The Best Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

When crafting this hearty chicken marsala casserole, home cooks discover a delightful twist on the classic Italian-American dish.

Comfort meets elegance in every single bite of this creamy, mushroom-packed creation.

Delicate chicken pieces nestle perfectly among rich, wine-infused sauce layers.

Mushrooms add an earthy depth that makes this casserole seriously irresistible.

Wine-soaked ingredients meld together in a harmonious blend of flavors that sing with Mediterranean charm.

Bold yet simple ingredients transform an ordinary weeknight meal into something magical.

I promise you’ll want seconds of this incredibly satisfying dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Brings Bold, Savory Flavor

• Quicken Weeknight Dinners: Transforms classic Chicken Marsala into an easy one-dish meal that saves precious cooking time and minimizes kitchen cleanup.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Delivers rich, restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort, combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheeses in a satisfying casserole format.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows switching proteins, adding vegetables, or adjusting cheese types to match family preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and casual dinner parties, offering a delicious main course that appeals to both adults and kids with its familiar, comforting taste profile.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Parts

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that forms the base of the casserole, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
• Marsala Wine: Rich Italian wine that adds deep, complex flavor to the dish, opt for a good quality dry Marsala.

• Heavy Cream: Provides rich, creamy texture and helps bind the casserole ingredients together.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, bubbling topping with a savory depth.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that adds depth and complexity to the casserole.
• Mushrooms: Earthy component that complements the chicken and Marsala wine, choose fresh, firm mushrooms.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and additional savory flavor to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the overall flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herbal note.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Step Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Drizzle olive oil in a skillet and transform chicken cubes into golden, juicy morsels.

Once perfectly cooked, set them aside.

Step 3: Create Flavor Foundations

In the same skillet, dance onions, garlic, and mushrooms around until they become wonderfully soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Splash in the Magic

Pour in Marsala wine and chicken broth, letting the liquids mingle and reduce by half, creating a rich, concentrated flavor base.

Step 5: Smooth and Creamy Transformation

Introduce heavy cream to the skillet, stirring until the sauce becomes luxuriously thick and velvety.

Step 6: Reunite the Chicken

Fold the cooked chicken back into the sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the taste.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with excitement.

Step 9: Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve this comforting masterpiece hot and fresh.

Recipe Tips For Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and tender texture, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
• Simmer Marsala wine and broth slowly to achieve a rich, concentrated sauce that coats the chicken perfectly without becoming too watery.
• Grate fresh mozzarella and parmesan for better melting, creating a golden, crispy cheese layer that adds depth to the casserole.
• Sauté mushrooms and onions before adding wine to develop a deeper, more complex taste profile that enhances the overall dish.
• Cover the casserole with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to retain moisture, then uncover to allow cheese to brown and crisp beautifully.

Chicken Marsala Casserole: Storage Guide

• Store leftover Chicken Marsala Casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal freshness and flavor.
• Carefully transfer casserole to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Place a date label to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil during last 5 minutes for crispy cheese topping.
• Transfer single serving to microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Stop when thoroughly warmed, typically 1-2 minutes total.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Combos

• Uncork Bold Italian Wines: A crisp Pinot Grigio or robust Chianti beautifully complements the rich, creamy Marsala flavors, cutting through the dish's decadent texture.
• Craft Perfect Side Companions: Roasted garlic asparagus or herbed quinoa create amazing flavor harmony, balancing the casserole's intense mushroom and wine notes while adding nutritious contrast.
• Elevate with Fresh Greens: A light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides zesty freshness that cleanses the palate between each indulgent chicken bite, introducing bright acidity to the meal.
• Match Rustic Bread Options: Crusty Italian focaccia or warm garlic crostini work wonderfully for soaking up the luxurious Marsala sauce, ensuring no delicious droplet goes to waste.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Flavor Additions

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace casserole's traditional base with riced cauliflower, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining rich Marsala flavors and protein content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a creamy, lactose-free version that preserves original taste profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs as topping and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free, ensuring safe consumption for individuals with wheat sensitivities.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate additional herbs like oregano and thyme, add diced artichoke hearts, and sprinkle feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired interpretation of the classic recipe.

FAQs

• What type of wine works best for Chicken Marsala Casserole?

Marsala wine is traditional and ideal, but if unavailable, you can substitute dry sherry or Madeira wine. These alternatives provide similar depth and richness to the dish.

• Can I use different types of mushrooms?

Yes! While the recipe works great with standard white button mushrooms, cremini, shiitake, or a mixed mushroom blend will add more complex flavor and texture to the casserole.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if coming straight from the refrigerator.

• How can I make this recipe lighter?

To reduce calories, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, choose low-fat cheese options, and use chicken breast with visible fat trimmed. These simple swaps can make the dish more diet-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade chicken marsala casserole delivers pure comfort with Italian-inspired flavors melding perfectly. Creamy mushroom sauce and tender chicken create a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 lb (454 grams) mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (100 grams) parmesan cheese, grated

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) Marsala wine
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Arrange the oven rack to the middle position and warm to 375°F, preparing a casserole dish with light cooking spray.
2. Transform raw chicken into golden-brown morsels by searing in a hot skillet with olive oil, ensuring complete cooking. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to caramelize aromatic onions, releasing their sweet essence, then introduce minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until tender and fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pan with Marsala wine, allowing the liquid to dance and reduce, concentrating complex flavors. Add chicken broth and continue reducing by half.
5. Create a luxurious sauce by incorporating heavy cream, stirring gently until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
6. Reunite the seared chicken with the velvety sauce, seasoning generously with salt and cracked black pepper for depth of flavor.
7. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish, creating an even layer of savory goodness.
8. Blanket the surface with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust, approximately 20-25 minutes.
10. Remove from oven and let rest briefly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts with uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Pat chicken dry before cubing to help achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior when searing.
• If avoiding alcohol, replace Marsala wine with chicken broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth of flavor.
• For a low-carb version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
• Add extra mushroom varieties like shiitake or porcini for a more complex, earthy mushroom profile.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for better heat distribution and enhanced flavor development during sautéing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 486
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg