Traditional, Delicious Chicken Marsala Returns to Olive Garden

Posted on October 20, 2025 ·

by Bellie

Chicken Marsala

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If you’ve ever enjoyed the rich and savory flavors of Chicken Marsala, then you’re in for a treat with the return of this iconic dish at Olive Garden. Known for its tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and rich Marsala wine sauce, Chicken Marsala is a classic comfort food that has been loved by diners for years. The combination of tender chicken and a flavorful sauce makes it a standout dish, whether you’re making it at home or ordering it from your favorite restaurant.

If you’re craving this dish and want to try making it yourself, you’re in luck. Below, we’ve put together a delicious recipe inspired by Olive Garden’s version, but made even better with the help of Ina Garten Crockpot Recipes. Perfect for a hearty dinner, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is a timeless dish that is as comforting as it is flavorful. The Marsala wine sauce is rich, savory, and slightly sweet, providing the perfect complement to the tender chicken breasts. The addition of earthy mushrooms adds depth and texture to the dish. The best part? It’s simple to make at home and can be prepared in a crockpot for an effortless dinner.

If you love Ina Garten’s dinner recipes, this Chicken Marsala will definitely become a staple in your kitchen. You can enjoy it with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a side of Natashas Kitchen Recipes Dinners for a complete meal.

Who This Recipe Is For

This recipe is perfect for:

  • Fans of Ina Garten’s recipes and comfort food classics.
  • Anyone looking for an easy dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
  • People who enjoy wine-based sauces like those in Ina Garten’s Chicken Marsala Recipe.
  • Home cooks who want to try making a restaurant-style dish at home.

If you’re a fan of Thanksgiving Recipes Ina Garten or Chicken Marsala Ina Garten, this recipe will offer the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor to impress your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a delicious homemade Chicken Marsala, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup Marsala wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms (white or cremini)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes and Variations

  • Marsala Wine: Traditional Chicken Marsala uses Marsala wine, which gives the dish its signature depth and sweetness. If you don’t have Marsala wine, you can substitute with a dry white wine or sherry.
  • Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option.
  • Mushrooms: Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms. For a heartier flavor, try using shiitake or portobello mushrooms.
  • Garlic: Add a bit more garlic if you want to infuse the dish with a stronger, aromatic flavor.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

  • Crockpot (optional, if you want to slow cook)
  • Large skillet for searing the chicken
  • Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
  • Sharp knife for slicing the chicken and mushrooms

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Chicken Marsala

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each breast in flour, making sure they are evenly coated. This will give the chicken a nice golden crust when seared.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they are browned and tender. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Step 4: Add the Marsala Wine

Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet and stir to combine with the mushrooms. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the sauce to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Add the Chicken Broth

Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for 10 minutes on low heat until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. If you prefer a more hands-off approach, try using Ina Garten Crockpot Recipes to slow cook the chicken.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the Chicken Marsala over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal. For a heartier side, try pairing with our Delicious Roasted Potatoes for a satisfying dinner.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Marsala

  • Use bone-in chicken for even more flavor, but be sure to adjust cooking times.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken: Since the chicken is already seared, it only needs to cook in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Feel free to adjust the wine-to-broth ratio if you prefer a stronger or lighter sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not reducing the sauce enough: Make sure to let the sauce simmer and reduce, concentrating the flavors. A thinner sauce won’t have the rich flavor you expect from Chicken Marsala.
  • Overcrowding the pan: When searing the chicken, make sure to leave space between the pieces for even browning.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try serving it with vegetarian Asian food recipes like Bombay Aloo for a full-flavored meal that balances the richness of the chicken. For something lighter, serve it with a refreshing salad or roasted vegetables.

Creative Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Marsala in an elegant bowl or plate, garnished with a sprinkle of parsley and a few extra mushroom slices on top. Pair with a glass of red wine for the perfect Ina Garten dinner experience.

How to Store and Reheat

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth to keep the sauce from drying out.

Make-Ahead Tips

  • You can prepare the Chicken Marsala sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before serving. Simply reheat and add the seared chicken when ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish without wine?

While Marsala wine adds unique flavor to the dish, you can substitute it with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version. It will lack the depth of flavor that wine imparts, but it’s still delicious.

Can I make Chicken Marsala with boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will result in a juicier dish with slightly different texture.

Final Thoughts: Why Chicken Marsala Is a Keeper

This classic Ina Garten recipe for Chicken Marsala is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. With its rich flavors, tender chicken, and perfect balance of sweetness and savory, it’s a dish everyone will love.

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Chicken Marsala Returns to Olive Garden: A Must-Try Dish


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  • Author: Bellie
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Chicken Marsala is a timeless dish made with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich Marsala wine sauce. Whether you’re cooking it at home or ordering it from Olive Garden, this comforting dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds with its savory and slightly sweet flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup Marsala wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms (white or cremini)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour to coat evenly.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, cook the mushrooms for 5 minutes until tender. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add the Marsala Wine: Pour in the Marsala wine and stir to combine with mushrooms. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add the Chicken Broth: Add the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and return chicken to the skillet. Cook for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the Chicken Marsala over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

Notes

  • Substitute for Marsala Wine: If you don’t have Marsala wine, use a dry white wine or sherry.
  • Chicken Thighs: For a juicier, flavorful option, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat and add the seared chicken when ready to serve.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Seared
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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