This Ina Garten Chicken Marsala recipe is a rich and flavorful dish, which includes wild mushrooms and dry sherry. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Ina Garten Chicken Marsala Recipe Ingredients
- 2 whole chickens (3.5–4 lbs each), cut into pieces
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- All-purpose flour, for dredging
- ½ cup olive oil
- 8 garlic cloves, whole
- 1½ lbs mixed wild mushrooms, chopped
- 8 thyme sprigs, tied together
- ¼ cup dry sherry
- 1 Tbsp chopped garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 2 cups dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup flour (for thickening)
How To Make Ina Garten Chicken Marsala Recipe
- Prep the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Season and dredge chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry. Season with salt and pepper, then dredge in all-purpose flour.
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces in batches, then set them aside.
- Cook mushrooms and garlic: In the same pot, add whole garlic cloves, chopped mushrooms, and the tied thyme sprigs. Sauté for about 5 minutes.
- Deglaze with sherry: Pour in the dry sherry, stir, and allow it to reduce slightly.
- Add liquids and simmer: Add the chopped garlic, white wine, chicken broth, and additional salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Bake the chicken: Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Cover and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Thicken the sauce: Remove the chicken and thyme bundle. In a small bowl, mix softened butter and flour, then whisk into the simmering sauce. Let it cook for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Finish and serve: Return the chicken to the sauce, let it rest for 10 minutes, and serve warm.

Recipe Tips
- What kind of mushrooms should I use? Use a mix of wild mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and oyster for the best flavor.
- Can I use boneless chicken instead? Yes, boneless thighs or breasts will work but may cook faster. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
- How to thicken the sauce properly: Mix softened butter with flour before whisking into the sauce to avoid lumps.
- How to make it ahead: Cook the chicken and sauce a day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving.
- Can I skip the wine? For a non-alcoholic version, substitute more chicken broth for the wine and sherry.
What To Serve With Chicken Marsala
This rich, savory dish pairs well with hearty sides. Try these:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted asparagus
- Crusty artisan bread
How To Store Chicken Marsala
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Chicken Marsala Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 1183 kcal
- Protein: 78g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 85g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Cholesterol: 295mg
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Marsala without flour?
Yes, use a cornstarch slurry instead to thicken the sauce if avoiding flour.
Why is my sauce too thin?
Make sure to simmer it long enough after adding the butter-flour mixture, and don’t skip that step.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overbaking. Check for doneness at 30 minutes and rest the chicken before serving.
Can I use Marsala wine instead of sherry?
Yes, Marsala is the traditional choice and can be used in place of the sherry.
How do I reheat Chicken Marsala without drying it out?
Gently reheat it in a covered pan on low heat with a splash of broth or water.
Try More Recipes:
- 10 Ina Garten Christmas Salad Recipes
- 15 Best Ina Garten Christmas Desserts
- 15 Best Ina Garten Christmas Appetizers
Ina Garten Chicken Marsala Recipe
Description
A comforting, restaurant-style chicken marsala made with mushrooms, garlic, and white wine.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Pat chicken dry, season, and dredge in flour.
- Brown chicken in olive oil and remove.
- Add garlic, mushrooms, and thyme; cook 5 minutes.
- Add sherry and reduce.
- Stir in chopped garlic, wine, broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Return chicken to pot, cover, and bake 30–35 minutes.
- Remove chicken and thyme. Whisk in butter and flour mixture. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Return chicken, let rest 10 minutes, and serve.
