Cheesecake Factory recipe for Chicken Marsala at home! This easy copycat recipe delivers tender chicken, rich Marsala wine sauce, and restaurant-quality flavor in every bite.
What Is Cheesecake Factory Chicken Marsala?
The Cheesecake Factory Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish made with pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich Marsala wine and mushroom sauce. It’s one of the restaurant’s most iconic entrées because of its deep, savory flavor and silky sauce.
The secret to recreating this Cheesecake Factory recipe for Chicken Marsala lies in the Marsala wine, a fortified wine from Sicily that gives the dish its signature sweetness and earthy complexity. By following this copycat recipe, you can make a restaurant-quality meal at home that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Copycat Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 (pounded thin) |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup (for dredging) |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Cremini or baby bella mushrooms | 2 cups (sliced) |
| Marsala wine | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup |
| Heavy cream | ¼ cup |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp (chopped) |
| Cooked bowtie pasta | For serving |
Pro Tip: Use dry Marsala wine for the best authentic flavor. Sweet Marsala can make the dish overly sugary, while dry Marsala gives the perfect savory balance found in the Cheesecake Factory Chicken Marsala.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cheesecake Factory Style Chicken Marsala
1. Prepare the chicken:
Pound the chicken evenly to about ½ inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour and shake off excess.
2. Sear the chicken:
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the mushrooms:
Add another tablespoon of butter, then toss in mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and golden. Add garlic and sauté briefly.
4. Deglaze the pan:
Pour in Marsala wine, scraping up all the browned bits from the skillet. Simmer until the wine reduces slightly and releases its aroma.
5. Make the sauce:
Add chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and simmer 8–10 minutes until thickened and smooth.
6. Finish the dish:
Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the Marsala sauce over it, and simmer for another few minutes.
Serve the Cheesecake Factory Chicken Marsala over pasta or mashed potatoes, topped with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Tips & Tricks for Best Results
- Use Dry Marsala Wine: Gives that authentic savory flavor and avoids excess sweetness.
- Sear Chicken Properly: Helps lock in juices and adds a crisp crust.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow it to reduce slowly for a deeper flavor.
- Butter for Shine: Add a bit of cold butter at the end for a glossy finish.
- Adjust Thickness: Too thin? Simmer longer. Too thick? Add a splash of broth.
- Use Fresh Mushrooms: For the best earthy, restaurant-style flavor.
These tips ensure your copycat Cheesecake Factory Chicken Marsala comes out perfect every single time — rich, flavorful, and beautifully balanced.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
| Dish Type | Pairing Idea |
|---|---|
| Pasta | Bowtie or fettuccine |
| Side | Garlic mashed potatoes |
| Bread | Warm garlic bread |
| Salad | Caesar or mixed greens |
| Vegetable | Steamed asparagus or broccoli |
Wine Pairing: A dry white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy Marsala sauce, while a light red like Pinot Noir adds depth to the meal.
Storage, Leftovers & Make-Ahead Options
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm slowly on the stove over low heat; avoid microwaving to prevent drying out.
- Freeze: The Marsala sauce can be frozen for 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce a day ahead and store separately. Combine with freshly cooked chicken for the best texture.
This way, you can enjoy Cheesecake Factory Chicken Marsala anytime with minimal effort.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 39 g |
| Total Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Cholesterol | 125 mg |
Note: Values may vary slightly depending on specific brands or portion sizes.
This dish offers a perfect balance of protein and flavor, making it both indulgent and satisfying.
FAQs – Cheesecake Factory Chicken Marsala
Q1: What type of Marsala wine should I use?
Use dry Marsala wine for a rich, authentic flavor. Avoid sweet or cooking wines.
Q2: Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Replace Marsala wine with chicken broth and a dash of balsamic vinegar.
Q3: What mushrooms are best?
Cremini or baby bella mushrooms add the perfect earthy balance.
Q4: Can I substitute chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs stay moist and tender even after simmering.
Conclusion
This Cheesecake Factory recipe for Chicken Marsala brings the restaurant experience straight to your kitchen. With juicy chicken, creamy Marsala sauce, and sautéed mushrooms, you’ll create a meal that’s both comforting and impressive.
Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or special occasions, this copycat recipe proves you don’t need to dine out for five-star flavor.
Hi, I’m Sidra Asif, the heart behind Chicken Bites. Cooking has been my lifelong passion, sparked by the magical meals I watched my mother create in our family kitchen. Over the years, I’ve explored diverse cuisines, earned a diploma in Culinary Arts, and refined my skills in professional kitchens—learning the art of flavor pairing, presentation, and creativity.
Through Chicken Bites, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and culinary adventures to inspire home cooks to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals. Join me on this flavorful journey where tradition meets innovation, and every dish is made with love! 🍗✨
