Description
This Easy Creamy Chicken Marsala is the ultimate quick dinner idea that brings rich, comforting flavor without the fuss. Juicy chicken thighs are pan-seared and simmered in a creamy mushroom Marsala sauce that’s elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough for a busy weeknight. Serve it with mashed potatoes, noodles, or fresh greens for a balanced, delicious meal. Perfect for those looking for healthy dinner ideas, cozy fall meals, or a high-protein chicken recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 oz cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup dry Marsala wine
¾ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5–6 minutes until golden, then flip and cook for another 4–5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 6–8 minutes until golden. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes.
4. Deglaze the pan with Marsala wine, scraping up any brown bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. For a thicker sauce, add cornstarch dissolved in cold water. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
6. Return chicken thighs to the pan. Spoon sauce over the top, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
For the best sear, don’t move the chicken around in the pan—let it sit and form a golden crust.
Use dry Marsala wine for authentic flavor—sweet Marsala can make the sauce overly sugary.
To lighten up the dish, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 125mg