|

Stuffed Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe

If you’ve ever craved that perfect blend of creamy, savory, and just a little bit fancy, then you’re in for a real treat with this Stuffed Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe. It’s a dish that’s comfort food with a touch of elegance — ideal for impressing guests or just elevating your weeknight dinner game. I promise you, once you try this, you’ll want to make it over and over again!

🧡

Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Flavors: The creamy cheese filling complements the earthy mushrooms and rich Marsala sauce beautifully, creating layers of taste that hit every craving.
  • Perfectly Juicy Chicken: Cooking the chicken gently after searing keeps it moist and tender, which is key for this stuffed dish.
  • Easy to Make Yet Impresses: It looks like a restaurant-level dish but comes together in about an hour, making it practical for home cooks.
  • Flexibility: You can tweak the cheese blend and mushroom types to make it your own, which is something I always enjoy sharing with friends.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This stuffed chicken marsala is all about harmony. The cheeses create a creamy, melty center, while the marsala wine sauce brings a subtle sweetness balanced by the earthiness of mushrooms. Choosing fresh ingredients makes all the difference here — especially fresh mushrooms and good-quality cheese.

Stuffed Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms, Chicken Marsala stuffed, Creamy mushroom chicken, Elegant chicken dinner, Easy stuffed chicken breast - Flat lay of two large boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small mound of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, three tablespoons of butter in a small white bowl, a small white bowl filled with deep amber Marsala wine, a small white bowl of thick heavy cream, a white ceramic plate with sliced cremini mushrooms, a small white bowl with shredded smoked Gouda cheese, a small white bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl with grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of golden breadcrumbs, a small white bowl of creamy sour cream, six pieces of glossy sun-dried tomatoes, sliced green onions arranged neatly on a white plate, a small bunch of finely chopped fresh parsley on a white dish, two brown whole uncracked eggs, a small white bowl with light avocado oil, all items fresh and natural, perfect symmetry, realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Chicken breast: Opt for boneless, skinless breasts and butterfly them carefully to make room for the stuffing without breaking.
  • Marsala wine: This is the star of the sauce—look for a dry or semi-dry Marsala for the best flavor.
  • Cremini mushrooms: They have a robust flavor that stands up well in the sauce and sauté.
  • Cheeses (Gouda, mozzarella, Parmesan): Smoked Gouda adds depth, mozzarella melts beautifully, and Parmesan adds a sharp finish.
  • Breadcrumbs: Help bind the cheese mixture and add a little texture inside the filling.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Provide a sweet tang that wakes up the filling.
  • Green onions & parsley: Fresh herbs brighten the rich flavors and add a nice contrast.
  • Butter & flour: For thickening the Marsala sauce to just the right consistency.
  • Heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
  • Avocado oil: I use this for searing because it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Stuffed Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you prefer more cheese, a different mushroom variety, or even want to add some heat, you can do all that to suit your style.

  • Add a kick: I sometimes include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the mushroom sauté for a bit of warmth, and it really livens up the sauce.
  • Vegetarian twist: Swap chicken for thick portobello mushroom caps stuffed similarly for a veggie-friendly option—just be sure to adjust cooking time!
  • Cheese swaps: Tried it with fontina or provolone instead of Gouda and mozzarella for a milder, buttery filling that melts nicely.
  • Herb variations: Fresh thyme or rosemary can replace the parsley for an earthier, woodsy touch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Stuffed Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe

Step 1: Butterfly The Chicken Like a Pro

Start by slicing your chicken breasts lengthwise — not a full cut through, but enough to open them like a book. For this recipe, though, you’ll slice all the way through, creating two thinner pieces per breast. This technique not only makes the chicken cook faster but also gives you the perfect canvas for your flavorful filling. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper — this simple step is key to building flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Sear Until Golden and Juicy

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot (you should see a slight shimmer), add the chicken pieces. Sear for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t rush this — the crust formed here locks in juices. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook an additional minute or so until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Create the Marsala Sauce Base

In the same pan, add butter and sprinkle in the flour, whisking it together to form a roux. Let it cook for a minute or two until it gets lightly golden—this cooks off the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the Marsala wine, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. As it thickens, stir in heavy cream for that signature silky texture. If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash more wine or chicken broth. Keep the heat low and let the flavors meld while you prepare the mushrooms.

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms for Earthy Goodness

In a separate pan, melt a tablespoon of butter and add your sliced cremini mushrooms along with minced garlic (which I sometimes increase for that wonderful aroma). Cook for about five minutes, stirring often, until the mushrooms are soft and have released their juices. Then stir these gorgeous sautéed mushrooms into your Marsala sauce for that rich, earthy boost.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese & Herb Filling

In a bowl, mix together shredded smoked Gouda, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, sour cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sliced green onions, and fresh parsley. This filling is creamy, flavorful, and has just the right amount of tang and texture. Feel free to taste a bit of the mixture — you can even add a pinch of salt or pepper if you like.

Step 6: Stuff, Assemble & Broil

Divide the cheese filling evenly over half of the chicken pieces, then place the matching halves on top to create little chicken “sandwiches.” Arrange stuffed breasts in an oven-safe dish and broil on high for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese filling bubbles and melts beautifully. Keep your eye on it — broilers can be tricky, and you don’t want to burn that golden topping!

Step 7: Serve It Up With Love

Plate your stuffed chicken, then generously ladle the Marsala mushroom sauce over the top. This final step ties everything together — creamy, savory, and downright irresistible.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe

  • Don’t rush the sear: Taking the time to brown the chicken well seals in juices and adds incredible flavor.
  • Manage sauce thickness: If your sauce gets too thick, a splash of chicken broth will loosen it without diluting flavor.
  • Broil carefully: Watch the oven closely when broiling — the cheese melts fast and can burn if left too long.
  • Butter + garlic combo: Adding garlic when sautéing mushrooms makes a huge difference in flavor depth.

How to Serve Stuffed Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe

Stuffed Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms, Chicken Marsala stuffed, Creamy mushroom chicken, Elegant chicken dinner, Easy stuffed chicken breast - The image shows a dish with three main layers stacked on a white plate sitting on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a light golden-brown crispy base with visible green and orange bits inside, hinting at vegetables or herbs mixed in. The middle layer is thick and creamy in an orange-beige color, partially oozing onto the plate. The top layer is a smooth, light beige piece covered with a rich brown mushroom sauce dotted with small mushroom slices and green parsley leaves. Mushroom sauce also spreads around the base on the plate. There is a blurred white knife and silver fork in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I’ll add a few extra sun-dried tomato pieces on top for a little tangy bite that complements the richness well.

Side Dishes

This stuffed chicken marsala pairs beautifully with buttery garlic mashed potatoes or a simple herb-infused rice pilaf. For greens, sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus work perfectly to balance the richness of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to slice the stuffed chicken breasts into medallions and line them up on a serving platter with the Marsala sauce drizzled artistically. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top always gets compliments and makes the plate look stunning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually separate the chicken and sauce to keep the texture just right. They stay good for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times by wrapping each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in freezer bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat carefully so the filling doesn’t dry out.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat leftovers is covered loosely with foil in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. This helps keep the chicken moist and the cheese nice and melty. You can also gently warm the Marsala sauce separately on the stovetop and pour it over when serving.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this Stuffed Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe?

    Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just be aware that the cooking time might vary slightly due to the different thickness and fat content. Butterflying thighs might be trickier since they’re often smaller and less uniform in shape, but it’s doable.

  2. What if I can’t find Marsala wine?

    If Marsala isn’t readily available, you can substitute with a dry sherry or Madeira wine. If neither is available, a mix of white grape juice with a splash of balsamic vinegar can work in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.

  3. How do I butterfly chicken breasts without tearing them?

    Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears and place the chicken breast on a cutting board flat side down. Keep the knife parallel to the board and slice slowly, stopping just before you cut all the way through (for butterfly-style). For this recipe, you’ll cut fully to create two thinner pieces. If you find uneven thickness, gently pound with a meat mallet wrapped in plastic wrap for even cooking.

  4. Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?

    Yes! You can mix the cheese filling, mushrooms, and herbs a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. When ready to cook, just assemble the stuffed chicken and continue with the recipe as usual. This saves you some prep time on the day you want to serve it.

  5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

    Traditionally, it’s not because of the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs. However, you can substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to adapt this Stuffed Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe to fit gluten-free diets.

Final Thoughts

Making this Stuffed Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe always feels like a special occasion at home. The combination of the juicy chicken, creamy cheese filling, savory mushrooms, and that luxuriously smooth Marsala sauce hits all the right notes. I love how approachable it is, yet it feels sophisticated enough to serve to company without stress. You’ll enjoy the compliments, and more importantly, the feeling of whipping up something delicious that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas. Give it a go—I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Stuffed Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Olive Garden Stuffed Chicken Marsala recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a rich blend of smoked Gouda, mozzarella, Parmesan, sour cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Sautéed mushrooms and a luscious Marsala wine cream sauce complete this elegant yet comforting Italian-inspired dish, perfect for a special dinner or weekend indulgence.


Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp butter, divided

Sauce

  • ¾ cup Marsala wine
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • Additional Marsala wine or chicken broth as needed

Mushrooms

  • 10 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Minced garlic, about 2 cloves (estimated)

Cheese Filling

  • ½ cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, about 6 pieces, chopped
  • 4 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped


Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast lengthwise completely, creating two equal pieces per breast. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sear until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook through for about 1 minute more. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Make Marsala Sauce: In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter and the flour. Whisk together and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly stir in Marsala wine, let simmer until slightly reduced, then add heavy cream. If sauce is too thick, thin with additional wine or a dash of chicken broth. Keep sauce warm on low heat.
  4. Sauté Mushrooms: In a separate sauté pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter, add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until mushrooms are tender. Add mushrooms to the Marsala sauce and stir to combine.
  5. Prepare Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine breadcrumbs, sour cream, shredded smoked Gouda, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, sliced green onions, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped parsley. Mix well.
  6. Stuff Chicken: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over half of the chicken pieces. Top each with the matching chicken piece to form a sandwich.
  7. Broil Chicken: Preheat oven broiler to high. Place stuffed chicken breasts in an oven-safe pan and broil for 6 to 8 minutes until the cheese filling is melted and slightly golden.
  8. Serve: Plate the stuffed chicken breasts and spoon the mushroom Marsala sauce over the top. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

  • Butterfly chicken breasts carefully to create even-sized pieces for stuffing.
  • If Marsala wine is unavailable, a dry white wine or grape juice mixed with a splash of vinegar can be substituted.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley for vibrant flavor, or substitute with dried herbs if fresh is not available.
  • The cheese filling can be adjusted to taste, adding more sour cream for creaminess or extra cheese for richness.
  • To ensure chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast stuffed
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg

You Might Also Like These Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star