Bold Michael Symon Chicken Marsala Recipe with Rich Sauce

Michael Symon’s chicken marsala transforms mundane weeknight meals into culinary magic with its tantalizing blend of flavors.

Succulent chicken breasts get expertly seasoned and seared to a gorgeous golden-brown perfection.

Earthy mushrooms mingle with velvety marsala wine, crafting a sauce that whispers gourmet sophistication.

Professional techniques elevate this simple recipe from ordinary to extraordinary, making it a restaurant-worthy dish anyone can master.

Tender meat bathed in a rich, caramelized glaze promises a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Each forkful delivers a complex yet comforting experience that feels like a warm embrace from an Italian kitchen.

This recipe will turn you into a home chef who can effortlessly wow dinner guests with minimal effort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 620 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients List for Michael Symon’s Chicken Marsala

• Salt: Select fine-grain sea salt for even distribution.
• Pepper: Choose freshly ground black pepper for robust flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Pick unbleached flour for better coating texture.

• Chicken: Select boneless, skinless breasts with consistent thickness for uniform cooking.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Use high-quality unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil for rich depth.
• Garlic: Pick fresh, firm cloves without sprouts for intense aroma.
• Onions: Choose firm, bright-colored sweet onions for subtle sweetness.
• Mushrooms: Select firm, unblemished cremini or white button mushrooms.
• Marsala Wine: Pick authentic Italian Marsala for traditional, complex flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Use fresh, high-fat content cream for silky sauce.
• Thyme: Select fresh herbs with vibrant green color and strong fragrance.
• Fresh Parsley: Choose bright green leaves for garnish and fresh finish.

Tools for Preparing Chicken Marsala

• Plastic Bag: Large, resealable bag for coating chicken with flour mixture.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise salt and pepper measurements.
• Stainless Steel or Non-Stick Pan: Ideal for searing chicken and building sauce.
• Cutting Board: For preparing ingredients like mushrooms, garlic, and onions.
• Sharp Knife: To chop herbs and vegetables cleanly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and scraping pan while cooking.
• Plate: For transferring and resting chicken during cooking.
• Measuring Cups: To measure cream and Marsala wine accurately.

Cooking Directions for Michael Symon’s Chicken Marsala

• Prepare Chicken Coating

Grab a plastic bag and mix flour with salt and pepper. Drop chicken pieces into the bag, seal it tight, and give it a good shake to create an even, tasty crust.

• Sear And Brown Chicken

Fire up a pan with butter and oil over medium-high heat. Shake off extra flour from chicken and place it carefully in the hot pan. Cook until the chicken turns a gorgeous golden brown, flipping once to ensure even cooking.

• Saute Mushroom Magic

In the same pan, melt more butter and toss in sliced mushrooms. Let them dance and sizzle until they develop a rich, caramel-like color. Add minced garlic and onions, stirring to release their amazing aromas.

• Create Marsala Sauce

Pour in heavy cream, Marsala wine, and a sprinkle of thyme. Scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan, creating a luxurious sauce that will make your taste buds sing.

• Finish And Serve

Let the sauce simmer and reduce until it becomes thick and velvety. Return the chicken to the pan, allowing it to warm through and soak up all the incredible flavors. For a final touch, garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Flavor Tips for Michael Symon’s Chicken Marsala

Swap all-purpose flour with almond or rice flour for a gluten-free version that adds unique texture and subtle nutty flavor to the chicken’s crispy exterior.

Replace Marsala wine with dry sherry or white wine to create a delicious alternative when traditional ingredients aren’t available, maintaining the recipe’s rich flavor profile.

Enhance the dish by adding sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach during the mushroom sautéing stage to increase nutritional value and create more complex flavor layers.

Introduce red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the flour mixture for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat and want to elevate the classic chicken Marsala experience.

Serving Style for Michael Symon’s Chicken Marsala

• Pair with Creamy Polenta: Smooth, cheesy polenta creates a luxurious base that perfectly catches the rich Marsala sauce, complementing the golden chicken.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme over the dish for a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the creamy sauce and adds beautiful color.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Tender roasted asparagus or glazed carrots provide a delightful balance of textures and a light contrast to the hearty chicken Marsala.
• Wine Pairing Recommendation: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white Chardonnay to enhance the dish's complex flavor profile and elevate the dining experience.

Storage Tips for Chicken Marsala

• Maximize Freshness: Store cooked chicken marsala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze with Care: Transfer leftovers to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Frozen chicken marsala maintains quality for 2-3 months when properly stored.
• Reheat Strategically: Warm refrigerated portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore sauce consistency. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent sauce separation.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken marsala in advance for quick weeknight dinners. Separate chicken and sauce when storing to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy meat.

Mouthwatering Michael Symon Chicken Marsala Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Michael Symon’s chicken marsala combines tender chicken with rich mushroom sauce from Italy. Succulent medallions simmered in sweet marsala wine create a classic restaurant-quality dish that home cooks can easily master.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breasts, pounded ¼-inch thick or chicken tenderloins
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (8 oz / 227 g) pre-sliced bella or button mushrooms
• 3 tbsps finely chopped shallots, from 1 medium shallot
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter, divided
• ⅔ cup chicken broth
• ⅔ cup dry Marsala wine
• ⅔ cup heavy cream
• 2 tsps chopped fresh thyme
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh Italian parsley, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Flour Coating: Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a plastic bag. Seal and shake to thoroughly coat chicken pieces, ensuring even seasoning.
2. Searing Chicken: Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Shake off excess flour and carefully place chicken in the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping once, until golden-brown and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
3. Mushroom Preparation: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté mushrooms until caramelized. Add garlic, onions, and additional salt, cooking briefly to release aromatic flavors.
4. Sauce Creation: Deglaze pan with Marsala wine, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until sauce reaches a velvety consistency.
5. Final Cooking: Return chicken and accumulated juices to the skillet. Gently fold into the sauce, warming thoroughly for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.

Notes

• Flour Coating Technique: Seal and shake the bag to create an even, light flour coating that helps develop a crispy exterior on the chicken.
• Pan-Searing Secret: Use medium-high heat to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without burning, which locks in moisture and creates rich flavor.
• Mushroom Caramelization Tip: Sauté mushrooms until deeply colored to maximize their umami flavor and create a more complex sauce base.
• Sauce Reduction Trick: Simmer sauce uncovered, allowing it to naturally thicken and concentrate flavors, creating a luxurious, velvety texture that clings perfectly to the chicken.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 43g
• Cholesterol: 180mg