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Chicken Marsala Recipe Without Wine

This Chicken Marsala recipe skips the wine but keeps all the rich, savory flavor I love. I use a simple substitute that brings out the same deep, comforting taste without any alcohol. The chicken stays juicy, the mushrooms get perfectly tender, and the sauce turns silky and delicious. It’s a great option when I want something cozy and satisfying without reaching for a bottle. Perfect for family dinners or an easy weeknight meal that feels a little extra.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour for dredging
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup white grape juice
  • 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract non-alcoholic
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Begin by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, ensuring an even, light coating. Shake off any excess flour.
Sauté the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the floured chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Cook the Mushrooms
  1. In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes until they become tender and release their juices. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Deglaze the Pan
  1. To create the sauce, pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the white grape juice, sherry vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture well to combine all the flavors.
Simmer the Sauce
  1. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, reducing slightly to concentrate the flavors. Stir in the heavy cream and unsalted butter, continuing to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
  1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the mushroom sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to ensure each piece is well-coated. Let the chicken warm through in the sauce for about 2 minutes.
Serve
  1. Transfer the Chicken Marsala to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot alongside your preferred side dishes.

Notes

I use a mix of chicken broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar or grape juice to replace the Marsala wine—it gives the sauce that same rich depth without the alcohol. Just make sure to let it simmer a bit so the flavors can really come together. If you like it creamier, you can stir in a little heavy cream at the end. This version is family-friendly and just as tasty as the classic!