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Chicken Marsala Casserole

Chicken Marsala Casserole

This Chicken Marsala Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dinner that transforms the classic Chicken Marsala into a hearty, family-friendly bake. It features tender chicken breasts, earthy mushrooms, a rich Marsala wine cream sauce, and a gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese topping. Perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals, this casserole combines gourmet flavors with convenience and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 8 oz cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 1 cup Marsala wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Dairy & Cheese

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

Fats & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped for garnish
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep and Sauté the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and brown the chicken until golden on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: In the same pan, add the butter and melt over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Create the Marsala Sauce: Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Place the browned chicken breasts in a greased casserole dish. Pour the Marsala mushroom sauce evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top.
  5. Bake Until Bubbling and Golden: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and retain juiciness.
  • Do not skip deglazing the pan; it adds rich, developed flavor to the sauce.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to keep it smooth and prevent the cream from curdling.
  • Choose good-quality Marsala wine for authentic flavor depth.
  • Allow the casserole to rest before serving for better slicing and layered texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Marsala, casserole, easy dinner, Marsala wine sauce, creamy chicken dish, mushroom casserole, family-friendly, make-ahead, comfort food