• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
Platings and pairings logo.
Start Here
All Recipes
Perfect Pairings
Wine Travel
About
Home

Easy Chicken Marsala with Bacon

Jump to Recipe

|

Posted by:

Erin Lynch

|

Updated:

March 8, 2025

|

5 from 7 votes

This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Disclosure policy.

Easy chicken marsala pinterest image.
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • Email

This 30-Minute EASY Chicken Marsala recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but it’s also elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. The delicious marsala wine, bacon, butter sauce will have you licking your plate!

Chicken marsala in large skillet with spoon in sauce.

Save This Recipe!

Enter your email address to get a link to this post conveniently in your inbox!

Save Recipe

For a creamy chicken marsala, be sure to try my Chicken Marsala with Mascarpone Sauce too!

Table of Contents

  • What is Chicken Marsala? 
  • Ingredients needed
  • How to make it
  • Recipe FAQs
  • What to serve with Chicken Marsala
  • Which wine goes with Chicken Marsala?
  • Full Recipe

What is Chicken Marsala? 

Chicken Marsala is a traditional Italian dish that’s simple to prepare and amazingly delicious! Most likely originated from Sicily, where Marsala wine is made, this dish has a creamy sauce that’s got a hint of sweetness from the marsala, a smoky-richness from the bacon, and lots of umami-goodness from the wild mushrooms.

And all this decadence can be yours in just 30-minutes!

Close up of bowl of cremini mushrooms.

Ingredients needed

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – You’ll want to cut them in half horizontally, or use chicken cutlets.
  • Flour – For dredging the chicken.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Salt + Pepper
  • Bacon – I like to use thick cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces.
  • Mushrooms – You can use any kind of mushrooms you prefer. Button, cremini, chanterelle, oyster and shitake are great options
  • Marsala Wine – Dry is preferred, but sweet will also work.
  • Bone Broth – Or chicken broth.
  • Butter
  • Fresh Parsley

How to make it

Chicken cutlets arranged on plate.

Make cutlets

Use chicken cutlets, or create thin cutlets by cutting a chicken breast in half, horizontally, and then pounding each half thin using a meat mallet. Don’t be intimidated here. Just place your chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and flatten the breasts out to about 1/4 inch-thickness.

Dredge in flour

Then comes the flour dredging. This is what helps get those chicken cutlets nice and golden and a bit crispy on the outside. To “dredge,” pour the flour into a shallow dish and dip each chicken breast into the flour, shaking off any excess flour and gently coating each of them in the dredging mixture.

Chicken cutlets dredged in flour.

Pan fry

Fry those chicken cutlets up in a large skillet until they’re golden brown and then tent them under some foil to keep them warm while you prepare the marsala sauce.

It all starts with the bacon. I let it sizzle away in the same skillet that we used for the chicken, just for a couple minutes until it releases some of its fat, then I throw in the mushrooms and let them get nice a golden brown.

Be sure not to salt the mushrooms until the end, otherwise, they won’t turn that beautiful golden brown color.

Fried Chicken cutlets in skillet.

Add flavor

Then we add in the marsala, a bit of bone broth or chicken stock, and a couple pats of butter for good measure. Swirl it all around and then add the chicken back to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. 

Tip: For a creamy chicken marsala, feel free to swirl in a bit of heavy cream at the end.

Chicken in skillet with marsala wine, mushrooms and bacon.

Recipe FAQs

What mushrooms are best to use?

Any of your favorite mushrooms will work in this recipe. I tend to use standard cremini or button mushrooms, but portobellos, chanterelles, oyster mushrooms, and shitakes are all great options! 

What kind of marsala wine is best for chicken marsala?

Dry marsala is preferred in this recipe, but sweet will also work if that is all you have on hand. I’ve used both with great success. 

What can I use instead of marsala wine?

If you don’t have any have any marsala wine on hand, you can also use dry madeira wine, sherry or red vermouth in a pinch.

What to serve with Chicken Marsala

  • Mashed Potatoes or Rice – to soak up all that yummy sauce!
  • Pasta
  • Sauteed Spinach
  • Arugula Salad
  • Radicchio Salad
  • Fennel & Celery Salad
  • Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes
  • More → 25+ best side dishes for Chicken Marsala

Which wine goes with Chicken Marsala?

  • Pinot Noir. It’s hint of earthiness was amazing with the wild mushrooms, but it’s backbone of dark fruits paired so well with that lightly sweet marsala wine sauce, and with a bright acidity, it was able to stand up nicely to the rich, bacon-flecked sauce. 
  • Click here for MORE wine pairings for chicken marsala.
Side view of chicken marsala in skillet.

More 30 minute dinner recipes

  • Chicken Piccata
  • Creamy Mushroom Chicken
  • Chicken in White Wine Sauce
  • Shrimp Piccata
  • Pork Piccata
  • Tomato Bisque Soup
  • Zucchini Pizza Boats

More how-to chicken guides

  • Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
  • Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
  • Sous Vide Chicken Breasts
  • Instant Pot Shredded Chicken 
  • Oven Baked Chicken Breasts
Chicken marsala in large skillet with spoon in sauce.

Did you make this easy Chicken Marsala recipe?

If you loved this easy marsala chicken recipe I would appreciate it so much if you would give it a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on  Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Facebook.

Save This Recipe!

Enter your email address to get a link to this post conveniently in your inbox!

Save Recipe – Before Recipe Card

Chicken marsala in large skillet with spoon in sauce.

Full Recipe

Easy Chicken Marsala

30 Minute Easy Chicken Marsala is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but it’s also elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. The Marsala wine, bacon, butter sauce will have you licking your plate!
5 from 7 votes
Print Pin
Serves 4 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 15 minutes mins
Cook Time: 15 minutes mins
Total Time: 30 minutes mins

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Shallow Bowl

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half horizontally)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 slices thick cut bacon (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 8 ounces mushrooms (stems trimmed and halved (about 2 cups) (button, cremini, chanterelle, oyster and shitake are great options))
  • 1/2 cup dry Marsala wine (sweet will also work)
  • 1/2 cup bone broth (or chicken stock)
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

Instructions

  • Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow bowl and dredge the chicken in it. Shake off the excess.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 2 Tbs. of the olive oil. Place 2 pieces of chicken in the pan and cook, turning once, until browned on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter and keep warm under a tent of foil. Warm the remaining 1 Tbs. oil in the pan and repeat to brown the remaining chicken. Place that chicken under your foil tent as well.
  • Lower the heat to medium and add the bacon to the skillet, saute for a couple minutes to render out some of the fat, then add the mushrooms to the pan. Saute until brown and liquid has evaporated, 4-5 minutes.
  • Add Marsala to the pan and boil for about 30 seconds, then add the chicken stock and let it reduce slightly, 2-3 minutes. Stir in the butter and return the chicken to the pan to warm through. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve.

Notes

Any of your favorite mushrooms will work in this recipe. I tend to use standard cremini or button mushrooms, but portobellos, chanterelles, oyster mushrooms, and shitakes are all great options! 

Nutrition

Calories: 468kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 268mg | Potassium: 678mg | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 210IU | Vitamin C: 2.6mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1.6mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
 This post was originally published in 2014. It was updated in 2024 with new information. The recipe remains the same. Enjoy!
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • Email
5 from 7 votes (5 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

19 responses

  1. Georgie | the home cook’s kitchen
    December 5, 2017

    this looks awesome Erin! So perfect for the weather at the moment! Love it

    Reply
    1. Erin
      December 19, 2017

      Thanks Georgie!

      Reply
  2. Catherine @ Ten Thousand Hour Mama
    December 5, 2017

    I bet this is a real crowd pleaser! And more importantly a hostess pleaser, since if it only takes a half-hour to make, you can relax with your guests instead of stressing about dinner.

    Reply
  3. Meg
    December 6, 2017

    Love the suggestion of serving this with buttered noodles. I wonder if chicken thighs could work, too, since they are a little cheaper and so tasty. I love these chicken dishes with pan sauces.

    Reply
  4. Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife
    December 6, 2017

    We LOVE chicken marsala in my house. Look at those gorgeous mushrooms!

    Reply
  5. Hillary Harper
    December 7, 2017

    We make chicken marsala almost weekly! One of my faves 🙂 This recipe looks incredible!

    Reply
    1. Sam jennings
      December 7, 2017

      Thanks for sharing this great Recipe, I know my husband would love this dish.

      Reply
  6. Aimee
    December 13, 2017

    Sounds so flavourful!

    Reply
  7. Jenni
    December 16, 2017

    I love a good chicken marsala! It’s even better when it only takes 30 minutes!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      December 19, 2017

      Right? I love a quick and easy dinner!

      Reply
  8. Jill Barth
    March 26, 2018

    Beautiful! Love the variety of mushrooms.

    Reply
    1. Erin
      March 27, 2018

      Thanks Jill!

      Reply
  9. Cecelia
    December 12, 2018

    I’m having a dinner party for six friends. I want to serve this with green beans and mashed potatoes but I also wanted an appetizer first. What appetizer could you recommend? Thx

    Reply
    1. Erin
      December 12, 2018

      Hi Cecelia – Here’s a link to all my appetizer recipes. Some I’d suggest in particular are: Sausage Bites in White Wine with Creamy Mustard Dipping Sauce,
      Baked Goat Cheese Appetizer, Prosciutto, Brie & Honey Crostini or Dates Wrapped in Bacon with Marcona Almonds.

      Reply
  10. Iitanyia
    January 30, 2019

    5 stars
    I have made this twice and really like it. Bacon makes everything better, I think. Besides that, it is just easy to make and tastes great!

    Reply
  11. Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe | bakkbenchersnetwork.com
    January 25, 2021

    […] post Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe appeared first on Platings + […]

    Reply
  12. Judy Goldin
    June 26, 2022

    Oh dear. Can’t get bacon here. I have no marsala wine and in any case I don’t use alcohol. My loss.

    Reply
  13. Simple Promise
    August 20, 2023

    5 stars
    What side dish would you recommend for this dish?

    Reply
    1. Erin
      August 22, 2023

      Hi:
      Mashed Potatoes or Rice – to soak up all that yummy sauce!
      Pasta
      Sauteed Spinach
      Arugula Salad
      Radicchio Salad
      Fennel & Celery Salad
      Steamed Artichokes

      Reply

Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

Know More

Follow Me on Social!

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • X
  • YouTube

Recent Recipes

  • Crispy Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan + Sriracha Ranch
  • Raspberry Italian Cream Soda Recipe
  • Carrot Top Pesto
  • Cucumber Salsa
  • Balsamic Reduction (Balsamic Glaze)
  • Shake and Bake Potatoes
  • Cod Piccata 
  • Greek Chicken Quinoa Salad

Dish Type

30 Minute Meals
Appetizer Recipes
Cocktail Recipes
Dessert Recipes
Healthy Recipes

Cooking Method

Air Fryer Recipes
Grilling Recipes
Instant Pot Recipes
Slow Cooker Recipes
Sous Vide Recipes

Ingredient

Beef Recipes
Chicken Recipes
Lamb Recipes
Pork Recipes
Seafood Recipes

Cocktails

Classic
Gin
Margarita
Moscow Mule
Vodka

Sides

Bread
Potatoes
Rice
Salad
Vegetables

Travel

Australia
California
Europe
Hawaii
Italy
About Me
Contact
Privacy Policy

© All Rights Reserved.

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.