in a small bowl. Add the chicken broth mixture and heavy cream to the pan. Simmer, stirring and scraping any browned bits from the bottom, for 3-4 more minutes , until the sauce thickens.
7. Add the chicken back to the pan. Heat for a minute or two until the chicken is warm. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 piece of chicken with Marsala sauce

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you reduce the liquid easily, build a rich flavor, and keep the sauce smooth and creamy!
• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave on low until heated through.
• Freeze: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and stir the sauce if it separates!
• Note on nutrition info: The nutrition info does not include the optional arrowroot powder and parsley.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my 30 Dinners In 30 Minutes !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)