Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Marsala

By: chef ssentongo Geoffrey

Here’s a step-by-step copycat Olive Garden Chicken Marsala recipe that recreates the rich, savory flavors of the restaurant classic at home.

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Olive Garden-Style Chicken Marsala

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ½-inch thickness)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter

For the Marsala Sauce:

• 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup Marsala wine (sweet or dry, but not “cooking Marsala”)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
• Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
• Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Make the Marsala Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in Marsala wine, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
• Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
• For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir into the sauce.

4. Finish & Serve:

• Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it. Simmer for 2 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or risotto.

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Tips for the Best Copycat Results:

✔ Use real Marsala wine (not cooking wine) for the best flavor.
✔ Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to ensure a golden crust.
✔ Pound the chicken evenly so it cooks uniformly.

Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden-style Chicken Marsala! 🍷🍗