Chicken Marsala Soup Recipe

If you love the classic flavors of Chicken Marsala-tender chicken, rich mushrooms, and that signature Marsala wine sauce-then get ready to experience them in a new, cozy, and comforting way. Chicken Marsala Soup takes all of those mouthwatering elements from the traditional dish and transforms them into a bowl of heartwarming goodness. Whether you’re craving a light yet satisfying meal on a chilly evening or you want to impress guests with a twist on a familiar classic, this soup has got you covered. It’s like your favorite Italian dish, but in soup form, perfect for dunking a warm piece of crusty bread!

In this recipe, the robust flavors of Marsala wine pair with hearty chicken and earthy mushrooms, creating a satisfying soup that’s as comforting as it is delicious. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, with a simple list of ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that don’t require any fancy skills. If you’ve been looking to take your soup game to the next level, this Chicken Marsala Soup is an absolute must-try.

Let’s break down the recipe and dive deep into all the delicious details that make this soup so unforgettable.

Chicken Marsala Soup Recipe

Ingredients Needed

1. Chicken Breast or Thighs (boneless and skinless)

   • Chicken is the star of this soup, providing the protein and the base flavor. You can choose between chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference. Breasts are leaner and cook up quickly, while thighs offer a richer flavor and tenderness.

2. Marsala Wine

   • This sweet, fortified wine is key to getting that classic Chicken Marsala taste. It imparts a deep, slightly sweet flavor that brings the whole dish together. Make sure to use dry Marsala wine for the best flavor balance.

3. Mushrooms (preferably cremini or button)

   • Mushrooms add an earthy, umami punch to the soup, enhancing the flavors of the wine and chicken. Cremini mushrooms are a great choice because they’re slightly richer in flavor than the regular white button mushrooms.

4. Onions (yellow or shallots)

   • Onions bring sweetness and depth to the soup. They’re sautéed until golden and caramelized, which adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

5. Garlic

   • Fresh garlic is a must in this soup. It adds a fragrant, savory base to the broth, enriching the flavors of the chicken, mushrooms, and wine.

6. Chicken Broth

   • A good chicken broth will give your soup that comforting, hearty base. If you’re looking for a more intense flavor, consider using homemade broth or low-sodium store-bought options.

7. Heavy Cream Or Half-and-Half

   • This is what turns the soup into something decadent and creamy. A splash of cream makes everything come together beautifully, adding richness without being overwhelmingly heavy.

8. Thyme And Bay Leaves

   • These herbs enhance the savory depth of the soup, adding subtle fragrance and flavor that marry well with the chicken and wine.

9. Salt And Pepper

   • Simple seasoning, but essential for bringing out all the other flavors in the dish. Don’t skimp on seasoning here!

10. Olive Oil Or Butter

    • For sautéing your vegetables and chicken. Both options add a rich depth of flavor, with butter giving a more indulgent taste and olive oil offering a lighter, more neutral option.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • Begin by cutting your chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized cubes. Season them with a little salt and pepper.

2. Sauté The Chicken

   • Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil or butter. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sauté until they’re browned and cooked through. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

3. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add a bit more oil or butter if needed, then toss in the chopped onions and cook until softened and golden (about 4-5 minutes). Add the garlic and mushrooms, and cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, which should take about 7-8 minutes.

4. Deglaze The Pot

   • Pour in the Marsala wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Let the wine cook down for about 3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.

5. Add Broth And Herbs

   • Pour in the chicken broth, then add the thyme and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Finish The Soup

   • Add the cooked chicken back into the pot, then stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes until it’s warmed through and slightly thickened.

7. Adjust Seasoning

   • Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

8. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh thyme or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Ingredient Insights

• Marsala Wine: Marsala wine is a fortified wine that has a distinctive sweetness and depth, which makes it perfect for savory dishes like Chicken Marsala. The wine also has the ability to tenderize the chicken and bring out a savory complexity that other ingredients just can’t achieve.
• Mushrooms: Mushrooms, specifically cremini mushrooms, provide a meaty texture and earthy flavor that complements the wine and chicken perfectly. Mushrooms also absorb the flavors of the broth, making every spoonful rich and flavorful.
• Heavy Cream: The cream adds the luxurious texture that transforms this soup from a basic broth into a velvety, indulgent dish. You could substitute it with a lighter option like half-and-half if you’re looking for something less rich.

Expert Tips

1. Deglaze Properly: When deglazing with Marsala wine, make sure you scrape up all the bits from the bottom of the pot. This is where a lot of flavor is hiding, and you don’t want to miss it.
2. Sauté Your Mushrooms Well: Don’t rush the process of sautéing your mushrooms. Let them cook down until they’re golden and have released all their moisture. This brings out their natural flavor and enhances the depth of the soup.
3. Add the Cream Last: Adding the cream too early can cause it to curdle. For the best result, wait until the soup is simmering before stirring in the cream.
4. Make Ahead: This soup can be made a day or two ahead of time. In fact, the flavors tend to deepen after sitting overnight. Just reheat gently and adjust seasoning before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Add Greens: For a burst of freshness and color, you can stir in some spinach or kale just before serving. These greens will wilt into the soup without overpowering the flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make the soup gluten-free, simply ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free and serve it with gluten-free bread for dunking.
• Spice It Up: If you want to add a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic and onions for a subtle kick.
• Vegan Version: Swap the chicken for plant-based protein (like tofu or tempeh), and replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it fully vegan.

Final Words

Chicken Marsala Soup takes the beloved Chicken Marsala dish to an entirely new level, offering all the flavors you love in a cozy, soup form. It’s the ultimate combination of savory, earthy, and slightly sweet notes that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, with the flexibility to tweak the recipe based on what you have available, it’s easy to make this your own.

This recipe is perfect for a hearty weeknight meal, but it’s also special enough for a dinner party or gathering. You’ll get all the joy of the classic Chicken Marsala with the added comfort of a soup that’s sure to warm you up on the coldest days.