CHICKEN MARSALA CASSEROLE

Chicken Marsala Casserole brings a beloved Italian-American dish into the cozy world of casseroles. Packed with tender chicken, hearty brown rice, and savory mushrooms bathed in a Marsala wine-infused cream sauce, this casserole combines complex flavors in a simple, satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe takes classic Chicken Marsala ingredients and transforms them into an easy-to-prepare, family-friendly dish that’s deliciously creamy and rich with a touch of elegance.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Marsala Casserole:

This Chicken Marsala Casserole delivers both flavor and convenience, making it an ideal go-to recipe:

Rich and Creamy: The Marsala wine brings a distinctive sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
One-Dish Wonder: Simple to assemble and bake, it requires minimal cleanup and has everything you need in one dish.
Nutritious and Filling: With lean chicken, brown rice, and mushrooms, this casserole offers protein, fiber, and essential nutrients in every serving.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks or family dinners, where everyone can enjoy a generous, flavorful portion.
Adaptable to Different Tastes: Easy to adjust with gluten-free options, different protein sources, or additional veggies.

Key Ingredients:

Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and how it contributes to this delicious Chicken Marsala Casserole:

Butter and Olive Oil: Used together for depth of flavor; butter adds richness while olive oil keeps it from burning.

Onion: Brings a mild sweetness that balances the rich, earthy flavors of the mushrooms.

Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a slight pungency that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Mushrooms: The star vegetable here, mushrooms provide an earthy, umami flavor that pairs perfectly with Marsala wine. White button or cremini mushrooms work well, but portobello adds an even heartier taste.

Flour: Acts as a thickener for the sauce, giving it a creamy texture.

Marsala Wine: Known for its slightly sweet and rich flavor, Marsala wine is the key to the dish’s signature taste. White wine can be used as a substitute if needed, though it will slightly alter the flavor.

Fat-Free Half & Half: Adds creaminess without too much heaviness. For a richer sauce, use regular half & half or even heavy cream.

Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the sauce, bringing a savory depth and helping to cook the rice as it bakes.

Brown Rice: A hearty and fiber-rich base for the casserole. You can substitute with white rice, though it may reduce the baking time.

Cooked Chicken: Shredded or cubed, it adds protein and texture. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works well for convenience.

Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the dish.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory finish to the casserole, with a bit of golden crust on top.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

Set Temperature: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease the Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.

2. Prepare the Sauce

Melt Butter and Oil: In a large skillet, combine butter and olive oil over medium-high heat until melted.
Cook Vegetables: Add diced onions and sliced mushrooms, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add Garlic: Add minced garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Flour: Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring and cooking for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.

3. Add Liquids

Add Wine: Slowly pour in the Marsala (or white) wine, bringing it to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Add Half & Half: Stir in fat-free half & half, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes.
Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce gently heat and thicken for an additional 2-3 minutes.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Layer Rice: Spread uncooked brown rice at the bottom of the casserole dish.
Add Chicken: Evenly distribute chopped cooked chicken over the rice.
Pour Sauce: Pour the mushroom and sauce mixture over the chicken and rice.
Garnish with Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for added flavor and color.

5. Bake the Casserole

Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the casserole is bubbly.
Check for Doneness: If the rice isn’t fully cooked after 45 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue baking until the rice is tender.

6. Finishing Touches

Add Cheese: Remove the cover once the rice is cooked. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Melt Cheese: Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and turn golden brown.

7. Serve

Let It Rest: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serve: Scoop hearty portions onto plates and enjoy the creamy, savory Chicken Marsala Casserole.

Serving Suggestions:

This casserole pairs beautifully with a few simple side dishes for a complete, well-rounded meal:

Green Salad: A crisp salad with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens balances the richness of the casserole.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette for dipping.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus complement the creamy flavors nicely.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and enjoy this casserole later:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Let it cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of chicken broth if the casserole seems dry.

Variations on Chicken Marsala Casserole:

This recipe is versatile! Here are some easy ways to make it your own:

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken with cooked chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth.
Extra Veggies: Add a handful of spinach or diced bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
Cheesy Twist: Top with mozzarella or Gruyère for an even cheesier finish.

Conclusion:

This Chicken Marsala Casserole transforms the elegance of a classic Italian dish into a comforting, one-dish meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Each bite delivers a perfect blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory mushrooms, with a Marsala richness that’s hard to resist. Enjoy this dish fresh from the oven or prepare it in advance for a delicious dinner any day of the week!