Olive Garden’s Legendary Stuffed Chicken Marsala – A Rich, Indulgent Copycat Recipe That Will Make Y

Are you ready to recreate one of the most beloved restaurant dishes right in your own kitchen? This Olive Garden-inspired Stuffed Chicken Marsala recipe will have you savoring tender chicken breasts stuffed with a cheesy, flavorful filling, all smothered in a luscious, velvety Marsala wine sauce. It’s the kind of meal that elevates an ordinary dinner to something truly special, leaving your taste buds delighted with every bite. Perfectly balanced between savory and creamy, this dish will have your family and friends convinced you’ve brought the restaurant home. Prepare for the ultimate comfort food indulgence!

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Story Behind Olive Garden’s Stuffed Chicken Marsala

The magic of Olive Garden’s Stuffed Chicken Marsala lies in the combination of classic Italian flavors with the heartiness of an American stuffed chicken dish. The smoky, cheesy stuffing paired with a buttery Marsala wine sauce is a match made in heaven. Originating from the traditional Marsala sauce, this dish takes it up a notch by adding a decadent stuffing that melts into the chicken as it bakes, creating a gooey, irresistible filling. If you’ve ever been to Olive Garden and ordered this dish, you know the deep satisfaction it brings. Now, you can capture that same feeling in your kitchen!

Why This Stuffed Chicken Marsala Will Become Your New Favorite Dinner

There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a perfectly stuffed chicken breast. This version uses a combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and smoky provolone or gouda, mixed with sun-dried tomatoes and green onions to create a rich, savory stuffing that’s complemented by a crispy exterior. The chicken is then smothered in a rich Marsala sauce filled with caramelized onions and mushrooms, thickened with cream, making it a symphony of flavors in every bite. Plus, it pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or even a fresh, green salad.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 740 kcal
• Fat: 49g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 45g
• Sodium: 920mg
• Fiber: 2g

This dish is rich and hearty on its own but can be paired with lighter sides to balance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Stuffed Chicken Marsala pairs exceptionally well with creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower if you want a low-carb option. The richness of the Marsala wine sauce and stuffed chicken begs for something simple yet flavorful on the side. For an Italian-inspired meal, add a side of buttery garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad. To drink, a glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon would balance the richness of the meal perfectly. And for dessert, keep it light with a lemon sorbet or a simple panna cotta.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in the microwave or heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If freezing, wrap the chicken individually in plastic wrap and then foil, and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual. Be sure to store the sauce separately to keep it fresh!

Fun Fact: The History of Marsala Wine

Marsala wine hails from the Marsala region in Sicily, Italy. Originally fortified for export, it has been a favorite in Italian cuisine since the 18th century, often used to enhance the flavor of rich, savory dishes like veal, chicken, and mushroom sauces. Its deep, caramelized flavor is what gives this Stuffed Chicken Marsala its distinctive taste, making it a beloved ingredient in kitchens around the world.

Cooking Tips

Make it Extra Creamy: For an even richer sauce, add an extra splash of cream or a knob of butter as the sauce reduces. Perfect Browning: For that golden-brown, restaurant-style crust on the chicken, be sure to sear the stuffed breasts in a hot skillet with enough olive oil to prevent sticking. Get the Sauce Just Right: Deglaze the pan thoroughly when adding the Marsala wine to lift all those flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. This will infuse the sauce with even more depth.

Optional Variations

Cheesy Heaven: Add some shredded mozzarella on top of the chicken before baking for an extra gooey, cheesy finish. Vegetarian Swap: Replace the chicken with large portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist—stuff them with the same cheese mixture and bake as you would the chicken. Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy provolone to give the dish a little fiery twist.

Olive Garden Stuffed Chicken Marsala Recipe

Ingredients:

Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt/Pepper to taste
• ½ cup olive oil

Stuffing

• ½ cup smoked shredded cheese, provolone or gouda
• 8 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup Plain breadcrumbs (can sub panko)
• 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 Tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, patted dry and roughly chopped
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• ¾ cup sour cream

Sauce

• 1 yellow onion, sliced into strings
• 4 cups Dry Marsala Wine
• 8 oz. heavy cream
• 12 oz. button mushrooms, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. Prepare the stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine all the stuffing ingredients. Mix well and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Butterfly the chicken: Slice each chicken breast along the side to create two lobes. Cover with plastic wrap and gently pound until the chicken is thinned to about 1/4 inch.
4. Stuff the chicken: Lay the butterflied chicken flat and fill one side with the stuffing mixture. Fold the other side over and press gently to seal. Season the outside with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour to coat.
5. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté in the remaining chicken drippings for about 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook until the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes.
7. Deglaze the pan: Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the browned bits. Let the wine reduce by half, then add the heavy cream. Bring to a light simmer and cook for 5 more minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. Serve: Plate the stuffed chicken and generously pour the Marsala mushroom sauce over the top. Serve with mashed potatoes or your favorite side dish. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

This copycat Olive Garden Stuffed Chicken Marsala recipe brings the flavors of your favorite Italian restaurant to your home kitchen, and it’s bound to impress! Rich, cheesy, and absolutely smothered in a mouth-watering Marsala sauce, this dish is perfect for a special dinner or any time you want to treat yourself. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this indulgent recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.