Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Marsala Sauce
Tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and served with a rich Marsala wine and garlic mushroom sauce. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends salt, black pepper, all-purpose flour into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 8 oz, sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1/2 cup dry Marsala wine
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Lightly dredge each breast in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter is melted and oil shimmers. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; remove chicken and keep warm.
- Step 3: Lower heat to medium and add remaining 1 tbsp butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown.
- Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup dry Marsala wine, scraping the browned bits from the pan, and simmer until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
- Step 6: Stir in 3/4 cup chicken broth and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, simmer gently for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 7: Return the chicken breasts to the pan and spoon sauce over them for 2 minutes to reheat and meld flavors.
- Step 8: Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Marsala Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Marsala Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Mushroom 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 with Garlic Mushroom Marsala Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 with Garlic Mushroom 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.
