Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe

If you're a fan of Chicken Marsala, you'll love this comforting and delicious Chicken Marsala Casserole! This recipe takes the traditional flavors of the beloved Italian-American dish and combines them into a rich, creamy casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a family gathering. Filled with tender chicken, mushrooms, and a savory Marsala wine sauce, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your household. Read on to discover how to make this delightful recipe and a few tips and tricks to ensure it turns out perfect every time!

What Is Chicken Marsala Casserole?

Chicken Marsala Casserole is a baked dish inspired by the classic Chicken Marsala, a popular Italian-American entrée made with sautéed chicken breasts and mushrooms in a Marsala wine sauce. By turning it into a casserole, you create a more convenient, hearty dish that’s perfect for serving a crowd. It combines all the flavors of Chicken Marsala but in a cozy, comforting form. You'll get tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, wine-infused sauce all baked to perfection.

This recipe is also highly versatile. Whether you're feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this Chicken Marsala Casserole fits the bill.

Ingredients List for Chicken Marsala Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Chicken Marsala Casserole:

• Chicken breasts or thighs (2 pounds), boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Marsala wine (1 cup) – Marsala wine is a key component of the dish, giving it its signature flavor.
• Mushrooms (8 oz), sliced – White button or cremini mushrooms work well.
• Onion (1 medium), finely chopped
• Garlic (3 cloves), minced
• Butter (4 tablespoons) – For sautéing and adding richness to the sauce.
• All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons) – To thicken the sauce.
• Chicken broth (1 ½ cups) – Enhances the flavor and keeps the casserole moist.
• Heavy cream (½ cup) – Adds creaminess to the sauce.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup) – Provides a cheesy, bubbly topping.
• Shredded parmesan cheese (½ cup) – Adds a nutty, savory flavor.
• Breadcrumbs (½ cup) – For a crunchy topping.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons) – For sautéing.
• Salt and pepper (to taste) – For seasoning.
• Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons), chopped – For garnish.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about a casserole recipe is its flexibility. Here are some common substitutions and variations for Chicken Marsala Casserole:

1. Protein Options: Instead of chicken, you can use turkey breast or pork tenderloin for a similar flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or a hearty vegetable like zucchini.
2. Dairy-Free Option: If you're avoiding dairy, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine. Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk (though the sauce will be less rich).
3. Gluten-Free Version: To make the casserole gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip the breadcrumbs altogether.
4. Cheese Substitutes: If you prefer different cheese options, feel free to swap mozzarella and parmesan with Gruyère, cheddar, or Swiss cheese. Each brings a unique flavor to the casserole.
5. Mushroom Variations: Don’t like mushrooms? You can leave them out entirely or replace them with vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Alternatively, you can use a different type of mushroom, such as shiitake or portobello, for a more robust flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking Chicken Marsala Casserole is simple, but it does require a few steps to ensure the flavors are perfectly balanced. Here’s how to make this casserole:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces in batches, cooking until golden brown and cooked through. This will take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the chopped onion and mushrooms until they are softened and browned, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Marsala Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the onion, mushrooms, and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to coat the vegetables and prevent lumps. Slowly pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes. Next, stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it with the Marsala sauce until everything is well-coated.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the chicken and sauce mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using low-quality Marsala wine: The flavor of the dish heavily depends on Marsala wine. Opt for a good quality dry Marsala wine rather than a sweet one, as it provides the best flavor for this savory dish.
2. Not thickening the sauce: It’s important to let the sauce simmer long enough so it thickens. If the sauce is too thin, the casserole might end up watery.
3. Overcooking the chicken: Since the chicken is baked in the casserole, be careful not to overcook it while sautéing. You want the chicken to stay tender and juicy.
4. Skipping the breadcrumb topping: The breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Don’t skip this step!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is everything, especially if you’re serving this Chicken Marsala Casserole to guests. Here are a few tips to make it look as amazing as it tastes:

How to Serve Chicken Marsala Casserole

This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Consider serving it with:

• Buttered noodles or pasta: These are classic accompaniments to Chicken Marsala. The sauce from the casserole pairs perfectly with pasta.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are another excellent side, soaking up the savory Marsala sauce.
• Steamed vegetables: Light vegetables like steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the casserole.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Marsala Casserole

To enhance the presentation of your Chicken Marsala Casserole, try the following ideas:

1. Garnish generously: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve in individual ramekins: For a more formal dinner, consider serving the casserole in individual baking dishes or ramekins.
3. Add a side salad: Serve the casserole with a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe Tips

• Prep ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This is perfect for meal prepping.
• Freeze leftovers: Chicken Marsala Casserole freezes well. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until warmed through.
• Adjust the sauce consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour or reduce the sauce for a few more minutes. For a thinner sauce, add a little more chicken broth or cream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use cooking wine instead of Marsala wine?
A: While cooking wine is a convenient option, it’s best to use real Marsala wine for this dish. Cooking wine contains salt and additives that can alter the flavor. A good-quality dry Marsala wine is worth the investment for the best flavor.

Q: Can I make Chicken Marsala Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.

Q: Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
A: Absolutely. Turkey breast, pork tenderloin, or even tofu are great alternatives to chicken in this recipe.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Chicken Marsala Casserole is a delicious and comforting twist on the classic Chicken Marsala dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is filled with tender chicken, mushrooms, and a savory Marsala wine sauce, all topped with cheesy goodness. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or try one of the variations, this dish is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients and give this flavorful casserole a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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