• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Penny's Primal

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    • Apple Almond Chicken Salad
    • Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes on baking sheet
      Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes
    • Olive oil coconut lemon bars stack of 3
      Olive Oil Coconut Lemon Bars
    • Tomato confit in black oval staub
      Tomato Confit
    • Cherry sauce for pork on large blue platter
      Cherry Sauce for Pork (or anything!)
    • salsa fresca in round white bowl with limes
      Salsa Fresca
    • Greek Chicken Sheet Pan with gray oven mitts
      Greek Chicken Sheet Pan
    • Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Meatballs
    • balsamic chicken with peaches and basil in round white dish
      Balsamic Chicken with Peaches and Basil
    • Buffalo wings in grey round dish
      Buffalo Wings
    • Chicken piccata on large oval white plate
      Chicken Piccata
    • Creamy Roasted Shallot Dressing
    Home » Chicken

    October 7, 2023

    Chicken Marsala Without Wine

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    I've been whipping up a version of this chicken marsala recipe ever since I married my husband years ago — it's a longstanding favorite! I introduced a Whole30 friendly version five years ago which is how I arrived to this chicken marsala without wine. Despite its absence from my blog until now, it remains a highly requested birthday dinner for my niece. But don't reserve it for special occasions; this easy, one-pan wonder is the perfect dinner for any day of the week. I love pairing it with Whipped Mashed Potatoes or cauliflower mash to soak up all the mushroom umami of this delectable mushroom "marsala" sauce. If you love that chicken-mushroom combo try this Creamy Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms dish.

    Chicken Marsala Without Wine on two white plates over cauliflower mash garnished with fresh parsley and a gray fork and knife to the side.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    Experience the homely goodness of a classic chicken marsala recipe, but without the need for wine. This easy, one-pan dish is perfect for any celebration, occasion or just a cozy night in. It promises familiar flavors without the fuss.

    Ingredients You Will Need

    Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: I like Grass Roots Coop for their chicken and you can use PENNYP to save 15%.

    White Mushrooms: impart a mild yet earthy flavor to this dish.

    Vidalia Onion: lends a uniquely sweet and mild flavor profile to this dish.

    Garlic: adds a savory note that enhances the dish with its bold and aromatic flavor.

    Ghee: adds a rich, nutty flavor with a higher smoke point compared to butter. Fourth and Heart is my favorite ghee and you can use Pennysprimal15 to save 15%.

    Arrowroot Powder: serves as an excellent alternative to cornstarch or flour without impacting the flavor of a dish.

    Chicken Broth or Bone Broth: in this recipe complements the earthy flavors of the mushrooms. It helps create a well-balanced, flavorful sauce that coats the chicken.

    Coconut Cream: provides a creamy texture with a taste that is very mild and usually hidden by other flavors.

    Course-Dijon Mustard: This Noble Made is my preferred mustard for this dish. You can use Pennysprimal15 to save 15%. Substituting wine with Dijon mustard not only imparts a subtle tanginess but also adds a vinegary note. This mimics the characteristic influence of wine in this recipe.

    Balsamic Vinegar: imparts a rich and slightly sweet acidity. This mimics some of the depth and complexity that wine would typically provide.

    Salt and Pepper: salt enhances the overall flavor of the dish and ground black pepper adds a gentle heat.

    Instructions

    Prepare chicken: by cutting the chicken breast in half lengthwise and pat dry with paper towel.

    Make the coating: by placing the arrowroot, salt and pepper in zip lock bag. Add chicken and shake well.

    Cook the chicken: Melting the ghee in a large skillet, then cook the chicken 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Once chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F, transfer to a plate.

    Sauté your vegetables: by adding the onions into a large skillet cooking until soft. Then add the garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms begin to brown.

    Build the sauce: add the chicken broth, stirring well. Then add the dijon and balsamic, giving it another good stir.

    Make it creamy: by slowly adding the coconut cream and bring the sauce to a slow boil.

    Add the chicken back in: reducing the heat and then add the chicken back to the pan.

    Simmer the sauce: until it thickens, for about 10 minutes.

    Create your desired consistency: make an arrowroot slurry with 1 tablespoon of arrowroot and 1 tablespoon of water. Add it to the pan, stir and let the sauce thicken more.

    Chopped onions cooking in ghee with fresh garlic being added into the pan.
    Sliced mushrooms being added to a large pan on top of the diced onions, garlic and ghee.
    One can of organic coconut cream being added into the mushroom mix to make a creamy sauce.
    Final product of the sauce for the chicken marsala without wine garnished with fresh parsley while in the big pan.

    Recipe Tips and Tricks

    Begin with the chicken: Cooking the chicken in the pan first, then setting it aside, allows the flavors of the chicken to build before reintroducing it. This method prevents overcooking while preserving the chicken's flavor within the sauce.

    Sauté your mushrooms thoroughly: Letting them reach a golden brown hue brings out the fullest flavor they can contribute to the dish.

    Recipe Variations

    Explore mushroom variety: While white mushrooms are a classic choice and my go-to, consider experimenting with alternatives. Try cremini, portobello, shiitake, or other wild mushrooms to impart distinct flavor profiles to your dish.

    Opt for marsala wine: While my Whole30 version omits wine, you can certainly use marsala wine in this recipe. Simply, skip the vinegar and mustard for a traditional twist.

    Diversify your base: While mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash are delightful, consider serving this dish over sautéed greens. Alternatively, try rice, risotto, or even your favorite pasta.

    Storage Tips

    You can store this chicken marsala without wine in the fridge for 4-5 days when placed in a sealed airtight glass container. It is freezer-safe for up to 6 months.

    FAQs About Chicken Marsala Without Wine

    What is a substitute for wine in chicken marsala?

    This chicken marsala without wine calls for both a tangy dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar. These ingredients play off of each other to create a non-alcoholic substitute for wine in this dish.

    Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of marsala wine?

    Using a high-quality balsamic vinegar helps create the rich color and tanginess for an alcohol-free alternative. It embodies qualities reminiscent of a traditional marsala sauce, even in the absence of the usual marsala wine.

    What is chicken marsala sauce made of?

    In a classic Chicken Marsala recipe, you'll find ingredients like chicken breast, mushrooms, Marsala wine, chicken broth, flour, butter, and seasonings. This alcohol-free version mirrors the traditional flavors, with a few tweaks. Use ghee instead of butter and arrowroot flour in place of regular flour. Switch balsamic vinegar and dijon mustard in lieu of marsala wine for a delicious, wine-free twist.

    Chicken "Marsala" on white plate

    Chicken Marsala Without Wine

    Penny Kovacs
    A creamy mushroom sauce over the most tender chicken that is best served over mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious sauce. This is the most requested recipe by my family!
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr
    Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
    Course Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 people

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts about 2 pounds
    • 24 oz White Mushrooms sliced
    • 1 cup Vidalia Onion diced
    • 3 cloves Garlic minced
    • ¼ cup Ghee
    • ½ cup Arrowroot Powder
    • 1 cup Chicken Broth or bone broth
    • 13 ½ oz Coconut Cream
    • 2 tablespoon Coarse-Dijon Mustard Noble Made
    • 2 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Cut chicken breast in half lengthwise and pat dry with paper towel
    • Put arrowroot, salt & pepper in zip lock bag, add chicken & shake well
    • Melt ghee in a large skillet
    • Cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side, depending how thick, move to plate
    • Add onions to pan & cook till soft
    • Add garlic & mushrooms & cook till mushrooms are browning
    • Add chicken broth, stir well
    • Add Dijon & balsamic, stir
    • Add coconut cream & bring to a slow boil
    • Reduce heat & add chicken back to pan
    • Simmer till sauce thickens, about 10 minutes
    • If sauce is not thick enough make an arrowroot slurry with 1 tablespoon arrowroot and 1 tablespoon water, add to pan, stir & let thicken
    Keyword Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Healthy, Paleo, Whole30
    Tried this recipe?Mention @pennypsprimal or tag #pennysprimal

    More Chicken

    • Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts
    • Buffalo Turkey Wings
    • Chicken and Gnocchi Soup in orange round bowl
      Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
    • Creamy Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms
      Creamy Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Penny!

    An Adirondack transplant, founder, recipe developer and food photographer behind Penny's Primal. Nothing makes me happier than being in my kitchen cooking easy and healthy meals for my family and friends! The recipes I create are Whole30, Paleo, Plant based, Gluten and Dairy Free and I know your family will enjoy them as much as mine!

    Read More

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    ABOUT

    Copyright © 2024 Penny's Primal

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required