Pan-Seared Chicken Marsala

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Introduction

Pan-Seared Chicken Marsala is a savory and elegant dish that brings the richness of restaurant-quality dining right into your home! Featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection in a flavorful mushroom sauce, this dish is both comforting and impressive.

I remember the first time I made this for a cozy family dinner. The aroma of garlic and mushrooms simmering in the sauce filled the kitchen, and the compliments at the table made the meal feel extra special. What I love most about this dish is its versatility—you can serve it over buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta to soak up the velvety sauce. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and brightness.

Despite its elegant presentation, Pan-Seared Chicken Marsala is surprisingly easy to make. With a few basic ingredients like chicken broth, mushrooms, and pantry staples, you can create a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or celebrating a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress your family and guests!

Perfect for:

  • Family dinners
  • Meal prepping
  • Celebrations or date nights
  • Mushroom lovers
  • Guests who prefer alcohol-free recipes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Pan-Seared Chicken Marsala deserves a spot in your rotation:

  • Rich Mushroom Sauce: A creamy and earthy sauce infused with garlic and herbs elevates the chicken to restaurant-quality.
  • Family-Friendly: No alcohol makes this dish accessible for all ages.
  • Quick and Easy: From prep to table in under 40 minutes.
  • Elegant Yet Simple: Perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in.
  • Versatile: Pair with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Pan-Seared Chicken Marsala:

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF option)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • ½ cup unsweetened apple juice (alcohol-free substitute for Marsala wine)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that cooks quickly and remains juicy.
  • Mushrooms: Provide a hearty, earthy flavor and texture.
  • Chicken Broth and Apple Juice: Together, they create a rich, alcohol-free base for the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and depth to the dish.
  • Garlic and Thyme: Aromatic herbs and spices elevate the overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Pan-Seared Chicken Marsala:

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Season and Coat: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off the excess.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

  1. Cook the Mushrooms: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Sauté the mushrooms over medium heat until they release their juices and turn golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Add Garlic and Apple Juice: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the apple juice and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze.
  3. Simmer: Add thyme and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly.

Finish the Dish:

  1. Add the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Return the Chicken: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Plate: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes.

How to Serve

  • Over Pasta: Pair with fettuccine or spaghetti to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • With Rice or Quinoa: A simple, fluffy base to complement the creamy sauce.
  • Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting, hearty meal.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Keep it light with green beans, broccoli, or asparagus.
  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up every last bit of the sauce.

Additional Tips

  • Pound the chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
  • Use a mix of mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
  • Adjust the sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding more cream.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice for a bright, tangy twist.

Recipe Variations

  1. Creamy Garlic Chicken Marsala
  2. Mushroom-Only Marsala (Vegetarian Version)
  3. Dairy-Free Chicken Marsala (Use coconut cream)
  4. Gluten-Free Chicken Marsala (Use GF flour)
  5. Herb-Infused Chicken Marsala

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Tongs for handling chicken
  • Whisk for blending the sauce

FAQ Section

  1. Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, use olive oil instead of butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
  2. What can I substitute for apple juice? Try white grape juice or additional chicken broth with a touch of honey.
  3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely, adjust the cooking time as needed.
  4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving.
  5. How do I thicken the sauce? Add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water) if needed.

Conclusion

Pan-Seared Chicken Marsala is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s sure to impress. With tender, juicy chicken and a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, this alcohol-free twist on the classic recipe is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Serve it with your favorite sides, like pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is elegant.

This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen. The creamy mushroom sauce, infused with savory herbs and flavors, perfectly complements the golden, pan-seared chicken, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

I’d love to see how your Pan-Seared Chicken Marsala turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!

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