Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian dish that consists of chicken cutlets or chicken breast sautéed with Marsala wine sauce. The rich, flavorful sauce is made from dry Marsala wine, butter, mushrooms, herbs, and spices. This delicious combination of savory chicken and velvety sauce is a favorite at Italian restaurants and dinner tables. Many wine lovers wonder, when serving Chicken Marsala at home, should you pair it with red or white wine? Or does the choice come down to personal preference? The quick answer is that Chicken Marsala pairs well with either a dry white or light red wine. The Marsala wine used in the sauce provides some guidance. But the particular preparation, ingredients, and one’s personal tastes are also important factors. Let’s take a closer look at how to choose between red and white.
Marsala Wine in the Sauce
The sauce is the heart of any Chicken Marsala dish. Traditional Marsala sauce starts with butter and oil, then builds layers of flavor from mushrooms, herbs, spices, and finally Marsala wine. Marsala is a fortified wine that originated in Sicily. It comes in sweet or dry styles, as well as gold and amber colors. Dry Marsala works best for cooking. The amber color Gold Marsala is most commonly used in Chicken Marsala recipes.
The Marsala brings a rich nuttiness and caramel-like sweetness to the sauce. Its high alcohol content allows the wine to boil for a period of time to cook off some alcohol while reducing and thickening the sauce. The end result is a luxurious sauce with a soft fruity flavor and velvety texture that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
So in choosing a wine pairing, the Marsala in the sauce is a key consideration. A dry white or light red wine will complement rather than compete with the subtle fruity Marsala flavors.
Factors that Influence Wine Pairing
Beyond the Marsala in the sauce, several factors come into play when deciding whether red or white wine best pairs with Chicken Marsala:
Chicken Preparation
How the chicken itself is prepared and seasoned can make a difference. Chicken Marsala often uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts. But chicken cutlets, chicken thighs, or even a whole cut up chicken can be used. The richness of the meat and extra crispness from skin may tilt pairings toward a lighter red wine. While very lean chicken breast may benefit from a brighter, fruity white.
Other Ingredients
Ingredients used beyond the traditional chicken, Marsala, butter and mushrooms will also influence wine choice. Onions, garlic, shallots and herbs like thyme, sage or rosemary enhance the savory qualities of the dish. The addition of cream or demi-glace makes it more luxurious. Any of these directions may nudge pairings toward a mellow red. While the addition of lemon juice or capers brightens it up for white.
Cooking Method
How the dish is cooked and finished also affects the richness of the final product. Pan frying in butter to get that crispy golden chicken skin calls for a different wine than chicken gently simmered in sauce. Garnishes of parsley or chopped tomatoes at the end lend freshness. While a dusting of parmesan cheese adds a salty, earthy note that could pair well with red.
Side Dishes & Appetizers
The accompaniments served with Chicken Marsala work synergistically with the wine choice. Lighter sides like sautéed spinach, roasted potatoes or rice pilaf suit a white wine pour. While heavier sides like pasta or polenta match up better with red. And if serving an antipasto spread before the main event, that Italian theme flows nicely into a red wine with dinner.
Personal Taste
With both red and white being reasonable options, it often comes down to personal preference. Think about the wines you most enjoy drinking and what will please your palate. The goal is choosing a wine you’ll want to drink with your meal. If you love fruity Sauvignon Blancs, then a white it is! If you always reach for a smooth Chianti, then have at it. Your enjoyment of the pairing is what matters most.
Best White Wine Options
Ready to explore which white wines make good partners for Chicken Marsala? Here are some excellent varieties and styles to consider:
Dry Marsala
Sticking with the same wine used to prepare the dish is a foolproof option. Dry Marsala has fruity, nutty notes with caramel and vanilla hints that mirror the sauce flavors. Its moderate acidity and alcohol help cut the richness. Just avoid overly sweet styles which would clash. Serve the Marsala chilled to contrast the hot chicken and sauce.
Pinot Grigio
An Italian Pinot Grigio has bright acidity to cleanse the palate and complements the herbs and spices of Chicken Marsala. Its dry, fruity style pairs nicely. The higher acid white grape contrasts luscious, savory flavors. A fuller-bodied, oaked Pinot Gris from California or Oregon would also work well.
Sauvignon Blanc
A zippy Sauvignon Blanc adds grassy and tropical fruit notes that offset the richness of the dish. Choose a drier, unoaked style over very fruity ones. The acidity cleans the palate while complementing chicken flavors. Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand or France’s Loire Valley is a great choice.
Unoaked Chardonnay
A lighter style of Chardonnay lets the Marsala and chicken shine rather than competing with oaky, buttery flavors. Crisp unoaked Chardonnay from Italy, France, or California has enough body and creaminess to complement the sauce.
Fiano or Greco di Tufo
These fuller-bodied Italian white wines bring nice acidity with flavors of lemon, peach, almond and herbs that align with Marsala sauce notes. Their minerality pairs with the chicken while standing up to richness.
Best Red Wine Options
For those who enjoy red wine with their chicken, here are excellent red varieties and styles for Chicken Marsala:
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a perfect lighter style red that complements Chicken Marsala beautifully. Its cherry, earth and herbal notes pair deliciously with the mushroom sauce. Choose a Fruity, low-tannin Pinot from California, Oregon or France’s Burgundy region. The red fruit flavors contrast the savory sauce without overpowering.
Barbera
This Italian red grape offers bright cherry flavors along with low tannins. Its juicy acidity cuts through the rich sauce while matching chicken flavors. Barbera d’Asti or Barbera d’Alba from Piedmont would be an excellent choice.
Valpolicella
An easy-drinking Valpolicella from Italy has mild tannins, berry flavors and a hint of spice. Look for a Classico style over the richer Ripasso or Amarone. Its fruity flavors contrast the Marsala sauce while the spice complements chicken seasoning.
Chianti
This Tuscan red has cherry, herbs and tomato notes that align with Marsala sauce ingredients. Its medium body and acidity pair nicely without overwhelming. Choose a youthful Chianti Classico that’s not too full-bodied or oaky.
Grenache Blends
Blends featuring Grenache from southern France, California or Spain often offer a fruit-forward style that works. Their red berry flavors, spice and soft tannins pair deliciously without masking flavors.
Tips for Serving
A few serving tips can enhance your wine pairing success with Chicken Marsala:
- Chill light reds like Pinot Noir slightly before serving.
- Choose a wine that’s no more than 2 years old to maximize fresh fruitiness.
- Have some room temperature water available to help cleanse palates.
- Give tannic reds time to breathe before serving to soften them a bit.
- Serve your chosen wine in appropriate stemware to allow aromas to emerge.
Following these tips, while keeping your preferences in mind, will ensure you choose a wine you’ll enjoy with your Chicken Marsala.
Food Pairing Summary
| Better with White Wine | Better with Red Wine |
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Conclusion
The beauty of Chicken Marsala is that it pairs beautifully with either a red or white wine depending on your mood, menu, and taste preferences. Dry, fruit-forward whites complement the Marsala sauce and chicken flavors. While light, fruity reds offer enough body and flavor to enhance the dish. Consider the preparation, ingredients, and your personal wine preferences to make the perfect match. And most importantly, choose a wine you enjoy drinking to make your Chicken Marsala meal complete. With a little guidance, you’re sure to find a winning wine match for this classic Italian favorite.