Savory Italian-Inspired Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets elegance in this delightful chicken marsala casserole that promises a symphony of rich flavors.

Mushrooms and tender chicken create a harmonious blend in every single bite.

Wine-infused sauce adds depth to this hearty dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Classic Italian influences shine through with each carefully layered ingredient.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will appreciate the simple yet sophisticated approach to this comforting meal.

Creamy textures and robust seasonings make this casserole a standout dinner option.

You might just discover your new favorite weeknight recipe that impresses without complicated techniques.

Chicken Marsala Casserole That Feels Like a Restaurant Meal

• Savor Simplicity: Easy Gourmet Delight highlights the appeal of this Chicken Marsala Casserole.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Transforms classic Marsala into a hassle-free one-dish meal that requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum flavor in under an hour.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, accommodating different preferences by offering optional rice or pasta base and customizable cheese toppings.
• Culinary Comfort with Elegance: Elevates home cooking with restaurant-quality flavors, combining rich Marsala wine sauce, tender chicken, and crispy breadcrumb topping for a sophisticated yet approachable dish.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Ingredients

• Chicken: Main protein source, provides hearty and satisfying base for the casserole. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best.

• Marsala Wine: Adds rich, sweet flavor profile and depth to the sauce. Choose a good quality dry Marsala for authentic taste.
• Chicken Broth: Creates savory liquid base for the sauce. Low-sodium broth recommended for better control of salt levels.
• Heavy Cream: Provides rich, creamy texture and helps thicken the sauce. Full-fat cream gives best results.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds melty, stretchy texture to the top of casserole. Shredded variety melts evenly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Gives sharp, salty flavor and helps create golden brown crust. Freshly grated is more flavorful.

• Onion: Builds foundational flavor base for the dish. Sweet yellow onions work well.
• Garlic: Provides sharp, pungent undertone to the sauce. Fresh garlic cloves are most potent.
• Thyme, Basil: Fresh herbs that add complexity and brightness to the overall flavor. Dried herbs can be substituted.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning chicken and sautéing vegetables. Extra virgin olive oil recommended.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper preferred.

• Rice or Pasta: Provides starchy foundation for casserole. White rice or wide egg noodles complement the sauce.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy, golden top layer. Panko breadcrumbs give extra crunch.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, green garnish and brightens presentation.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Flavorful Bake Method

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss chicken pieces into the hot pan and cook until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown color on all sides.

This will take about 6-7 minutes.

Transfer the browned chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Caramelize The Aromatics

In the same skillet, drop in chopped onions and let them dance until they turn soft and translucent, which takes around 4-5 minutes.

Introduce minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute to release its incredible aroma.

Step 3: Create A Luxurious Sauce

• Marsala wine
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Thyme
• Basil
• Salt
• Pepper

Pour Marsala wine into the skillet and scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Let the wine reduce by half.

Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasonings.

Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Combine And Layer

Return the browned chicken to the skillet, coating it completely with the rich sauce.

If desired, spread cooked rice or pasta across the bottom of a greased baking dish.

Pour the chicken and Marsala mixture over the base.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Pop the casserole into a preheated oven at 375°F.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Shower the casserole with fresh parsley just before serving.

Enjoy your incredible culinary creation!

Casserole Tips For Chicken Marsala Bake

• Choose a good-quality dry Marsala wine for authentic, rich flavor that enhances the overall dish's depth.
• Avoid overcooking chicken by removing it from the skillet just when it turns golden brown, ensuring tender and juicy meat in the final casserole.
• Mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling on top to guarantee a perfectly golden and crunchy texture when baked.
• Substitute rice or pasta with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that still absorbs the delicious Marsala sauce wonderfully.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and prevent excessive oil separation, resulting in a more cohesive dish.

Best Way to Store Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Store leftover Chicken Marsala Casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy top.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Bites

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich Marsala sauce and enhances the chicken's deep flavor.
• Serve with Crisp Arugula Salad: Create a light, peppery side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's creamy texture and cut through its richness.
• Recommend Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious Marsala sauce and provide a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken casserole.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare herb-roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots to add colorful nutrition and earthy notes that complement the dish's savory profile.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Meal Styles

• Vegetarian Marsala Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, sliced and pan-fried for similar texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Marsala Delight: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko, use cornstarch for thickening sauce, and select gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice base.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Option: Substitute rice or pasta with roasted cauliflower, use reduced-fat cheeses, and add extra herbs like rosemary for enhanced Mediterranean taste.
• Dairy-Free Wellness Version: Utilize coconut cream instead of heavy cream, select nutritional yeast in place of cheese, and incorporate almond milk for creamy consistency while maintaining rich flavor.

FAQs

• What's the origin of Marsala sauce?

Marsala sauce originated in Sicily, Italy, named after the town of Marsala. It traditionally uses Marsala wine from the region, creating a rich, slightly sweet flavor profile that complements chicken perfectly.

• Can I substitute the Marsala wine?

Yes, you can use dry sherry, Madeira wine, or port as alternatives. If avoiding alcohol, use chicken broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar to add depth and complexity to the sauce.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Brown the chicken quickly on high heat, then finish cooking in the sauce. The cream and wine mixture helps keep the chicken moist and tender during the baking process.

• Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?

While it requires both stovetop and oven preparation, it’s essentially a complete meal in one dish. The casserole combines protein, sauce, and optional starch like rice or pasta, making it a convenient and satisfying dinner option.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken marsala casserole brings Italian-American comfort to dinner tables with rich, wine-infused flavors. Creamy mushroom sauce and tender chicken create a nostalgic meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup Marsala wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups cooked rice or pasta
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by warming the oven to a moderate temperature of 375°F, creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
2. Select a robust skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high heat, transforming the chicken pieces into golden-brown delicacies through careful searing, ensuring each morsel develops a rich, caramelized exterior.
3. Transfer the beautifully bronzed chicken to a temporary holding plate, allowing the skillet to welcome delicate onion fragments which will soften and release their subtle sweetness during a gentle 4-5 minute sauté.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, letting its aromatic essence permeate the cooking environment for a brief moment, awakening complex flavor profiles.
5. Deglaze the skillet with Marsala wine, utilizing its liquid properties to lift and incorporate the concentrated flavor remnants clinging to the pan’s surface, reducing the wine by half to concentrate its essence.
6. Incorporate chicken broth and heavy cream, creating a luxurious sauce foundation enhanced with thyme, basil, salt, and pepper, allowing the mixture to simmer and gradually thicken.
7. Reunite the seared chicken with the velvety sauce, ensuring each piece becomes thoroughly coated and infused with the rich, multilayered flavors.
8. Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing its surface, then establish a foundational layer of cooked rice or pasta, which will absorb the sumptuous sauce.
9. Lavishly distribute the chicken and Marsala mixture across the base, creating an enticing landscape of textures and flavors.
10. Crown the casserole with a decadent blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, sprinkling breadcrumbs to provide a tantalizing crisp layer.
11. Slide the assembled casserole into the preheated oven, allowing 20-25 minutes of transformative heat to melt the cheese and develop a golden, inviting crust.
12. Conclude the culinary journey by adorning the finished dish with a delicate scattering of fresh parsley, adding a vibrant, herbaceous finale.

Notes

• Enhance flavor depth by marinating chicken in Marsala wine for 30 minutes before cooking to infuse extra richness and complexity.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, diet-friendly version that maintains creamy texture and reduces calories.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour to create a crispy topping suitable for gluten-sensitive diners without compromising taste.
• Boost nutritional value by adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach, which complement the Marsala sauce and provide additional vegetable nutrients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 462
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 698 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 112 mg