Olive Garden Stuffed Chicken Marsala Recipe

If you have ever craved a cozy, flavorful dish that brings restaurant-quality magic right into your kitchen, then you must try this Olive Garden Stuffed Chicken Marsala Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tender chicken breasts filled with a rich, cheesy stuffing, bathed in a luscious Marsala wine and mushroom sauce. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal that feels both indulgent and effortlessly elegant. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish never fails to impress and satisfy every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Olive Garden Stuffed Chicken Marsala Recipe is carefully selected to build layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy cheeses that melt beautifully inside the chicken to the bold Marsala wine sauce that brings the dish to life, each component plays an essential role in crafting the perfect meal.

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, perfect for stuffing and holding all those delicious flavors.
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a light coating for a beautiful golden crust.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances every ingredient without overpowering.
• 1/2 cup olive oil: For frying the chicken to golden perfection and keeping it moist.
• 1/2 cup smoked shredded cheese (provolone or gouda): Adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the savory flavors.
• 8 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts luxuriously inside the chicken for gooey, cheesy goodness.
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Brings a sharp, nutty richness that enhances the stuffing’s complexity.
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (or panko): Provides structure and a satisfying texture inside the stuffing.
• 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced: Gives a fresh, aromatic punch that lifts the whole dish.
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and excitement.
• 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, patted dry and chopped: Imparts a tangy, slightly sweet note with great color contrast.
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced: Lends a fresh, mild onion flavor inside the stuffing.
• 3/4 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and a little tang for richness in the filling.
• 1 yellow onion, sliced into strings: For the savory base of the Marsala sauce, cooked until tender.
• 4 cups dry Marsala wine: The star ingredient for a deeply flavorful sauce, perfectly sweet and aromatic.
• 8 oz. heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety finish to the Marsala wine and mushroom sauce.
• 12 oz. button mushrooms: Earthy, tender mushrooms that soak up all the sauce’s flavor beautifully.

How to Make Olive Garden Stuffed Chicken Marsala Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing

Begin by mixing all the stuffing ingredients together in a bowl. This blend of cheeses, breadcrumbs, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, green onions, red pepper flakes, and sour cream promises a complex, creamy filling that perfectly complements the chicken’s mild flavor.

Step 2: Get the Oven Ready

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot when your chicken is ready for baking, ensuring it cooks through gently and evenly.

Step 3: Butterfly and Pound the Chicken

Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally to create two even lobes. Place them between plastic wrap and gently pound each to a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This not only tenderizes the meat but also creates a perfect canvas for stuffing.

Step 4: Stuff and Season

Spoon the prepared stuffing onto one side of each butterflied chicken breast. Fold the other side over, making a stuffed pocket — just be cautious not to overfill or your chicken might burst open during cooking. Then sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper for seasoning and coat lightly in flour.

Step 5: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Brown each chicken piece on both sides until golden and fragrant — this step locks in juices while building flavor and color.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and pop it into your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. This ensures thorough cooking and keeps the chicken juicy inside.

Step 7: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and scrape up all those flavorful browned bits left by the chicken. After about 2 minutes, add the mushrooms and cook until the onions turn translucent and the mushrooms soften, about 5 minutes.

Step 8: Add Marsala Wine and Cream

Pour in the Marsala wine to deglaze the pan, bringing it to a gentle bubble and reducing it by half to concentrate the flavor. Then, warm the heavy cream in the microwave for about 20 seconds before gradually mixing it in. Simmer for five more minutes until the sauce thickens into a silky, rich finish.

Step 9: Plate and Serve

Pour this decadent sauce generously over your stuffed chicken to create a restaurant-worthy presentation that tastes every bit as divine as it looks.

How to Serve Olive Garden Stuffed Chicken Marsala Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or additional Parmesan works wonders here, adding a pop of color and bright flavor contrast to the creamy, savory sauce.

Side Dishes

This chicken marsala is a dream when paired with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the gorgeous sauce perfectly. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus add delightful freshness that balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the stuffed chicken on a diagonal to reveal the cheesy center, then drizzle with sauce and scatter sautéed mushrooms artistically around the plate. Serve on warm rustic bread or alongside a light arugula salad for varied textures and flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap your leftover Olive Garden Stuffed Chicken Marsala Recipe tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick meals afterward.

Freezing

If you want to stash this deliciousness for later, freeze the cooked stuffed chicken and sauce separately in freezer-friendly containers for up to 2 months. This prevents texture changes and keeps flavors fresh.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. Warm the sauce separately and pour over just before serving to maintain that signature creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use different cheeses for the stuffing?

Absolutely! While this recipe shines with provolone or gouda and mozzarella, feel free to experiment with fontina, asiago, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Is Marsala wine essential for the sauce?

Marsala wine brings a unique sweet and nutty flavor that defines the sauce, but if you cannot find it, a dry sherry or a mixture of white grape juice and brandy can be a decent substitute.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness and not overcooking it in the oven are key. Also, searing the chicken seals in the juices and baking at 350°F helps cook it gently.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions, and ensure your Marsala wine and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free for a safe, delicious dinner.

What can I serve instead of mashed potatoes?

Rice pilaf, creamy polenta, or even a simple pasta tossed lightly in olive oil make excellent alternatives that soak up the sauce just as nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Stuffed Chicken Marsala Recipe is truly a keeper — it’s a dish that brings comforting flavors together with a touch of elegance. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how effortlessly special a homemade Italian-inspired meal can be. Once you do, this recipe will likely become a beloved favorite in your household, just like it is in mine.

Print