If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, you’ve likely come across Chicken Marsala on the menu. This classic dish, featuring chicken breasts in a rich and flavorful Marsala wine sauce, is a favorite in many households. But have you ever tried making it at home? Today, we’re going to share with you the absolute best Chicken Marsala recipe by Emeril Lagasse, a renowned chef known for his Creole and Cajun cooking.
The Absolute Best Chicken Marsala Recipe by Emeril
Chicken Marsala is a beloved Italian dish that has found its way into the hearts and kitchens of food lovers around the world. Known for its rich and savory flavors, this dish is a staple in many Italian-American households and restaurants.

The Absolute Best Chicken Marsala Recipe by Emeril Lagasse
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half and pounded thin
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups sliced mushrooms cremini, oyster, shiitake
- 3/4 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup chicken stock
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and Emeril’s Essence Creole Seasoning. Dredge the chicken breast halves in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Add another tablespoon of butter to the pan, followed by the mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are golden brown and have given off their liquid.
- Add the Marsala wine to the pan, scraping to remove any browned bits from the bottom. When the wine has reduced by half, add the chicken stock and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Lower the heat to medium and return the chicken breasts to the pan. Continue to cook until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Swirl in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped chives. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Emeril’s Essence: The Secret to Flavorful Dishes
Emeril Lagasse, the renowned chef known for his Creole and Cajun cooking, has a secret weapon in his culinary arsenal: Emeril’s Essence. This Creole seasoning blend is a key ingredient in many of his recipes, including the absolute best Chicken Marsala recipe by Emeril we’ve discussed earlier.
What is Emeril’s Essence?
Emeril’s Essence is a homemade spice blend that adds a kick of flavor to any dish. It’s a mix of common spices that, when combined, create a unique flavor profile that enhances the taste of your meals. The blend includes paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
How to Make Emeril’s Essence
Making Emeril’s Essence is simple. All you need to do is combine the following ingredients:
Emeril’s Essence Creole Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blow and combine completely. Store at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Once you’ve combined these spices, store the blend in an airtight jar or container. You can use it to season meats, vegetables, soups, and more.
Why Use Emerils Essence?
Emeril’s Essence is a versatile spice blend that can elevate the flavor of any dish. It’s a convenient way to add a complex layer of flavor without having to measure out multiple spices each time you cook. Plus, since it’s homemade, you can adjust the quantities of each spice to suit your personal taste.
So, the next time you’re cooking and want to add a little extra flavor, reach for Emeril’s Essence. It’s the secret to making dishes that are truly “kicked up a notch”!
What is Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala is a traditional Italian dish that originates from the region of Sicily. The dish is named after Marsala wine, a fortified wine produced in the city of Marsala in Sicily. The dish consists of chicken cutlets that are lightly floured and sautéed, then served in a sauce made from Marsala wine, butter, olive oil, and often includes mushrooms.
The Flavor Profile
The defining characteristic of Chicken Marsala is its rich and complex sauce. The Marsala wine provides a slightly sweet, yet robust flavor that pairs beautifully with the earthiness of the mushrooms. The chicken, lightly dusted with flour, adds a subtle crispness to the dish, while the butter and olive oil create a velvety texture that coats the palate.
How to Serve Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is typically served over a bed of pasta or rice, which helps to soak up the delicious sauce. However, it can also be served alongside roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad. Regardless of how you serve it, Chicken Marsala is a versatile dish that can be dressed up for a dinner party or dressed down for a weeknight meal.
The Popularity of Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala’s popularity extends far beyond the borders of Italy. Its simple preparation and flavorful payoff make it a favorite in many households. Plus, the ingredients are relatively easy to find, making it a convenient choice for a home-cooked meal.
FAQ on Chicken Marsala
Marsala wine is the traditional choice for this dish, but in a pinch, you can substitute it with Madeira wine or a dry sherry.
Yes, while the basic recipe calls for chicken and mushrooms, you can add other ingredients like onions, garlic, or even prosciutto for additional flavor.
Yes, for a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or a hearty vegetable like portobello mushrooms.
You can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free flour or cornstarch to dust the chicken.
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Marsala ahead of time and reheat it before serving. However, it’s best served fresh for the most flavor.
Chicken Marsala pairs well with pasta, rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
FAQ’s on Emerils Essence
Yes, Emeril’s Essence is available for purchase in many grocery stores and online. However, making it at home allows you to adjust the spice levels to your liking.
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, Emeril’s Essence can last up to a year.
Yes, Emeril’s Essence is a versatile spice blend that can be used on meats, vegetables, soups, and more.
Emeril’s Essence has a bit of a kick due to the cayenne pepper, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
Yes, you can omit the salt to make a salt-free version of Emeril’s Essence.
Yes, if you don’t have Emeril’s Essence on hand, you can substitute it with another Creole or Cajun seasoning blend. However, the flavor profile may be slightly different.