Chicken Marsala was once a beloved menu item at Olive Garden locations across the United States. The dish featured chicken breast sautéed with Marsala wine sauce, mushrooms, and onions, served over pasta. However, Chicken Marsala disappeared from the menu several years ago, much to the dismay of many loyal customers.
When did Chicken Marsala disappear from the Olive Garden menu?
Olive Garden began phasing Chicken Marsala off the menu around 2012. By 2014, it was gone from all locations. The dish had been featured on the menu for over 20 years prior to its removal.
Why did Olive Garden get rid of Chicken Marsala?
According to Olive Garden, the decision to remove Chicken Marsala was part of a broader menu revamp that cut several slower-selling items. The chain was looking to streamline operations and make room for new, more innovative dishes. Chicken Marsala was not selling as well as it once did, so it got cut. Other discontinued dishes around the same time included baked gnocchi and grilled flatbread.
What was unique about Olive Garden’s Chicken Marsala?
Olive Garden’s Chicken Marsala stood out for its use of high-quality ingredients. The chicken was specially marinated and grilled rather than fried. The Marsala wine sauce was made from an authentic Sicilian Marsala wine reduction. Mushrooms were fresh, not canned. The dish was served with Olive Garden’s homemade fettucine pasta sprinkled with parsley and Parmesan cheese.
What did customers think about the Chicken Marsala removal?
The removal of Chicken Marsala from the Olive Garden menu was met with disappointment and complaints from many loyal patrons. Chicken Marsala had been a favorite for special occasions and family dinners at Olive Garden for decades. Fans of the dish took to social media to voice their unhappiness and persuade Olive Garden to bring it back.
Some sample social media reactions:
- “No more chicken marsala at Olive Garden. My disappointment is endless.”
- “Olive Garden got rid of the best thing on the menu – the chicken marsala! Why ruin a good thing?? Bring it back!”
- “Chicken marsala was my go-to dish every time I went to Olive Garden. Guess I won’t be going there much now that it’s gone. Their mistake.”
A Facebook group called “Bring Back Olive Garden’s Chicken Marsala” amassed over 3,000 members lobbying for its return.
Have there been any petitions to bring back Chicken Marsala?
Yes, disgruntled Olive Garden fans have created online petitions urging the chain to reinstate Chicken Marsala to the menu. For example:
- A Change.org petition called “Bring Back Olive Garden’s Chicken Marsala” has received over 1,500 signatures.
- Another petition on ipetitions.com garnered over 800 supporters.
However, despite this feedback, Olive Garden has yet to revive Chicken Marsala.
Has Olive Garden responded to requests to bring back Chicken Marsala?
Olive Garden has acknowledged customer disappointment over the loss of Chicken Marsala. However, they insist the removal was necessary as part of menu modernization. The chain highlights new additions like Giant Stuffed Pastas as replacements for lost classics. While stating they appreciate guest feedback, Olive Garden has given no indication Chicken Marsala will return in the future.
What are some replacement options at Olive Garden?
Here are some dishes at Olive Garden that current menu holders recommend as alternatives to Chicken Marsala:
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Chicken Alfredo | Fettuccine pasta and grilled chicken breast tossed in a Parmesan cream sauce. |
| Chicken Parmesan | Breaded chicken breast baked with marinara sauce and mozzarella, served over fettuccine. |
| Grilled Chicken Margherita | Grilled chicken topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, served over pasta. |
While these dishes have their merits, many Chicken Marsala loyalists argue nothing can quite replace their beloved favorite.
Could Chicken Marsala return someday?
Olive Garden has not ruled out ever bringing Chicken Marsala back in the future. While unlikely in the short term, it’s possible the dish could return down the road if there’s enough sustained customer interest and evidence of demand. For now, only time will tell if this Italian American classic makes a comeback at Olive Garden.
How can I get my Chicken Marsala fix?
Chicken Marsala fans have a few options to get their fix:
- Order the dish at independent Italian restaurants in your area. Many offer their own version of chicken sautéed in Marsala wine sauce.
- Make Chicken Marsala at home by finding recipes online or in cookbooks. It’s relatively easy to cook yourself.
- Purchase pre-made Chicken Marsala meals from grocery stores or food delivery services like Bertolli and Freshly.
- Use similar sauces like mushroom Marsala sauce on chicken purchased from the grocery store.
- Choose restaurant dishes that feature Marsala wine sauces on meat or pasta.
Conclusion
The disappearance of Chicken Marsala from Olive Garden was a tough loss for many loyal patrons who relied on the dish for years. Olive Garden claims it was a necessary menu change, but chicken marsala fans remain adamant in their calls to bring it back. While some satisfactory replacements exist, most agree nothing perfectly captures the flavors of the original Chicken Marsala. For now, home cooked recipes and other restaurants will have to suffice for chicken marsala lovers. But there remains a possibility this nostalgic favorite could return to Olive Garden someday if enough guests make their fondness for the dish known.