Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Mushroom and Marsala Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy-skinned chicken thighs simmered in a rich mushroom and Marsala wine sauce for a comforting main dish. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 3/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden brown and crisp, then flip and cook an additional 5 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and browned. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3/4 cup dry Marsala wine and 3/4 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook until sauce reduces by half, about 6-8 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves until sauce is glossy. Return chicken thighs to the skillet and simmer for 5 more minutes until cooked through and sauce thickens. Serve hot with sauce spooned over chicken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Mushroom and Marsala Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Mushroom and Marsala Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Mushroom and Marsala Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Mushroom and Marsala Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Mushroom and Marsala Sauce?

Italian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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