Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, savory meal that’s bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! This Chicken Marsala Casserole combines the rich, earthy flavors of traditional Chicken Marsala with the ease and convenience of a casserole. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Stick around to discover everything you need to know about making this delightful casserole, from the ingredients list to presentation ideas and frequently asked questions. Let's dive into the details!

What is Chicken Marsala Casserole?

Chicken Marsala is an Italian-American classic, traditionally made with chicken cutlets, mushrooms, and a savory Marsala wine sauce. The casserole version takes all of those flavors and adds extra comfort with cheese, pasta, or rice to bring it all together. The result is a rich, filling, and incredibly delicious dish that works well for meal prep, large groups, or family dinners.

Now, let’s walk through the essential steps to making this casserole masterpiece!

Ingredients List for Chicken Marsala Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Baby Bella Mushrooms: 1 pound, sliced. They add an earthy flavor.
• Marsala Wine: 1 cup. Use dry Marsala wine for the best results.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup. This adds richness to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup. It helps balance the flavors.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. A must-have for flavor depth.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons. For sautéing the chicken and creating a creamy base.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. It helps prevent the butter from burning while cooking.
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped. Adds sweetness and texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded. A melty topping for the casserole.
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, freshly grated. Adds a sharp, nutty finish.
• Pasta (optional): 8 oz cooked penne or rigatoni (if you prefer a pasta-based casserole).
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

Seasonings:

• Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh, finely chopped.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley for garnish.
• Flour: 2 tablespoons. Helps thicken the sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible, so don’t hesitate to make adjustments based on your preferences or dietary needs!

• Pasta Substitution: If you prefer a low-carb option, replace the pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and swap the flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or cornstarch.
• Dairy-Free: You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free option. Instead of cheese, try dairy-free mozzarella or nutritional yeast.
• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, or Provolone for extra layers of flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Make Chicken Marsala Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and slice the mushrooms. Mince the garlic and chop the onions.
2. Cook the Pasta (Optional): If you’re using pasta, cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until they’re soft and slightly browned.
5. Create the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to coat everything evenly. Gradually pour in the Marsala wine and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
6. Add the Cream and Broth: Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add the thyme and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large casserole dish, layer the cooked chicken, the optional cooked pasta, and the creamy mushroom sauce. Mix everything together to ensure even distribution.
8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken can become dry if overcooked. Make sure to sear the chicken pieces until just browned, as they will cook further in the oven.
• Using Sweet Marsala Wine: Dry Marsala wine is key for the savory flavor. Sweet Marsala will change the profile of the dish and make it overly sugary.
• Not Thickening the Sauce: Don’t skip the flour or your sauce may end up too runny, which will make the casserole soggy.
• Undercooking the Mushrooms: Mushrooms release a lot of moisture. Make sure to cook them thoroughly so they don’t make the casserole watery.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Pairing Suggestions: Serve the casserole with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
• Wine Pairing: Since this dish is made with Marsala wine, a dry Marsala or a light-bodied white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the flavors beautifully.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Rustic Style: Serve the casserole straight from the dish for a cozy, family-style dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley and some grated Parmesan for a polished touch.
• Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, spoon the casserole into small ramekins or individual serving dishes. Add a sprig of thyme or parsley on top for a restaurant-quality look.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe Tips

• Prep in Advance: You can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Simply assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, let it come to room temperature before baking.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! You can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Double the Recipe: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Consider doubling the ingredients and making two casseroles—one for dinner tonight and one to freeze for later!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more richness and flavor, as they are fattier than chicken breasts.

Q: Can I make this casserole without wine?
A: While Marsala wine is key to the classic flavor, you can substitute it with chicken broth or white grape juice if needed. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

Q: How long does Chicken Marsala Casserole last in the fridge?
A: It will last for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes! Feel free to toss in some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas for added nutrition and color.

Conclusion

This Chicken Marsala Casserole recipe is the perfect blend of rich flavors, creamy textures, and satisfying ingredients that will surely become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests, this dish delivers comfort and elegance in every bite. With easy-to-follow instructions, substitutions for different dietary needs, and plenty of presentation ideas, you’ll have no trouble creating a meal that everyone will love.

Ready to cook? Gather your ingredients and give this Chicken Marsala Casserole a try! You’ll soon have a savory, comforting dish that’s bound to become a family staple. Happy cooking!

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