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gluten free chicken marsala recipe​

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Imagine a plate of golden-brown chicken slices smothered in a rich, velvety sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours—but comes together in minutes. This Gluten-Free Chicken Marsala is a tribute to classic Italian-American comfort, reimagined for modern dietary needs.

The star? Marsala wine, a sweet, fortified Sicilian wine that adds depth, balance, and a hint of sweetness to the sauce. Paired with earthy mushrooms and aromatic herbs, it creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist.

But here’s the real magic: it’s entirely gluten-free. Instead of wheat flour, we use a safe gluten-free coating (rice flour or cornstarch) that gives the chicken a beautiful crisp without any gluten. The sauce thickens beautifully with a touch of arrowroot or cornstarch slurry, ensuring it’s silky and luscious.

This recipe is perfect for:

  • Special occasions (anniversaries, date nights)
  • Weeknight dinners (ready in 45 minutes!)
  • Meal prep (stores beautifully for 3-4 days)
  • Serving gluten-free guests (100% safe!)

Whether you’re new to gluten-free cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish delivers restaurant-quality elegance with minimal fuss. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the table. Serve it over mashed cauliflower, gluten-free pappardelle, or a simple green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

Ingredient Quantity Notes
Chicken Breasts 2 large (about 1.5 lbs) Boneless, skinless; slice thinly
Gluten-Free Flour Blend ½ cup (60g) Rice flour, cornstarch, or GF all-purpose flour
Salt ½ tsp Adjust to taste
Black Pepper ¼ tsp Freshly ground
Olive Oil 2 tbsp Avocado or avocado oil works
Butter 2 tbsp Or olive oil for dairy-free
Mushrooms 1 cup (150g) Cremini or button; sliced
Shallots or Onions ½ cup (100g) Finely chopped
Garlic 2 cloves Minced
Marsala Wine ¾ cup (180ml) Dry Marsala; check for GF label Learn more about authentic Marsala wine here
Chicken Broth (GF) ½ cup (120ml) Low-sodium recommended
Fresh Parsley 2 tbsp Chopped; optional
Fresh Thyme 1 tsp Or dried thyme
Cornstarch (for slurry) 1 tbsp Mix with 2 tbsp cold water

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients (20 mins)

  • Slice the chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ¼ inch). This ensures even cooking.
  • Mix the gluten-free flour: In a shallow bowl, combine gluten-free flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken slice in the flour mixture until lightly coated. Shake off excess.
  • Prep veggies: Slice mushrooms, chop shallots, and mince garlic.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add half the floured chicken slices. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden-brown. Remove and set aside. Repeat with remaining chicken.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter.
  2. Sauté shallots for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until they release moisture and brown.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds—don’t let it burn!

Step 4: Build the Marsala Sauce

  1. Pour in ¾ cup Marsala wine. Scrape the browned bits from the pan with a spatula—this adds flavor!
  2. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the alcohol cook off and the wine reduce slightly.
  3. Add ½ cup chicken broth1 tsp fresh thyme, and 2 tbsp parsley. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Thicken & Combine

  1. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water to make a slurry.
  2. Stir the slurry into the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened to a syrup-like consistency.
  3. Return the chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat each piece in the sauce. Cook for 2 minutes to heat through.

Step 6: Serve
Plate the chicken and sauce over gluten-free pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies. Garnish with extra parsley or a twist of black peppe

Notes

  • Marsala Wine Safety: Always check the label—some cheap brands add hidden gluten. Stick with reputable brands like Caravita or Ridge.
  • Thickening Tips: If the sauce is too thin, add another cornstarch slurry (½ tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water). If too thick, add a splash of broth.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil instead of butter.
  • Make-Ahead: Cook the sauce separately and reheat with the chicken. Stores for 4 days in the fridge.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Freeze the entire dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat.
  • Vegan Swap: Use mushroom broth and vegan butter.
  • Author: KitchenFlavors
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free