Creamy Chicken Marsala

This Chicken Marsala is pure comfort in a skillet—tender golden chicken cutlets nestled in a creamy sauce with smoky pancetta, earthy mushrooms, and that signature nutty-sweet flavor from Marsala wine.

📝 Ingredients

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets (pounded to ¼-inch thick)
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus more as needed)
• 4 oz pancetta (chopped)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 8 oz brown mushrooms (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup dry Marsala wine
• ¾ cup chicken stock
• ¼ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley (chopped)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- Prep the Chicken ---
2. 2Remove chicken from the fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
3. 3Dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off excess.
4. 4--- Brown the Chicken ---
5. 5Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. 6Sear chicken in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and just cooked through.
7. 7Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
8. 8--- Build the Sauce ---
9. 9Add pancetta to the same skillet. Cook until browned and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
10. 10Add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the onion over medium heat until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
11. 11Add mushrooms; cook until browned and liquid evaporates, 6–8 minutes.
12. 12Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Season with salt and pepper.
13. 13Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon flour and stir to coat everything evenly.
14. 14--- Deglaze & Simmer ---
15. 15Raise heat to high. Pour in Marsala wine and boil 1–2 minutes to reduce and cook off alcohol.
16. 16Add chicken stock and simmer another 3 minutes to slightly thicken.
17. 17Lower heat to medium. Stir in the cream and simmer until the sauce coats the back of a spoon, about 2–3 minutes.
18. 18Finish with butter and fresh parsley, stirring gently to combine.
19. 19--- Bring It Together ---
20. 20Return chicken and pancetta to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top and simmer for 1–2 minutes until everything is warmed through.
21. 21Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.