Hello! Welcome to Wine Travelista.
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Wine
  • Food
  • Work With Me
  • Shop
  • Wine Candle Holder
  • Contact
  • Web Stories
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
    • Travel
    • Wine
    • Food
  • Freebies
    • Wine Tasting Planner
    • Wine Trip Packing List
  • Shop
    • Shop My Favorites
    • Wine Barrel Candle Holder
    • Wine Club
  • Work With Me
  • Contact

Wine Travelista

Food · March 7, 2023

The Best Wine Pairing with Chicken Marsala

Wine pairing with chicken marsala

Wondering what’s the best wine pairing with Chicken Marsala? This golden chicken dish with a rich wine sauce works well with both white wines and red wines.

But not all wines are created equal. You’ll want to make sure the dish and the wine are an even match. Otherwise, your palate can be overwhelmed by one of them.

Read on to find out how to choose the perfect pairing for this classic dish. And get the recipe to go with it!

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

BTW, if you haven’t yet, make sure to grab my free Wine Tasting Planner. It has 20+ wine night theme ideas, including the exact ones I’ve used for my wine tastings. Plus, a timeline, food pairings, games, free printables, worksheets, and more. Get your copy here.

Table of Contents Hide
1. Wine Pairing with Chicken Marsala
2. What is Chicken Marsala?
3. What is Marsala Wine?
4. Best Marsala Wine for Chicken Marsala Recipes
5. Marsala Wine Substitutes
6. What Wine Goes with Chicken Marsala?
7. What Should You Serve with Chicken Marsala?
8. Chicken Marsala Recipe Equipment
9. Chicken Marsala Recipe

Wine Pairing with Chicken Marsala

The best wine pairing with Chicken Marsala is a dry, full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Chenin Blanc. Or a lighter, low-tannin red wine like Pinot Noir or Gamay. These wines will match the weight of the rich mushroom and Marsala wine sauce, without overpowering it.

What is Chicken Marsala?

I’m guessing if you wound up here, you’re likely familiar with Chicken Marsala. But just in case, here’s a little 411 on this Italian-American dish.

Chicken Marsala is thought to have originated in Sicily’s Trapani province. Which also happens to be the home of Marsala wine.

While its roots are in Italy, it may also have been influenced by all the French chefs hanging out in the area after the Napoleonic wars.

And the dish continued to evolve when it crossed the pond to the United States. Italian immigrants adapted it using local ingredients.

A staple in Italian restaurants and on home dinner tables alike, today’s version is golden pan-fried chicken breasts simmered in a mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. De-lish!

What is Marsala Wine?

What is Marsala wine infographic

Before getting into Chicken Marsala wine pairings, it’s helpful to know more about the ingredients and different flavors in the dish.

Marsala is a fortified wine from Sicily. This means high-proof alcohol (i.e., brandy) is added during the wine’s fermentation. This kills the yeast and stops the fermentation. If it’s added before the yeast has converted all the sugar to alcohol, the wine can have some sweetness.

That’s why you’ll find Marsala comes in a range of sweetness levels. Secco is the driest style. Or sweet Marsala wine will be labeled Semi Secco or Dulce (the sweetest).

Depending on how much brandy is added and when it’s added during fermentation, alcohol levels can be between 15% and 20% ABV.

Marsala also comes in different colors. Just like with other wines, it can be made with white or red grapes. And the age of the wine will impact the color as well.

White grapes like Grillo, Cattaroto, and Inzolia will be Amber (Ambra) or Gold (Oro) in color. Red grapes like Pignatello and Nerello Mascalese make a ruby-colored style (called Rubino).

Marsala is classified by how long it’s been aged in oak. This starts at Fine, with a minimum aging requirement of one year. And it can go all the way up to Stravecchio at 10 years. Superiore, Superiore Riserva, and Vergine (or Soleras) fall between the two.

Younger styles will have flavors of apricot, vanilla, and tamarind. And as it ages, you’ll get more tobacco and nutty flavors.

Pin for Later!

Best Marsala Wine for Chicken Marsala Recipes

Older styles of Marsala make a great aperitif or after-dinner sipper. But if you’re using it as a cooking wine, the younger styles of Marsala are best.

And you’ll want a dry Marsala wine for this savory dish. It will add those delicious nutty, caramelized flavors.

Look for Fine or Superiore that’s labeled “Secco.” And make sure it’s actually from Sicily and not a knock-off.

Since the alcohol level is on the higher side, an opened bottle should stay good for about a month. Just make sure to keep it in a cool, dark place. And using something like a vacuum pump can extend its life further.

Marsala Wine Substitutes

If you’re in a pinch, there are a few things that can work as a substitute for Marsala wine. The closest swap would be Madeira, another fortified wine from the island of Madeira, Portugal. Look for ones labeled Finest or Rainwater.

Dry sherry could also work (the drinking kind, not the cooking kind). Or for a non-alcoholic alternative, adding some extra chicken stock or chicken broth will do. You just won’t get the same complex, deep flavors that wine adds to the Marsala sauce.

What Wine Goes with Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala with mushrooms in a pan

Choosing the best Chicken Marsala wine pairings is not as simple as white wine with white meat and red wine with red meat. You also need to factor in the sauce.

And for creamy Chicken Marsala, it’s all about the sauce! Lighter white wines can easily be overwhelmed by its richness and complexity. On the flip side, full-bodied and tannic red wines can overpower the dish.

You’ll want something in the middle that’s juuust right. For red, go for a lighter wine with a low tannin level. Or a robust white wine is a great choice. Here are some options that fit these categories.

White Wine Pairing with Chicken Marsala

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a versatile wine. It can be dry or sweet, still or sparkling. It all depends on the level of ripeness in the grapes.

Those from warmer and sunnier regions will have more body, making them an excellent choice for pairing with Chicken Marsala.

Flavors will lean toward stone fruits like peach. And you may get aromas like brown sugar and honeysuckle.

In France’s Loire Valley, you’ll find the fullest-bodied versions from Savennières. This drier appellation allows the grapes to ripen on the vine longer without risk of rot.

In the new world, Chenin is the most planted grape in South Africa. You’ll find richer styles from warmer areas like Paarl, that have less ocean influence. Or Swartland is a source of concentrated old vine versions.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is known as a chameleon grape. The aromas and flavors are heavily influenced by the climate and the winemaker’s choices.

Those from warmer climates will have the body needed to work with this dish. These styles will have tropical fruit notes like melon and pineapple.

And those that have seen malolactic fermentation (converting the malo acid to lactic acid) or oak influence will have a richer, rounder texture.

Burgundy has a reputation as being the best of the best. The ripest versions are found in Pouilly-Fuissé in the south (not to be confused with the Loire Valley’s Pouilly-Fumé, which is Sauvignon Blanc).

Chardonnay is also California’s most-planted grape, with Napa Valley being one of the warmer regions. Or Adelaide Hills in Australia is another great new world option.

Red Wine Pairing with Chicken Marsala

Pinot Noir

When I think mushroom sauce, I think Pinot Noir. That’s because this red wine often develops aromas and flavors of mushrooms as it ages.

Coupled with its red cherry, clove, and earthy notes, it makes a great match for Chicken Marsala. It’s often a light to medium-bodied wine. And it has fewer tannins than many other red wines. So, it will complement the dish rather than take it over.

Pinot Noir is kind of a diva, making it expensive to produce. So good values are hard to come by. Burgundy is the home of Pinot Noir, great for a special occasion.

But if you want a more affordable option, look for ones from Germany (Spätburgunder), Italy (Pinot Nero), or Chile.

Gamay

Gamay is another fruity red wine that’s a great option to pair with this flavorful sauce. It’s also on the lighter side, and you’ll get flavors like red cherry, raspberry, and cranberry mixed in with floral notes.

Gamay is almost exclusively found in France’s Beaujolais region. Basic Beaujolais often sees carbonic or semi-carbonic maceration.

Not to get too wine geeky, but this involves using whole bunches of grapes that go through an internal fermentation inside the berries. This gives the wine more color and fruity flavors (e.g., banana, cinnamon, kirsch) without adding tannin.

Better versions come from Beaujolais Villages and the 10 Beaujolais Crus. Fleurie and Brouilly will be the lightest styles that are a good choice for this dish.

You’ll also find some Gamay in other parts of Burgundy and in the Loire Valley. There aren’t many places outside of France growing this grape. But you may come across it from the Willamette Valley in Oregon, United States.

What Should You Serve with Chicken Marsala?

There are tons of great Chicken Marsala sides. If you want to beef up your meal a bit, you can add a starch. The creamy sauce is heavenly over buttery mashed potatoes or polenta. Rice or couscous also make a great companion.

Or since there’s some Italian influence, why not go for pasta? Fettucine, linguine, tagliatelle, pappardelle…take your pick!

For veggies, I like something green to go with my Chicken Marsala dish. Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and green beans are all a great match. Or a nice salad will do the trick too.

Chicken Marsala Recipe Equipment

Sauteed mushrooms in a skillet
Marsala sauce in a pan
Chicken Marsala in a pan on stove

For this recipe, you’ll need the following equipment:

  • Sharp chef’s knife – I use this one for everything
  • Large skillet – Cuisinart Multi-Clad Pro is my go-to set
  • Meat mallet
  • Shallow bowl
  • Wooden spoon
Shop my kitchen essentials

Recommendations may be affiliate links on which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me share new wine destinations with you and I only recommend products and services that I love and think you’ll love too!

Chicken Marsala and asparagus on a plate

Chicken Marsala Recipe

This classic chicken dish with a mushroom Marsala wine sauce goes great with full-bodied white wines and light, fruity red wines.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time:20 mins
Cook Time:30 mins
Total Time:50 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Chicken, Marsala wine, Mushrooms
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 tbsps flour
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 3 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium shallot, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2/3 cup chicken broth
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 2/3 cup dry Marsala wine (Fine or Superiore)
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tbsps fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  • Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. (Note: If your chicken breasts are thick, you may only need two for this recipe. You can slice them in half horizontally.) Cover the chicken with plastic wrap. Pound with a meat mallet until they're about a 1/4 inch thick.
  • Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper. Coat each chicken breast with the flour, shake off any excess, and set them on a plate.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet on medium-high heat. When hot enough for the chicken to sizzle, place the chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 155° F (they will cook a little more in the sauce). Remove from pan and set aside.
  • Melt a tablespoon of butter on medium heat in the pan used to cook the chicken. If the pan feels dry, add more olive oil. Add mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes or until beginning to brown.
  • Add shallots and salt to taste. Cook until shallots soften (about 2 minutes). Add the garlic and stir frequently until garlic becomes fragrant (about 1 minute).
  • Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Marsala wine, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and allow to simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Once sauce has reduced, add the chicken to the pan. Simmer in the sauce on low for another 5 minutes until sauce has thickened a bit more.
  • Garnish with parsley.

Which wine pairing did you choose to go with your Chicken Marsala?

Learned something new?
buy me a glass of wine

Posted In: Food · Tagged: chicken, dinner, food, Marsala, wine, wine pairing

You’ll Also Love

Wine pairing with pesto sauceThe Perfect Wine Pairings for Pesto Sauce
Best wineries in Dry Creek ValleyThe Best Wineries in Dry Creek Valley (Wine Tasting Itinerary)
Sauvignon Blanc vs Pinot Grigio featureSauvignon Blanc vs Pinot Grigio: What’s the Difference?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Recipe Rating




Next Post >

5 Best Southern Maine Wineries & Wine Bars

About Photo
Hello there! I'm Laura, the Wine Travelista — your go-to gal for winederlust inspiration, travel tips, and foodie destinations.

Get a Free Wine Tasting Planner

Support Wine Travelista

Buy Me a Glass of Wine

Wine Travelista Faves

Visit the Shop

Shopping through my links helps keep my content free at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Reader Favorites

hey there!

I’m Laura, the Wine Travelista — your go-to gal for winederlust inspiration, travel tips, and foodie destinations. I’m a WSET certified oenophile who loves helping others find good wine and save time and money on travel. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Wine Travelista

  • Home
  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Contact

Blog

  • Travel
  • Wine
  • Food

Shop

  • Wine Stave Centerpiece
  • Travel Essentials
  • Wine Accessories
  • Picnic Faves
  • Cooking Necessities

Freebies

  • Wine Tasting Planner
  • Wine Trip Packing List
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms and Conditions

Copyright © 2023 Wine Travelista · Theme by 17th Avenue

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Read More
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT