Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe

Chicken Marsala Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic Italian-American dish, blending rich flavors of Marsala wine, tender chicken, and savory mushrooms into a comforting and easy-to-make casserole. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a hearty meal that doesn’t require hours of preparation in the kitchen. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish will impress with its flavorful and creamy texture. Keep reading to discover the step-by-step process to make this irresistible casserole, and don’t miss out on helpful tips and variations to customize it to your taste!

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What is Chicken Marsala Casserole?

Chicken Marsala Casserole is an oven-baked version of Chicken Marsala, a popular Italian-inspired dish made with chicken cutlets cooked in Marsala wine and mushrooms. In this casserole version, all the ingredients are combined into a single dish for easy preparation and serving. Layers of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a rich, creamy Marsala sauce come together to create a comforting and delicious meal.

Ingredients List for Chicken Marsala Casserole

1. Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless) – 2 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2. Marsala Wine – 1 cup
3. Mushrooms (Cremini or Button) – 8 oz, sliced
4. Butter – 4 tablespoons
5. Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
6. Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
7. Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
8. Chicken Broth – 1 cup
9. Heavy Cream – ½ cup
10. All-Purpose Flour – ¼ cup (for thickening the sauce)
11. Mozzarella Cheese – 1½ cups, shredded
12. Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup, grated
13. Pasta (Penne or Ziti) – 12 oz, cooked al dente
14. Salt and Pepper – to taste
15. Fresh Parsley – for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

1. Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour, and use gluten-free pasta.
2. Low-Carb Version: Swap pasta for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
3. Vegetarian Variation: Substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant or zucchini and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
4. Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based cream, butter, and cheese, and replace chicken with tofu or a plant-based protein.
5. Wine-Free Option: If you prefer not to use wine, replace the Marsala with chicken or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
6. Extra Veggies: Add spinach, bell peppers, or peas for extra color and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Cook the Mushrooms and Onions: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and onions, cooking until softened and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Marsala Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom and onion mixture, stirring to combine and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the Marsala wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the chicken broth and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Add the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
5. Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned chicken, and the Marsala mushroom sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Layer the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Chicken: Since the chicken will continue cooking in the oven, avoid overcooking it during the initial browning step to keep it tender.
2. Skipping the Browning Step: Browning the chicken and mushrooms adds depth of flavor to the dish. Don't skip this step, as it enhances the overall taste of the casserole.
3. Not Thickening the Sauce Properly: Be sure to sprinkle flour evenly and cook it for at least a minute before adding liquids to avoid a raw flour taste and to ensure a smooth sauce.
4. Using the Wrong Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan work best in this recipe. Avoid using overly strong cheeses that could overpower the delicate Marsala flavor.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken Marsala Casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Here are some tips on how to serve and present it in an appealing way:

1. Serve with a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the casserole.
2. Offer Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
3. Pair with a Glass of Wine: A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, or a light red wine, such as Pinot Noir, pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the dish.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Marsala Casserole

1. Rustic Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
2. Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, scoop individual servings onto plates and garnish each one with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a sprig of parsley.
3. Use Decorative Bakeware: Serve the casserole in a decorative ceramic or glass baking dish to make the meal look extra inviting on the table.
4. Garnish with Lemon Zest: For a fresh, bright contrast, sprinkle a little lemon zest over each serving.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe Tips

1. Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to cook, simply bake it as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
2. Double the Recipe: This dish is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Double the ingredients and use two baking dishes if you're hosting a large group.
3. Freeze for Later: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.
4. Use Homemade Stock: For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other types of wine for this recipe?
Marsala wine has a distinct flavor that is key to the traditional dish, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a dry white wine or even a sherry in a pinch. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.

Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked or leftover chicken. Just skip the initial browning step and toss the chicken directly with the sauce and pasta.

What type of pasta works best for this casserole?
Short pasta like penne, ziti, or rigatoni works best as it holds the sauce well. You can also use fusilli or cavatappi for a twist.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free butter, cream, and cheese alternatives to make the dish suitable for those with dairy allergies or preferences.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Conclusion

Chicken Marsala Casserole is the perfect comfort food that combines the beloved flavors of the classic Chicken Marsala with the ease of a casserole. With its rich Marsala wine sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy baked goodness, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is easy to follow and can be adapted to suit different dietary needs. Try it today, and enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love!

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