Chicken Marsala Casserole – Creamy One-Pan Italian-American Dinner

Chicken Marsala Casserole is a cozy, flavorful, and comforting one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and hearty brown rice baked in a rich Marsala cream sauce. This creamy casserole delivers all the indulgence of a classic Chicken Marsala with the ease of a baked dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special weeknight meals. The sauce is silky and aromatic, the mushrooms and onions add savory depth, and the brown rice soaks up the luscious cream and wine sauce for a satisfying, wholesome dinner. Chicken Marsala Casserole is an easy, elegant, and hearty meal that feels like a restaurant dish but comes together with simple ingredients in just over an hour.

Introduction

There’s something irresistible about a creamy, baked Chicken Marsala Casserole. The tender chicken, rich cream, earthy mushrooms, and sweet Marsala wine come together in a comforting one-pan meal that’s both elegant and practical. Unlike traditional skillet Chicken Marsala, this casserole incorporates uncooked brown rice, which cooks in the sauce, absorbing all the flavor and creating a filling, wholesome dish.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual dinner parties because it can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready. Using cooked chicken, like rotisserie or shredded leftovers, makes it even easier while keeping the flavors rich and balanced. The casserole is topped with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a light, fresh, and slightly nutty finish.

Chicken Marsala Casserole is indulgent without being complicated—comfort food elevated with classic Italian-American flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, flavorful Marsala sauce with mushrooms and onions
• One-pan casserole with minimal cleanup
• Uses wholesome brown rice to make a hearty meal
• Can be made with rotisserie chicken for easy prep
• Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
• Perfect for make-ahead dinners or leftovers

Ingredients Breakdown (Serves 6)

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 small onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 16 ounces mushrooms, sliced

Sauce & Seasonings

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

Protein & Grains

• 2 cups coarsely chopped cooked chicken (or 1½ cups shredded)
• 1 cup uncooked brown rice

Garnish

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredient Notes

Chicken (2 cups) – Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works best for quick assembly.
Brown Rice (1 cup uncooked) – Cooks in the sauce, absorbing flavor while staying hearty.
Marsala Wine (½ cup) – Adds sweet, earthy depth to the creamy sauce.
Half & Half (½ cup) – Creates a rich, velvety texture without being overly heavy.
Mushrooms & Onion – Provide umami and aromatic depth.
Parsley & Parmesan – Brighten and finish the casserole with fresh flavor and a subtle nutty note.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil
• Mixing bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

2. Cook Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sliced mushrooms. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened and mushrooms release their juices.

3. Add Garlic & Flour

Add minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle 1½ tablespoons flour over the mixture and cook another minute to remove raw flour taste.

4. Make Marsala Sauce

Slowly pour in ½ cup Marsala wine and simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in ½ cup fat-free half & half and cook for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups chicken broth and simmer 2–3 minutes until combined and slightly thickened.

5. Assemble Casserole

Spread 1 cup uncooked brown rice evenly in prepared casserole dish. Top with 2 cups coarsely chopped cooked chicken. Pour mushroom Marsala sauce evenly over the chicken and rice. Sprinkle ¼ cup fresh parsley over the mixture.

6. Bake

Cover tightly with foil and bake 45 minutes, or until rice is tender and casserole is bubbly. If rice is not fully cooked, increase oven temperature to 400°F and bake a few additional minutes.

7. Finish & Serve

Remove foil, sprinkle 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese on top, and return to oven for 5 minutes until melted and lightly golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Ensure foil is tightly sealed so rice steams properly.
• If sauce is too thick before baking, add 2–3 tablespoons extra chicken broth.
• Add a handful of peas or diced carrots for color and extra vegetables.
• For extra flavor, include a teaspoon of fresh thyme in the sauce.

Flavor Profile

Chicken Marsala Casserole is creamy, savory, and slightly sweet from Marsala wine. Mushrooms contribute an earthy umami flavor, while onions and garlic add aromatic depth. The brown rice absorbs the rich Marsala cream sauce, making each bite tender and flavorful. Fresh parsley brightens the dish, and Parmesan adds nutty richness on top. The combination of textures—creamy sauce, tender chicken, and soft rice—makes this a satisfying and comforting casserole.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving – Estimated)

Calories: 410 kcal
Protein: 30 g
Carbs: 36 g
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 4 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg
Sodium: 640 mg

Dietary Notes: Contains gluten (from flour), nut-free, family-friendly.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Chop vegetables and pre-cook chicken ahead of time for faster assembly.
• Assemble casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Reheat gently in the oven to maintain creamy sauce consistency.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, but adjust baking time as white rice cooks faster.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute half & half with coconut cream or almond milk and skip Parmesan.

Can I use wine alternatives?
Yes, dry white wine or non-alcoholic wine works.

How do I know when rice is fully cooked?
Rice should be tender and casserole should be bubbly before removing from oven.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, up to 2 months. Reheat gently to maintain sauce texture.

Cooking Timeline

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
15 minutes	50 minutes	1 hour 5 minutes	6 servings

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Marsala Casserole straight from the dish with extra parsley for garnish. Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced, hearty dinner.

Recipe Variations

1. Add diced carrots and peas for a veggie boost.
2. Use rotisserie chicken for quicker assembly.
3. Replace brown rice with quinoa for a slightly nutty texture.
4. Add a teaspoon of fresh thyme or rosemary for herbal notes.

Ingredient Spotlight: Marsala Wine

Marsala wine is a fortified Italian wine that adds sweet, earthy depth to the sauce. Choose dry Marsala for savory dishes like this casserole. Store in a cool, dark place. The wine reduces during cooking, concentrating flavor without overpowering the creamy sauce.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Tightly seal casserole with foil to steam rice evenly.
• Do not overcook mushrooms in step 2; they should release juices but remain tender.
• Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving to thicken sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator: 4 days in airtight container.
• Freezer: Up to 2 months (rice may become softer).
• Reheat: Gently in oven to maintain creamy texture.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	410 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbs	36 g
Fat	16 g
Fiber	3 g

Dietary Notes: Contains gluten, nut-free, family-friendly.

Expanded Conclusion

Chicken Marsala Casserole is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful one-pan dinner that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and hearty brown rice in a rich Marsala cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this casserole simplifies classic Chicken Marsala into an easy, wholesome meal. Serve, savor, and enjoy the rich layers of flavor that make every bite satisfying and memorable.

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