Keto Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms and Sage
A rich, creamy chicken marsala featuring golden-seared chicken tenders simmered in a luxurious marsala wine and cream sauce with sautéed mushrooms and fresh herbs. This keto-friendly version delivers all the classic Italian-American flavors without the flour coating, making it perfect for low-carb diners who still crave restaurant-quality comfort food. The combination of dry marsala wine, aromatic sage, and heavy cream creates a sophisticated sauce that's ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken tenders, or breasts cut into tenders
- salt
- pepper
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 2 tsp fresh chopped sage, or thyme
- ½ cup dry marsala winedry sherry1:1substitution
similar flavor profile
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- 1
Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper
- 2
Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat
- 3
Cook chicken tenders 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden
- 4
Remove chicken to plate
- 5
Add butter to pan and let melt
- 6
Add shallot and cook stirring frequently until translucent
- 7
Add mushrooms and sauté until golden brown about 5 minutes
- 8
Season with salt pepper and sage
- 9
Pour marsala over mushrooms and cook until wine reduces by half
- 10
Add broth and cream and bring to boil
- 11
Cook until sauce begins to thicken
- 12
Return chicken to pan and cook 3 to 5 minutes to heat through
Tips
Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking
Don't overcrowd the pan when searing chicken for better browning
Let wine reduce properly to concentrate flavors and remove alcohol bite
Good to Know
refrigerate up to 3 days in covered container
can prepare sauce earlier and reheat gently before adding chicken
immediately while hot over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles
Common Mistakes
don't overcook chicken to avoid drying out
reduce wine completely to prevent bitter alcohol taste
use room temperature cream to prevent curdling
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, slice chicken breasts into tender-sized strips or pound to even thickness for consistent cooking time.
What if I don't have marsala wine?
Dry sherry or white wine with a splash of brandy works as substitute, though flavor will be slightly different.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent cream from separating.