I still remember the night when Chicken Marsala Meatballs first found their way into my weekly rotation. I was craving something cozy but didn’t want to dive into heavy takeout. I had some ground chicken and a bottle of Marsala wine gathering dust in my pantry. So, with no grand expectations, I decided to whip up some Chicken Marsala Meatballs. It was one of those kitchen experiments that pleasantly surprised me — the Marsala sauce turned creamy and comforting without any fuss, and those chicken meatballs came out tender and packed with flavor.
What I love most about Chicken Marsala Meatballs is how they fit into my balanced, real-life approach to eating. They combine familiar Italian chicken recipes vibes with a light, nourishing twist. No strict rules or complicated techniques, just a straightforward recipe that feels sustainable even on those busy weeknights. It’s my kind of comfort food that doesn’t leave me feeling weighed down.
If you’ve ever thought Marsala dishes were only for special occasions, these Chicken Marsala Meatballs will gently change your mind. They’re easy meatball recipes that feel special but are totally doable any day of the week. Giving this dish a try feels like welcoming a little nourishing warmth into your kitchen without stress or fuss.
I’m excited to share this recipe for Chicken Marsala Meatballs with you, fellow home cooks. Whether you’re balancing work and family or just looking for honest, feel-good food ideas, this dish fits right in. Stick around — I’ll walk you through everything from what you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, to my favorite ways to serve it. Let’s make cooking something joyful together!
What You’ll Need:
This Chicken Marsala Meatballs ingredient list is intentionally simple—because good food doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are the essentials you’ll gather:
- 1 pound ground chicken (lean is best, but any chicken meatballs mix works great)
- 1/3 cup Italian-style bread crumbs (or panko for a lighter crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds great flavor, but you can skip if dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (if you don’t have fresh, 2 teaspoons dried is fine)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (adds a punch, but garlic powder can work in a pinch)
- 1 large egg (acts as our binder here)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking those golden chicken meatballs)
For the sauce:
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced (found in the produce section)
- 3/4 cup Marsala wine (don’t worry, a budget-friendly bottle works great)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (adds depth without extra salt)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (for that creamy mushroom sauce finish, feel free to swap with coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1 tablespoon butter
No stress if you don’t have Marsala wine on hand—I often use a dry white wine or extra broth for easy swaps in my Chicken Marsala Meatballs. It still comes out delicious.
This recipe keeps costs low by using pantry staples minus the fresh mushrooms, which are affordable and widely available. When in a hurry, pre-sliced mushrooms and pre-minced garlic from the store save time without sacrificing flavor.
Got leftovers? These Chicken Marsala Meatballs store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through—perfect for an easy lunch or quick dinner.
I love adding extra parsley at the end for a fresh burst, and sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the creamy mushroom sauce just right.
Here’s my favorite Chicken Marsala Meatballs trick that makes all the difference: lightly toast the bread crumbs before mixing them in to add a subtle nutty note and better texture. It’s those little touches that make you want to come back for seconds.
Let’s Make It Together!
Ready? Let’s roll up our sleeves and get your kitchen smelling amazing with Chicken Marsala Meatballs! It usually takes me about 40 minutes total, so it’s perfect for a relaxed weekday evening.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it—this keeps cleanup easy.
- Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, bread crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently until just combined. Don’t overmix or your meatballs might turn dense.
- Form your meatballs: Using about 2 tablespoons of mixture per meatball, roll into balls and place evenly spaced on your baking sheet. I usually get 16 meatballs from this recipe.
- Bake the meatballs: Pop them into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, until they’re golden and cooked through. You can check by cutting one in half—it should be no longer pink inside.
- While the meatballs bake, prepare the Marsala sauce: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until browned and soft—about 6 minutes. Your kitchen will smell wonderful by now.
- Add the Marsala wine and chicken broth: Pour in Marsala and broth, scrapping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer and reduce for about 8-10 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the cream: Lower the heat and mix in the cream for that creamy mushroom sauce finish. Simmer gently for another 2 minutes while stirring.
- Combine meatballs and sauce: Add the baked chicken meatballs to the skillet with sauce, gently toss to coat. Heat through for a couple of minutes so those flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Don’t worry if your Chicken Marsala Meatballs look a little saucy—that’s exactly what you want for maximum flavor.
There you have it! Your Chicken Marsala Meatballs are ready to serve. While cooking, perfect time to set the table or prep a simple side like roasted veggies or a fresh salad.
A kitchen-tested shortcut I use on busy nights is baking meatballs ahead and freezing them, then just warming up in the creamy Marsala sauce when needed. For a different twist, I’ve tried adding shallots to the sauce for a bit more depth—which I’ll share again below.
How I Love to Serve This!

Chicken Marsala Meatballs make a simple yet satisfying meal any day. I often serve them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes—this combo is a true crowd-pleaser and feels like a warm hug after a long day. If you want a lighter option, garlic Parmesan cauliflower rice is my go-to. Both sides soak up that creamy mushroom sauce beautifully.
For an even easier weeknight, I love tossing some fresh green beans or sautéed spinach on the side. These add crunch and color without adding fuss. The savory Marsala sauce pairs nicely with almost any roasted or steamed veggie, so don’t hesitate to get creative based on what’s fresh at the market.
This Chicken Marsala Meatballs dish works well for families, date nights, or bringing to potlucks. I once took it to a friends’ dinner, and everyone asked for the recipe — no one guessed it was made with lean chicken instead of the typical beef or pork. That creamy mushroom sauce feels indulgent but keeps things light.
For leftovers, I’ve also shredded the meatballs and mixed them into a risotto for a creamy Italian chicken recipes twist. If you want to see a version served with mashed potatoes, check this Chicken Marsala Meatballs recipe with mashed potatoes.
Seasonally, I swap mushrooms depending on what’s best—cremini in winter, morels or chanterelles when available in spring. These subtle changes keep the dish feeling fresh and connected to the season.
My favorite way to plate is spooning extra sauce over the meatballs with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. It looks inviting and tastes like a little reward for your hard work in the kitchen.
Common Questions Answered
Can I make this Chicken Marsala Meatballs ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! I often bake the meatballs ahead and refrigerate or freeze them. When ready to eat, just warm the Marsala sauce and toss in the cooked meatballs. This makes them perfect for batch cooking and quick reheats.
What if I don’t have all the ingredients for this Chicken Marsala Meatballs?
No worries at all. If you’re missing Marsala wine, use dry white wine or extra chicken broth. Parmesan can be swapped with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist. Bread crumbs? Crushed crackers or even oats work well. It’s forgiving!
How can I adjust the flavor of this Chicken Marsala Meatballs to my taste?
Feel free to add more garlic or parsley for freshness. For creamier sauce, stir in an extra splash of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt off heat. Like heat? A dash of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. I also recommend checking the labels on broth and Marsala wine just to be sure. For more gluten-free options, check out this gluten-free chicken tenders recipe.
Can I cook the chicken meatballs on stovetop only?
Yes, you can! Brown them in a skillet, then simmer in Marsala sauce until cooked through. Just watch the heat so they don’t dry out.
Is it okay to freeze Chicken Marsala Meatballs?
Definitely. Freeze baked meatballs on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, thaw and warm gently in sauce. Perfect for a no-fuss meal later.
Can this dish be made dairy-free?
Yes, swap the Parmesan for a non-dairy cheese or nutritional yeast, and use coconut milk instead of cream. The dish still shines with the creamy mushroom sauce flavor intact.
If you want more easy chicken recipes that feel comforting and simple, check out my slow cooker Greek chicken recipe and my healthier chicken tenders recipe.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Marsala Meatballs have become a real staple in my kitchen. They strike the perfect balance between comfort and nourishing, and they remind me that we don’t need complexity for a satisfying meal.
My Favorite Chicken Marsala Meatballs Tips:
- Use fresh mushrooms and lightly toast bread crumbs for extra flavor.
- Make a double batch and freeze half for stress-free dinners later.
- Don’t rush the sauce reduction—it’s where all that creamy mushroom sauce magic happens.
Over time, I’ve tried variations like adding shallots or swapping cream for Greek yogurt, and even stirring fresh thyme into the meatballs. But honestly, I keep coming back to the classic version because it’s reliable and loved by everyone around my table.
I hope these Chicken Marsala Meatballs invite you to cook at your own pace and enjoy nourishing food without pressure. Give them a try, tweak to your heart’s content, and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking, friend!
And if you want a baked take on this or enjoy slow cooker versions, here’s a baked Chicken Marsala Meatballs recipe from Chef Dennis and a crockpot chicken meatball marsala recipe from frozen meatballs that’s perfect when you want hands-off cooking. Both show just how flexible this dish can be.
Don’t forget to join the conversation and share your own twists too—cooking is always better together.
For more simple, nourishing ideas, check out my Chicken and Dumplings or slow cooker Greek chicken recipes next.
You’ve got this!

Chicken Marsala Meatballs
Tender chicken meatballs simmered in a rich Marsala wine and mushroom sauce, perfect for an elegant yet easy Italian-inspired dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3/4 cup Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and shallots; sauté until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in Marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it reduce by half, about 4 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and return the meatballs to the skillet. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens and meatballs are cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm over pasta or mashed potatoes.
Notes
For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream to the sauce before serving or serve meatballs over creamy polenta for a comforting meal.

