Easy Instant Pot Chicken Marsala: Healthy, Gluten-Free & Family-Friendly Dinner
Discover the ultimate weeknight meal with this delicious and incredibly easy 21 Day Fix Instant Pot Chicken Marsala! This recipe is not only bursting with flavor but also caters to a variety of dietary needs, being gluten-free, grain-free, Weight Watchers, and Paleo friendly. Say goodbye to complicated dinners and hello to a healthy, satisfying meal that comes together effortlessly in your Instant Pot. (This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with.)
The Joys (and Challenges) of Busy Weeknights
Confession #112: Life with a toddler can be a whirlwind, and sometimes, those precious quiet moments we once relied on simply vanish. My little one recently decided that nap time was a thing of the past – not even the “fake” nap, where he’d happily entertain himself in his crib, giving me a much-needed break to recharge and, of course, work on this blog. Witnessing his impressive, almost gymnastic escape from the crib was a mix of awe and sheer despair. It’s moments like these that truly highlight the need for quick, simple, and utterly delicious dinner solutions.
That’s where this Instant Pot Chicken Marsala truly shines. It’s a lifesaver for busy parents, home cooks, or anyone who craves gourmet flavors without the fuss. This recipe comes together incredibly quickly and tastes absolutely amazing, making even the most challenging days feel a little brighter – especially when paired with a relaxing glass of wine. Just saying!
Why This Instant Pot Chicken Marsala is Your New Go-To Dinner
Beyond its speed and ease, this Chicken Marsala recipe offers so much more. It’s a fantastic one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal or, let’s be honest, tackling whatever daily adventures your toddler has planned. Despite its simplicity, the rich, savory flavors make it special enough for company or even a holiday gathering. Imagine impressing your guests with a “fancy” dinner that required minimal effort and leaves you with just one pot to wash! It’s truly a game-changer for anyone looking to eat healthy without sacrificing taste or precious time.
Healthy & Diet-Friendly: A Meal for Everyone
One of the best features of this Instant Pot Chicken Marsala is its versatility for various healthy eating plans. Whether you’re following the 21 Day Fix, looking for Weight Watchers friendly options, or adhering to a Paleo, gluten-free, or grain-free lifestyle, this recipe fits right in. We’ve carefully chosen ingredients and cooking methods to ensure it aligns with your health goals, providing a wholesome meal packed with protein, vegetables, and rich flavor without any unwanted additions. The detailed container counts for 21 Day Fix and SmartPoints for Weight Watchers are included in the recipe card, making meal planning a breeze.
Mastering Your Instant Pot Chicken Marsala: Tips & Tricks
Choosing the Right Marsala Wine
The star of any Marsala dish is, naturally, the Marsala wine itself. For this recipe, I highly recommend using a dry Marsala wine. This is crucial for achieving that classic savory, nutty depth of flavor that defines Chicken Marsala. Sweet Marsala wines are typically reserved for desserts and will change the profile of your dish significantly. You can usually find dry Marsala at your local liquor store or even some grocery stores (check near the vinegars or specialty oils section). If you’re having trouble locating it locally, it’s readily available on Amazon. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can use an equal amount of chicken or mushroom broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: The Ultimate Debate
While you certainly *can* substitute chicken breasts for thighs in this recipe, I cannot stress enough how much I recommend sticking with chicken thighs. Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless if you prefer) bring an incredible richness and depth of flavor that chicken breasts simply can’t match. They also stay much more moist and tender under pressure cooking, preventing the dry, rubbery texture that can sometimes happen with breasts. The slight amount of fat in thighs contributes significantly to the overall deliciousness of the sauce, making for a truly indulgent yet healthy meal.
Thickening Your Marsala Gravy: Flour Alternatives
To achieve that perfectly luscious, thick Marsala gravy, a thickening agent is essential. My preferred choice is tapioca flour (also known as tapioca starch) because it’s naturally gluten-free and works wonderfully for Paleo diets. However, if tapioca flour isn’t available, don’t worry! You have several excellent alternatives:
- Cornstarch: A very common and effective thickener. Mix it with cold liquid before adding to prevent lumps.
- Arrowroot Powder: Another Paleo-friendly option that works similarly to tapioca starch.
- Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: If gluten isn’t a concern, or you have a gluten-free blend on hand, this can also work.
- Rice Flour: A good gluten-free option that provides a smooth consistency.
Whichever thickener you choose, remember to whisk it with a small amount of the hot liquid from the pot first to create a slurry before adding it back to the main sauce. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth, silky gravy.
Serving Suggestions: Completing Your Meal
This Instant Pot Chicken Marsala is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a truly satisfying family meal, my husband and kids love it served over gluten-free noodles or a bed of fluffy rice. For those (like me!) who are focusing on lower-carb options or simply want to balance the meal, a generous side of green beans, roasted asparagus, or a fresh garden salad pairs perfectly. The rich, flavorful sauce is hearty enough that you’ll feel completely satisfied without a heavy carb side. Plus, as I mentioned earlier, it leaves plenty of room for that glass of wine!
If you’re looking for other healthy and quick Instant Pot meal ideas, don’t forget to check out my post on 31 Days of Healthy Instant Pot Recipes [21 Day Fix | Weight Watchers Freestyle] for more deliciousness!
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Marsala: The Full Recipe
Below you’ll find the detailed recipe for both Instant Pot and stovetop methods. Follow these steps for a perfect Chicken Marsala every time!
Chicken Marsala
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds chicken thighs or boneless tenderloins if you prefer
- 4 teaspoon butter or ghee
- Olive oil spray
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 3 tablespoons diced shallots
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- 3/4 cup Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch, corn starch or rice flour (can sub whatever flour/thickener you have on hand)
Instructions
Instant Pot Method
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Season both sides of chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Turn Instant Pot to saute and wait for it to heat. Then spray inside of pot with olive oil spray. Melt 1 tsp of butter and brown chicken in batches. If you are short on time, you can skip this step, but browning adds significant flavor.
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Remove chicken and melt another tsp of butter in pot. Sauté mushrooms, shallots, and garlic for a few minutes until softened and fragrant before adding chicken back in, along with Marsala wine, chicken stock, and another sprinkle of salt and pepper.
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Lock the Instant Pot cover securely and switch the valve to sealing. Set for ten minutes on manual (or 8 minutes if using boneless tenderloins) for high-pressure cooking.
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After the cook time is finished, perform a quick release of pressure by carefully switching the valve to venting and allowing all the steam to escape. Once the float valve drops, open the lid. Remove chicken and mushrooms, but leave the delicious cooking liquid in the pot. Turn on the sauté function again.
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Take 1/2 cup of the hot juice out and mix it well with 1 tablespoon of tapioca or cornstarch and 2 teaspoons of butter (or ghee for dairy-free). Whisk this slurry together until smooth, then pour it back into the pot with the remaining liquid. Stir constantly and heat until a thick, rich gravy forms, which should take about 5 minutes. Gradually add more starch slurry as needed if you desire a thicker consistency. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
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Return the cooked chicken and mushrooms to the pot, coating them in the luscious gravy. Serve immediately with your preferred sides like noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, or a light side of green beans for a deliciously filling and healthy meal!
Stovetop Method
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Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Spray a large skillet or pan with olive oil spray and add 1 tsp butter. Cook chicken on medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, flipping once. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
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Melt another tsp of butter in the same pan. Sauté sliced mushrooms, diced shallots, and minced garlic for a few minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
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Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken stock, then add another sprinkle of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it begins to reduce slightly, allowing the flavors to meld.
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To thicken the sauce, take 1/2 cup of the hot liquid from the pan and mix it with 1 tablespoon of tapioca or cornstarch and 2 teaspoons of butter (or ghee). Whisk this slurry together until smooth, then pour it back into the pan with the rest of the liquid. Stir and cook over medium heat until a thick, rich gravy forms, which usually takes about 5 minutes. You can gradually add more starch slurry if you prefer a thicker consistency. Adjust seasoning as desired.
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Return the cooked chicken to the pan and warm it through in the gravy. Serve immediately with your favorite sides such as noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh side of green beans for a deliciously filling and healthy meal!
Video
Notes
WW: 8 points (per serving) [Calculated using butter and rice flour]
Nutrition