Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe with Savory Sauce

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty chicken Marsala casserole that combines tender meat and rich flavors.

Mushrooms and velvety sauce create a decadent backdrop for each delightful bite.

Wine-infused ingredients meld together in a symphony of taste that will warm your soul.

Home cooks adore this simple yet sophisticated dish that brings restaurant-quality elegance to the dinner table.

Every forkful promises a delectable journey through Italian-inspired culinary traditions.

The blend of chicken, Marsala wine, and creamy sauce makes this casserole an instant crowd-pleaser.

You’ll want to savor each comforting spoonful and share this extraordinary meal with everyone around you.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Ingredients Breakdown

• Brown Rice: Provides hearty foundation and absorbs delicious sauce flavors, choose long-grain variety for best texture.
• Chicken: Protein-packed main component, select boneless skinless chicken breasts for lean and tender meat.

• Marsala Wine, White Wine: Adds rich depth and sophisticated wine-based profile, choose dry version for balanced taste.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Creates smooth foundation for sautéing, use unsalted butter for controlled seasoning.
• Chicken Broth: Builds complex savory undertones, opt for low-sodium version to manage salt levels.
• Garlic: Introduces robust aromatic element, select fresh cloves for maximum flavor impact.
• Onions, Mushrooms: Introduces earthy undertones and texture variation, choose fresh cremini or button mushrooms.

• Parmesan Cheese: Provides nutty, salty crown with delightful melting quality, select freshly grated for superior taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Delivers bright herbal note and visual appeal, choose flat-leaf variety for more intense flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum zest.
• Flour: Helps thicken sauce and create silky consistency, all-purpose works perfectly.
• Half & Half: Creates creamy luxurious texture, fat-free version keeps dish lighter.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing onions, mushrooms, and creating the rich sauce.
• 9×13-inch casserole dish: Perfect for baking the entire casserole and ensuring even cooking.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for accurately measuring ingredients like wine and broth.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Aluminum foil: Needed to cover the casserole during initial baking.
• Cheese grater: Used for sprinkling fresh Parmesan cheese on top.
• Sharp knife: Useful for chopping onions, mushrooms, chicken, and parsley.

How to Make Chicken Marsala Casserole Step-by-Step

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven and get a baking dish ready for a delicious comfort meal.

• Mushroom and Onion Magic

Create a flavor base by sautéing mushrooms and onions in a skillet, transforming simple ingredients into a rich foundation.

• Sauce Creation

Develop a luscious sauce by introducing wine, cream, and broth, stirring until it reaches a perfect silky consistency.

• Casserole Assembly

Layer rice and chicken in the baking dish, then generously pour the aromatic mushroom sauce over the top.

• Baking Journey

Cover the casserole and let it bake, allowing the rice to absorb all the incredible flavors while becoming tender and delicious.

• Cheese Finale

Uncover the casserole and sprinkle Parmesan cheese, returning it to the oven for a golden, crispy topping.

• Serving Moment

Let the casserole rest briefly, allowing flavors to mingle, then serve this comforting dish that promises to delight everyone at the table.

Add-Ins and Twists for Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Flavor Boost Techniques: Swap white wine for dry sherry or madeira to create deeper, richer undertones in the sauce.
• Wine-Free Option: Replace Marsala with additional chicken broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for complex flavor without alcohol.
• Protein Swaps: Try tender turkey, succulent pork, or plant-based chicken alternatives for delightful menu variety that keeps the dish exciting.
• Veggie Power-Up: Enhance nutrition by adding chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or tender asparagus pieces directly into the rice layer for extra color and texture.

Serving Chicken Marsala Casserole Tips

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy this comforting casserole as a hearty main course that brings everyone together with its rich, delicious flavors.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the Marsala-infused dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to enhance the meal's sophisticated taste profile and elevate your dining experience.
• Healthy Side Companions: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus or roasted broccoli to add nutritional balance and vibrant color to your plate.
• Leftovers Love: Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or easy weeknight reheating that tastes just as delicious the next day.

Storing Chicken Marsala Casserole Leftovers

• Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover casserole into airtight glass containers, keeping meals fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap casserole tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, storing up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve ingredients' quality.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual portions in microwave for 2-3 minutes, adding splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Alternatively, reheat in 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
• Portion Control Tip: Divide casserole into single-serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or convenient weeknight dinners. Label containers with date and contents to track freshness and meal planning efficiency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Hearty Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken marsala casserole melds classic Italian flavors with comforting American casserole style. Savory mushrooms, tender chicken, and rich wine sauce create a delicious one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (475 ml) cooked chicken (coarsely chopped, about 1½ cups shredded)
• 16 oz (450 g) mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup (120 ml) Marsala wine (or white wine)
• ½ cup (120 ml) fat-free half & half
• 2 cups (475 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 g) uncooked brown rice
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 ½ tbsps flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup (15 g) fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 2 tbsps grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a spacious baking dish to facilitate easy serving and cleanup.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, combine butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Caramelize onions and mushrooms until softened, introducing minced garlic and seasoning with salt and pepper. Dust with flour to create a thickening foundation for the sauce.
3. Build Sauce: Deglaze the skillet with Marsala wine, allowing the liquid to reduce and intensify flavors. Incorporate half & half and chicken broth, whisking continuously to develop a smooth, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to ingredients.
4. Assemble Casserole: Spread uncooked brown rice evenly across the baking dish’s base. Arrange cooked chicken pieces uniformly over the rice, then pour the luxurious mushroom sauce, ensuring complete and thorough coverage of all components.
5. Initial Baking: Tightly cover the casserole with aluminum foil to create a steamy cooking environment. Bake for 45-50 minutes, periodically checking rice tenderness and liquid absorption.
6. Finalize Cooking: If rice requires additional cooking, elevate oven temperature to 400°F and continue baking until grains are perfectly tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
7. Cheese Topping: Uncover the casserole and generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese across the surface. Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and develop a golden, crispy crust.
8. Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest briefly to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve this comforting one-dish meal immediately.

Notes

• Choose the Right Marsala: Select a dry Marsala wine for authentic flavor depth, avoiding overly sweet varieties that can disrupt the savory balance.
• Rice Absorption Technique: Watch rice carefully during baking; different brands and types absorb liquid differently, so adjust cooking time and liquid as needed.
• Cheese Melting Strategy: Grate fresh Parmesan for superior melting and richer taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Moisture Management: Cover casserole tightly with foil to trap steam, ensuring rice cooks evenly and chicken remains incredibly tender without drying out.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg