Easy Chicken Marsala (with The BEST Buttered Noodles)
There’s something truly special about a home-cooked meal that wraps you in comfort, transporting you straight to the cozy corners of an Italian trattoria. That’s exactly what Easy Chicken Marsala (with The BEST Buttered Noodles) offers. With its rich, velvety sauce and aromatic mushrooms stealing the show, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s as delightful to eat as it is beautiful to look at. It’s a simple yet sophisticated recipe you’ll want to add to your dinner rotation.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon Chicken Marsala while dining out on a chilly autumn evening, and it quickly captured my heart. The combination of savory chicken, elegant sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles was so inviting, it felt like a big hug on a plate. I knew I had to recreate it at home. This version is not only easy to put together but also budget-friendly, making it perfect for those weekday dinners or special occasions. I can’t wait for you to experience this dish’s magic in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Always ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of mushrooms and Marsala wine creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish is as stunning as it is delicious—perfect for impressing friends or family.
- Flexible Serving: Great for cozy dinners or as a delightful meal prep option.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with straightforward substitutions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 and 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders: The juicy chicken adds a hearty base. Ensure it’s tender and fresh for the best flavor.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Essential for dredging the chicken, creating a beautiful crust. You can swap it for almond flour for a gluten-free option.
- 2 and 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder: Adds a comforting, savory element. If you prefer fresh, use minced garlic instead.
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons onion powder: Enhances flavor without the need for fresh onions.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings an Italian touch to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Offers a subtle heat that enhances the richness of the sauce. Omit if you prefer milder flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A must for seasoning the chicken and sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, adding richness. Feel free to substitute with vegetable oil.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: This gives the sauce a luxurious feel. You can use vegan butter if needed.
- 3 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced: They add a delicate, sweet flavor. You can use yellow onions if shallots aren’t available.
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced: Adds deep, earthy flavors; button mushrooms could be substituted in a pinch.
- 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced: Another layer of flavor. Portobello mushrooms can work here too.
- 2 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce; arrowroot could be a gluten-free alternative.
- 1 cup chicken bone broth: Adds richness; use low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brightens the sauce flavor; feel free to reduce if you’re not a garlic lover.
- 1 cup dry Marsala wine: The star of the dish; this sweet wine adds depth. Use another sweet fortified wine if Marsala isn’t available.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish and a pop of color and freshness.
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving (optional): Adds a creamy finish to every bite.
- 1 pound egg noodles: Perfect complementing base. You can swap this with gluten-free pasta if needed.
- 3/4 cup cubed unsalted butter: Tossed with noodles for ultimate creaminess.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A repeat of flavor in the buttery noodles.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: For a dash of color and flavor in the noodles.
How to Make Easy Chicken Marsala (with The BEST Buttered Noodles)
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Dredge the chicken tenders in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Set aside on a clean plate.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmers, carefully add the floured chicken. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the butter. Stir until melted, then add the shallots and both types of mushrooms. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and tender.
- Combine Broth and Cornstarch: While the vegetables are cooking, in a spouted measuring cup, whisk together the cornstarch and chicken bone broth. Set aside.
- Enhance with Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant.
- Deglaze with Wine: Slowly pour in the Marsala wine, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. This enhances the flavor beautifully! Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Thicken the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the broth and cornstarch mixture until fully combined. Raise the heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for 5-6 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce, and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Add approximately a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper for a balanced flavor.
- Finish the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, gently simmering it for an additional 2 minutes to heat through. Remove from heat.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add in the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve a 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining!
- Toss with Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained noodles with the cubed butter, minced garlic, and reserved pasta water. Toss until the butter is fully melted and the noodles are covered in a creamy coat.
- Serve It Up: Pour the Chicken Marsala sauce over the buttered noodles. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and if you desire, add grated parmesan cheese for that extra touch.
Storing & Reheating
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the Chicken Marsala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, ensure there’s enough space in the pan. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: If possible, let your chicken sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cooking. It helps with even cooking.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust your seasoning while cooking to find your perfect flavor balance.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken and sauce a day in advance, storing separately for faster assembly at mealtime.
The combination of flavors in Easy Chicken Marsala (with The BEST Buttered Noodles) is a must-try, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly meal or something to impress dinner guests. Feel free to experiment with different mushrooms or herbs to make it your own!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Yes! Chicken breasts are a great alternative. Just ensure they are sliced thinly or pounded down for even cooking.
Is Marsala wine necessary for this dish?
Marsala wine adds a unique flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute it with another sweet fortified wine, such as Madeira or even a splash of sherry.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour for dredging and swap the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta. The overall flavor and texture will still be delightful!
What sides pair well with Chicken Marsala?
A simple side salad or steamed vegetables would complement this dish beautifully, balancing its richness and providing a refreshing note to your meal.
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Chicken Marsala (with The BEST Buttered Noodles)
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Savor the delightful flavors of Easy Chicken Marsala with The BEST Buttered Noodles. This simple recipe showcases tender chicken, fragrant garlic, and rich marsala wine, paired with buttery noodles for a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 and 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 shallots peeled and thinly sliced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced
- 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms sliced
- 2 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 cup chicken bone broth
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup dry marsala wine
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- grated parmesan cheese for serving, optional
- 1 pound egg noodles
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter cubed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Combine the flour and all seasonings/spices in a large bowl.
- Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour and set aside on a clean plate.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 3 minutes on each side. Once cooked, transfer to a clean plate and set aside, keeping the pan ready for the sauce.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash more of marsala wine during cooking.
Serve with grated parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
