Cheesy Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe: A Weeknight Wonder

Chicken Marsala casserole brings comfort food to magnificent heights with its rich, velvety essence.

Wine-infused sauce creates a luxurious backdrop for tender meat nestled between layers of delectable ingredients.

Savory mushrooms add depth and complexity to this rustic Italian-inspired dish.

Classic flavors merge seamlessly, promising a delightful dining experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Home cooks appreciate how simple techniques can produce such an impressive meal.

Elegant yet approachable, this casserole changes ordinary weeknight dinners into something special.

You will want to savor every single bite of this irresistible culinary creation.

Chicken Marsala Casserole: A Creamy Mushroom Dream

• This casserole transforms the classic chicken Marsala into a hearty, stress-free meal that brings gourmet flavors to your dinner table with minimal kitchen cleanup.
• The combination of Marsala wine, half & half, and sautéed mushrooms creates a luxuriously rich sauce that coats tender chicken and perfectly cooked brown rice with deep, sophisticated flavor.
• By layering uncooked rice directly in the casserole dish and baking everything together, this recipe saves time and reduces dish washing, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution for busy home cooks.
• The flexible recipe allows easy substitutions like white wine instead of Marsala, different proteins, or added vegetables, ensuring it can adapt to various dietary preferences and pantry ingredients.

Pantry Checklist for Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Chicken: Tender protein that forms the base of the casserole, best when pre-cooked and chopped for even distribution.

• Onions, Mushrooms: Provide depth of flavor and earthy richness, fresh mushrooms recommended for best texture.
• Garlic: Adds intense aromatic flavor to the dish, fresh minced garlic preferred over pre-chopped.

• Marsala Wine or White Wine: Brings complex sweetness and depth to the sauce, dry varieties work best.
• Half & Half: Creates creamy, smooth texture in the sauce, fat-free version helps keep dish lighter.
• Chicken Broth: Adds subtle chicken flavor and helps create the sauce's consistency.

• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture, all-purpose flour recommended.

• Brown Rice: Provides hearty base for the casserole, uncooked rice absorbs sauce during baking.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for bringing out the dish's flavors, adjust to personal taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh note and visual appeal to the final dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Provides salty, nutty finish and creates golden brown top layer.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Contribute rich flavor and help sauté vegetables, combination prevents butter from burning.

How to Make Chicken Marsala Casserole Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Environment

Warm up the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Sauté Flavor Builders

• Butter
• Olive oil

• Diced onions
• Sliced mushrooms

• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sprinkle in flour and cook for another minute, creating a delicious base for your sauce.

Step 3: Create the Magical Sauce

• Fat-free half & half
• Chicken broth

Allow the sauce to heat and develop its rich flavors for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Spread uncooked brown rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. Distribute chopped cooked chicken over the rice. Gently pour the mushroom sauce mixture to cover everything. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Slide into the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Check if the rice is tender. If it needs more time, crank up the heat to 400°F (200°C) and continue baking until the rice reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Finale

Remove the foil and shower the casserole with grated Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes to create a golden, melty cheese topping.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows all the incredible flavors to mingle and settle. Serve piping hot.

Chef Secrets for Chicken Marsala Casserole Success

• Sauté Secrets: Caramelize onions and mushrooms slowly to develop deep, rich flavors that elevate the entire dish's taste profile.
• Rice Perfection: Use a precise liquid-to-rice ratio and ensure even distribution to prevent dry or undercooked rice in the casserole.
• Wine Wisdom: Choose a quality Marsala or dry white wine for maximum flavor complexity and depth in the sauce.
• Cheese Charm: Grate fresh Parmesan just before sprinkling to ensure maximum melting and a more intense cheese flavor.
• Temperature Trick: Let the casserole rest after baking to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together seamlessly.

How to Store & Reheat Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers, where it can remain frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger servings, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated completely and steaming.

Best Sides for Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the rich Marsala sauce and enhance the chicken's delicate flavors. The wine's acidity will cut through the creamy texture and highlight the dish's earthy mushroom notes.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Vegetable Medley: Create a colorful side of roasted asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers to add brightness and nutritional balance. The caramelized vegetable edges will provide a delightful contrast to the casserole's creamy consistency.
• Balance with Fresh Green Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to introduce a tangy, fresh element. The salad's crispness will offset the casserole's richness and provide a palate-cleansing component to the meal.
• Add Crusty Bread for Dipping: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious Marsala sauce. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior will perfectly complement the casserole's creamy texture.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Variations to Try

• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Replace Marsala wine with tequila, add diced green chilies, and swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese. Mix in black beans and corn for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Substitute white wine with dry vermouth, incorporate chopped kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh oregano. Swap brown rice for quinoa to enhance the Mediterranean profile.
• Creamy Vegetarian Alternative: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, substitute cooked chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or firm tofu. Add nutritional yeast for extra depth and umami flavor.
• Lighter Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice, use Greek yogurt instead of half & half, and add extra vegetables like zucchini and spinach for a nutrient-dense meal.

Marsala Casserole Curious? FAQs to Know

• Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can substitute white rice, but adjust cooking time as white rice cooks faster than brown rice. Keep an eye on liquid levels and reduce baking time by about 10-15 minutes.

• What if I don't have Marsala wine?

No problem! You can use dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or even chicken broth with a splash of sherry for similar depth of flavor. The recipe will still taste delicious.

• How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with firm tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The sauce and overall technique will remain the same, creating a tasty vegetarian version.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if going from cold to hot.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this hearty Chicken Marsala Casserole, blending classic Italian flavors with homestyle cooking. Rich mushroom sauce and tender chicken create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners, promising warmth and deliciousness in every savory bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (coarsely chopped (about 1½ cups shredded))

Primary Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion (diced)
• 16 ounces (450 grams) mushrooms (sliced)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)

Liquid and Seasoning Components:

• ½ cup Marsala wine (or white wine)
• ½ cup fat-free half & half
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ½ tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Grains and Garnish:

• 1 cup uncooked brown rice
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Set the oven to 375°F and prepare a spacious baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
2. Heat a large skillet with butter and olive oil over medium-high temperature. Sauté onions and mushrooms until they become translucent and tender, releasing their rich earthy aromas. Incorporate garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper, then dust with flour to create a delicate thickening base.
3. Deglaze the skillet with Marsala wine, allowing the liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors. Introduce half & half and chicken broth, stirring continuously to develop a velvety, smooth sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
4. Create a foundation of uncooked brown rice across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked chicken pieces evenly over the rice, ensuring consistent coverage. Pour the luscious mushroom sauce directly over the chicken and rice, making certain every grain and morsel is generously coated.
5. Seal the casserole tightly with aluminum foil, creating a steamy environment that will perfectly cook the rice. Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, monitoring the liquid absorption and rice tenderness.
6. If the rice requires additional cooking, increase the oven temperature to 400°F and continue baking until grains are fully tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
7. Uncover the casserole and sprinkle a generous layer of Parmesan cheese across the surface. Return to the oven for a final 5-7 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and develop a golden, crispy texture.
8. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for several minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, herbal finish before serving this comforting one-dish meal.

Notes

• Prep ahead by cooking chicken in advance to save time during meal preparation.
• Using brown rice provides more nutrients and fiber compared to white rice.
• Marsala wine adds deep, rich flavor but can be substituted with white wine if unavailable.
• Cover casserole tightly with foil to ensure rice cooks evenly and stays moist.
• For a crispy cheese topping, broil for 1-2 minutes after adding Parmesan instead of baking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg