Chicken Marsala Casserole offers a kind of comfort that naturally comes with it. This dish has become a darling in many homes due to its combination of robust ingredients, varied tastes, and the convenience of being a one-pan meal. This recipe takes the traditional Chicken Marsala flavors and marries them with the appeal of a baked dish that everyone loves (Fischer). The casserole is creamy, delicious, and perfect for family gatherings or friendly get-togethers.
My First Encounter
My first experience with this meal was during a family trip to Italy. The sauce, creamy and rich with a distinctive wine flavor, pairs wonderfully with tender chicken and mushrooms—a taste that is unforgettable. After living in Italy for a while, I missed this dish and wanted to recreate it for my family and myself, despite our busy lifestyle. This led to the creation of Chicken Marsala Casserole—a classic recipe transformed into a convenient bake-and-serve format.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1½ tablespoons flour
- ½ cup Marsala wine or white wine
- ½ cup fat-free half & half
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 2 cups coarsely chopped cooked chicken (about 1½ cups shredded cooked chicken)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to ease cleaning and prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, combine butter and olive oil over medium-high heat until just melted.
Add diced onions and sliced mushrooms, cooking until vegetables soften and mushrooms release their juices (about 5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally.
Add minced garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
3. Add Liquids
Slowly pour in the Marsala wine (or white wine) and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Incorporate fat-free half & half while stirring continuously for another 2 minutes.
Add chicken broth/stock, stirring continuously to combine all three ingredients. Let the sauce gently heat and thicken slightly for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the uncooked brown rice at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
Top with coarsely chopped cooked chicken, ensuring it evenly covers the rice.
Pour the mushroom and sauce mixture over the chicken and rice.
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
5. Bake the Casserole
Cover tightly with foil to prevent moisture loss.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the casserole is bubbly.
If the rice is not fully cooked after 45 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue baking until done.
6. Finishing Touches
Remove the cover once the rice is fully cooked.
Evenly spread grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and turn golden brown.
7. Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, making it easier to serve.
Scoop onto plates, ensuring each diner gets a hearty serving of thick, creamy Chicken Marsala Casserole.
Substitutions and Variations
Rice Options: You can substitute white rice for brown rice. For white rice, use a 350°F (175°C) oven temperature and bake for 35 minutes instead of 45 minutes.
Wine Substitute: A dry white wine can replace Marsala wine, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas for more nutrition and flavor.
Protein Alternatives: Substitute turkey or shrimp for the chicken for a different protein option.
Summary
Chicken Marsala Casserole combines the traditional taste of Chicken Marsala with a modern casserole twist. The creamy, wine-infused sauce, tender chicken, and hearty rice create a comforting meal that satisfies. The recipe’s simplicity is also a major attraction—it involves just a few steps and then bakes in the oven until fully cooked. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.
Next time you’re in the mood for something comforting with a rich flavor, try Chicken Marsala Casserole. It’s a dish that is sure to please!
Enjoy!
CHICKEN MARSALA CASSEROLE
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 16 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 1½ tablespoons flour
- ½ cup Marsala wine or white wine
- ½ cup fat-free half & half
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 2 cups coarsely chopped cooked chicken about 1½ cups shredded cooked chicken
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and mushrooms, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper; cook for another minute. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, cooking for 1 minute.
Add Liquids
- Slowly pour in Marsala wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in fat-free half & half and cook for 2 more minutes. Add chicken broth, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Assemble the Casserole
- Spread uncooked brown rice in the casserole dish. Top with chopped chicken. Pour the mushroom sauce over the chicken and rice. Sprinkle parsley on top.
Bake the Casserole
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender. If needed, increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue baking until done.
Finishing Touches
- Remove foil, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
Serve
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy, comforting dish.