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This creamy garlic chicken marsala with roasted potatoes is the ultimate restaurant style comfort food you can make at home in as little as 30 to 45 minutes, thanks to easy prep and clever kitchen shortcuts. Whether you are hosting a special dinner or craving a cozy family meal, golden chicken, creamy garlic mushroom sauce, and perfectly roasted potatoes deliver unbeatable flavor every time. Save time and stress with this quick, elegant chicken marsala recipe that impresses guests and delights weeknight eaters alike.
I first recreated this creamy chicken marsala at home after being wowed by a bistro version, and it instantly became a family favorite for chilly nights. The garlic infused sauce, double dose of fresh mushrooms, and crisp roasted potatoes always win rave reviews around our table. Thanks to simple techniques and smart ingredient choices, homemade chicken marsala truly outshines any restaurant version and satisfies every comfort food craving.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Baby red or gold potatoes: Essential for creamy interiors and crispy edges, cut evenly for even roasting; substitute Yukon Golds as needed
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness to both potatoes and chicken for depth of flavor; pick high quality oil for best results
- Fresh or dried rosemary: Brings aromatic herbal notes to roasted potatoes; swap for thyme if preferred
- Minced garlic: Infuses both sauce and potatoes with bold, savory taste; jarred garlic works for speed
- Kosher salt and cracked black pepper: Balances all flavors; freshly cracked pepper enhances aroma
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provide lean juicy protein and are easy to cook evenly; chicken thighs are a tender alternative
- All purpose flour: Lightly coats chicken for a crisp crust; swap for gluten free blend or cornstarch for dietary needs
- Unsalted butter: Rounds out sauce flavor and adds creaminess; sub vegan butter if dairy free
- Sliced cremini or white mushrooms: Give deep earthy umami to the sauce; double for extra savory richness
- Chicken broth: Builds a savory sauce base; use low sodium to control salt content
- White grape juice and sherry vinegar: Mimic classic marsala wine flavor without alcohol; apple juice and lemon can substitute in a pinch
- Heavy cream: Creates a velvety finish for the sauce; swap with coconut or oat milk for dairy free option
- Fresh chopped parsley: Adds a final burst of color and freshness; optional but highly recommended
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Marsala with Roasted Potatoes
- Prep the Potatoes and Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss halved baby potatoes in a bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Arrange in an even layer on a parchment lined baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once halfway, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy at the edges—this method ensures fluffy interiors and perfect crunch.
- Flatten and Season the Chicken for Even Cooking:
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness between sheets of parchment or plastic wrap for juicier results. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour, shaking off any excess. This prepping keeps chicken tender and helps lock in moisture as it cooks.
- Sear the Chicken for Flavorful Browning:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high. Sear the floured chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply golden and easy to turn, developing delicious browned bits for the sauce. If the chicken resists, let it cook another minute to release naturally.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic for Umami Depth:
- With chicken set aside, add mushrooms to the same pan and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and their liquid cooks off. Add minced garlic and stir just for 60 seconds, letting its aroma bloom without burning, then scrape up browned bits for maximum flavor.
- Deglaze with Broth and Marsala Substitute for the Signature Sauce:
- Pour chicken broth, grape juice, and sherry vinegar into the hot pan, using a wooden spoon to loosen everything stuck to the bottom. Let simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly, marrying the sweet, tangy, and savory notes for the hallmark marsala flavor.
- Stir in Cream for Luscious Consistency:
- Lower the heat before pouring in heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce thickens enough to coat the spoon and takes on a creamy, glossy look—this ensures a decadent texture in every bite.
- Finish and Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce:
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Cover the pan and simmer gently on low for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the rich sauce and cook through without drying out.
- Plate and Garnish for Serving:
- Arrange chicken and roasted potatoes on plates. Spoon mushroom garlic marsala sauce generously over the chicken, and finish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fragrant finish. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
The first time I made this creamy garlic chicken marsala, I could not believe how perfectly the grape juice and vinegar replicated true marsala flavor. Now, my family asks for the double mushroom version on chilly weekends, and the leftovers are always fought over! It is a dish I return to again and again because it is as nutritious as it is comforting, blending protein, healthy fats, and satisfying carbs in every plate.
Smart Swaps and Variations
For gluten free chicken marsala, substitute a 1 to 1 gluten free flour blend or mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water to thicken the sauce. Dairy free diners can swap full fat coconut milk or unsweetened creamy oat milk in for the heavy cream, and use vegan butter in both the sauce and potatoes. Swap the chicken breasts for boneless skinless thighs for even more juiciness, or add a handful of fresh baby spinach or asparagus tips in the last 2 minutes of simmering for a seasonal boost. Yukon Gold potatoes work beautifully instead of baby reds, and if you need a substitute for marsala flavor, a splash of apple juice plus a squeeze of lemon will do in a pinch.
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Garlic Chicken Marsala with Roasted Potatoes
Cool leftovers promptly and store chicken and sauce in an airtight container separate from the roasted potatoes to keep textures at their best. Chicken marsala will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, while potatoes retain their crispness if reheated on a sheet pan. Freeze cooled chicken in its sauce, allowing space for expansion, for up to 2 months. Reheat chicken gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or extra cream if sauce is too thick, and warm potatoes in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes for crispy perfection.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken Marsala with Roasted Potatoes
This dish shines when paired with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creaminess of the sauce. Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up every bit of mushroom gravy, and for gatherings or holidays, add a tray of roasted seasonal veggies or a glass of sparkling citrus water for a full bistro style spread that is sure to impress. The combination makes any meal feel special, from weeknight dinners to celebratory feasts.
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken breast featured in this creamy garlic chicken marsala provides lean protein essential for muscle and cell repair, while potatoes supply filling complex carbs, potassium, and dietary fiber for steady energy. Mushrooms in the sauce are rich in antioxidants and plant based nutrients, supporting immunity and overall health. This recipe can easily be adjusted with lighter cream or less oil for a calorie conscious version, and it fits gluten free or dairy free diets with just a couple ingredient swaps.
Recipe Success Tips
Pound chicken evenly so it cooks through and stays juicy, never dry in spots. Taste sauce before finishing to balance salt and acidity precisely, and always wait for deep color on mushrooms for the best depth of flavor. If sauce seems too thin, just simmer uncovered a few extra minutes; if chicken starts browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil to prevent overcooking but allow sauce to thicken.
Creamy garlic chicken marsala with roasted potatoes brings rich, restaurant worthy comfort food straight to your home kitchen. Give this recipe a try for a crowd pleasing meal everyone will request again and again.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What type of potatoes works best for this dish?
Baby red or gold potatoes are ideal as they roast quickly and become tender with a creamy interior and crispy skin.
- → Can I substitute the Marsala wine?
Yes, a blend of white grape juice and sherry vinegar creates a flavorful, alcohol-free alternative for the sauce.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Pounding the chicken to even thickness and searing rapidly over medium-high heat helps retain moisture and tenderness.
- → What mushrooms should I use?
Creamy garlic Marsala pairs well with white button or cremini mushrooms for a savory, earthy profile.
- → Can this meal be prepared ahead?
Potatoes can be roasted in advance and reheated, while chicken and sauce are best made just before serving for freshness.
- → What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or a plant-based cream can be used for a lighter version, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.