Delicious and easy 21 Day Fix Instant Pot
Chicken Marsala that’s gluten-free, grain free, Weight Watchers, and Paleo friendly! This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with.
Confession #112 – I hate to be so dramatic, but life as I have known it for the past three years is officially over.
My toddler has given up his nap time.
And by nap time, I am referring to what we have been calling his “fake” nap where he would willingly go in the crib, not to sleep, but to entertain himself with various noises, songs, and crib gymnastics so mommy could get a break and a pinch of sanity.
Oh…and you know, work on this blog.
Of course he has been able to climb out of his crib for well over a year now, but I have “fixed this” by putting him in a backwards sleep sack and that has worked.
Until now.
I may be dealing with a future gymnast. Because I watched him make his escape and he basically pulls himself up and then pommel horses himself over the side of the crib.
It’s actually quite impressive.
But I seriously could cry.
Anyway, it’s all the more reason to love recipes like this Instant Pot Chicken Marsala, which comes together so quickly and seriously tastes amazing, especially with a glass of wine. Just sayin.
And although it’s a simple, one pot meal, I think it’s tasty enough for company or even a holiday meal. Imagine? Only one pot to clean for a fancy dinner?
What kind of Marsala Wine do I need for this Instant Pot Chicken Marsala?
I like a dry Marsala wine, which I can find at my local liquor store. They also sell sweeter Marsala wines, but they are traditionally used for dessert. If you are having trouble finding Marsala wine at your local wine store or grocery store (check near the vinegars), you can get it on Amazon 
.
Can I substitute Chicken Breasts for the Chicken Thighs?
You can…but I HIGHLY recommend the chicken thighs. They give such an amazing flavor and richness to this dish.
I don’t have tapioca flour. What else can I use?
I used tapioca flour to thicken my Marsala gravy, but you could use corn starch or whatever flour you have on hand. I have also used arrowroot, gluten-free all purpose flour, and rice flour and they work very well. Keep in mind tapioca and arrowroot are best for Paleo.
What should I serve this Chicken Marsala with?
My husband and kids had this over gluten free noodles, but I thought it was plenty filling with just a side of green beans. Because, you know, the wine.
Momma’s got to stay sane somehow, right?
Anyway, if you make this, let me know! And if you have any tips for establishing a rest time routine for a toddler who strong point isn’t reasoning with his momma, please send them to me!
Or just send me more wine.
Enjoy!
Like this recipe? Check out this post of 31 Days of Healthy Instant Pot Recipes [21 Day Fix | Weight Watchers Freestyle] for more Healthy Instant Pot deliciousness!
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala
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
- Season both sides of chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- 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.
- Remove chicken and melt another tsp of butter in pot. Saute mushrooms, shallots, and garlic for a few minutes before adding chicken back in, along with Marsala wine, stock, and another sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Lock IP cover and switch to manual. Set for ten minutes (or 8 minutes if using tenderloins).
- After cook time is finished, switch to quick release and allow all the steam to escape. Remove chicken and mushrooms, but leave juice in the pot, and turn on saute function again.
- Take 1/2 cup of the juice out and mix with 1 T of tapioca or corn starch and 2 tsp of butter. Whisk together well, then pour back into the pot with the rest of the liquid. Stir and heat until a thick gravy forms, about 5 minutes, gradually adding in more starch as needed. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Mix chicken, mushrooms, and gravy together and serve with noodles, rice, potatoes and/or a side of green beans for a deliciously filling meal!
Stovetop
- Spray pan with olive oil spray and 1 tsp butter. Cook chicken on medium until cooked through, flipping once, then remove from pan.
- Melt another tsp of butter in pan. Saute mushrooms, shallots, and garlic for a few minutes.
- Add in Marsala wine, stock, and another sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook until it begins to reduce.
- Then take 1/2 cup of the juice out and mix with 1 T of tapioca or corn starch and 2 tsp of butter. Whisk together well, then pour back into the pan with the rest of the liquid. Stir and cook over medium heat until a thick gravy forms, about 5 minutes, gradually adding in more starch as needed. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Add chicken in at the end and warm through. Serve with noodles, rice, potatoes and/or a side of green beans for a deliciously filling meal!
Anne says
What would Cook Time be if done on stove top?
Nancylynn says
About 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken
Olivia S says
OMG. Just delicious. I almost can’t believe it’s 21 Day Fix friendly! Thank you for this!
Maria Tizon says
Can’t wait to try this one. Do you happen to have container counts per serving? (21 Day Fix) Thank you!
Nancylynn says
Hi! The container counts on all Confessions recipes are in the notes section of the recipe card. This one is 1 RED, 1/2 GREEN, and 1 tsp per serving. Hope you enjoy it!
Kathy W says
Haven’t made this dish yet but why didn’t it specify dry v. sweet marsala? I had to guess; I purchased a bottle of dry when I got the other ingredients.
Nancylynn says
It really depends on your taste – both would work! I use dry.
Kathy Roussis says
This is one of my favorite recipes! I have also made it for a dinner party and everyone loved it too!
Nancylynn says
That makes me so happy! Thank you!
Melissa says
Made this earlier this week, it was soooo good! I went to two grocery stores and both were out of Marsala wine so I used white cooking wine and some cognac instead. Husband and toddler approved! Will be making again!
Emily says
Easy and delicious!
Cindy says
Can I double the recipe? I have a 8 quart IP
Would I need to do anything different? I have never used it so I’m a little nervous.
Nancylynn says
Sure can! And you just keep everything else the same! You’ve got this!!!!
bad says
you managed to take a 20 minute recipe and turn it into a 20 minute stew? do not understand how an instant pot improves this meal in any way. there is also no meal that requires a story
}. it made no sense when my wife showed it to me, i tmade no sense as I made it, and it certainly made no sense when I ate it.
Nancylynn says
I’m not sure I understand your comment, but I hope you find a better recipe for what you are looking for. This one is a family and reader favorite and I stand by it.
Jenna says
What a beautiful reply to an unnecessary comment. My instant pot should be delivered tomorrow and the ingredients for this recipe are on my grocery list for the first few recipes I will attempt. 🙂
Nancylynn says
I hope you love it, Jenna! And thank you.❤️
Jenna Hill says
It was one of the first few recipes I tried and just being able to walk away and not babysit the stove, yet turn out a very impressive meal that even my children loved was wonderful! We decorated our Christmas tree afterwards and I look forward to the leftovers tonight!
Nancylynn says
This makes me so happy to hear, Jenna! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Amanda cannon says
Can I use bone in chicken thighs for the instant pot and if so do I change cook time?
Nancylynn says
Hi! No – you can keep the cook time the same, but I would do a ten minute natural release!
Ali says
Our instant pot came in two days ago and this is the first recipe we’ve tried! I’m 38 weeks pregnant and it made my pregnant heart and belly so happy. So flavorful! Thanks so much for sharing
Nancylynn says
YAY!! This makes MY heart so happy!! Best wishes to your growing family <3
Sue says
Nancy Lynn this is delicious! And so easy to make . Thank you thank you for a great recipe!
Nancylynn says
I am SO happy to hear, Sue!! You are very welcome!!
Julie says
Would I be able to steal the green beans on top of this is a steamer basket?
Nancylynn says
Yes, but they might get a little soggy. I usually cook my green beans for less time.
Marsha Moskowitz says
I love this recipe! It is very similar to my old recipe, except that now I can do it in the IP. No messes in the kitchen and easy cleanup. Very tasty and very tender chicken! Thank you!!!!
Nancylynn says
Yay! This makes me really happy Marsha!
Leila says
Your recipe looks good and I’m going to try it tonight along with a sprinkle of thyme, then a little fresh lemon juice and a splash of cream added in the end. I would like to mention that your ‘print’ function needs some work. It currently is just not user friendly with gigantic images on every page. Your simple recipe would have taken 4 printed pages as is. I ended up copying and pasting the text into a word doc for printing, For convenience, please consider re-configuring this.
Nancylynn says
I agree – I am working on getting a new recipe card. Thank you for your patience!
Angela Clarke says
Help! I made this and it was a disaster-it was dried out and burnt with no sauce whatsoever . I definitely used 10 minutes. I do have a Power Cooker XL, not an Instant Pot. Was this the problem? It looks so good, I’d like to try again.
Nancylynn says
Maybe? I don’t know – I really don’t know anything about the Power Cooker XL!
Julie says
Same thing happened to me tonight with my CrockPot Express! I took the chicken out and cooked the sauce on the sate setting
Vickie Lmbeth says
I just made for the first time. Followed instructions exactly. I used bone in thighs. When we cut into the chicken, it did not look done at all. Fearing we might get sick if we ate it, i put the chicken in the microwave for a few minutes. The flavor was good and i’d Like to use the recipe again, but wonder what i did wrong that the chicken did not get done??
Nancylynn says
I think bone-in thighs might take longer, then! I have always used boneless for this.
Shelley Lawrence says
What can I substitute for butter? Want it to be dairy free. Thanks
Nancylynn says
I use the Earth’s Balance Dairy and Soy free butter, but you could sub olive oil if you would rather use that.
Cindy Gullo says
I would like to make this with veal. Suggestions on cooking time? I would imagine less than for chicken since the veal cutlets are much thinner. Thank you
Nancylynn says
I haven’t tried veal in the IP…but it sounds delicious!
Hanna says
I just received an Instant Pot for Christmas and this is going to be my first recipe! One question… when you say “Lock IP cover and switch to manual”… what is manual on the Instant Pot? I can’t find a “manual” function on the Instant Pot. Thanks!
Nancylynn says
If you have a newer model, yours might say “Pressure Cook” – do you see that? And YAY! You are going to love it!
Emily says
Delicious! Made this tonight and its definitely becoming a repeat. Thank you!
Lauren Driscoll says
I just made this and it was a big hit! Super easy and delicious. Kids loved it too. Thanks for sharing.
Nancylynn says
YAY!! <3
Nancylynn says
Fantastic!!
Laurie says
I made this tonight very good flavour. I used boneless chicken breast and it was a bit dry so will try the chicken thighs next time. I didn’t have Marsala wine and substituted it for a Zinfandel I had. I will definitely be making this again.
Nancylynn says
Great! Let me know what you think of the thighs 🙂
Monika says
this was delicious! thank you so much for the great recipe! I did not change a thing!
Sharon Lewis says
Can I somehow make it with rice in the instant pot at the same time?
Nancylynn says
What kind of rice?
Nicole says
I did this tonight. I used frozen chicken thighs and brown rice. One cup of rice with one cup of water pot in pot, poultry setting (15 minutes) natural release. Came out perfect.
Donna P. says
Delicious! I made this for dinner tonight. Thanks for sharing!
Nancylynn says
YAY!!!!! <3 <3 <3
Rebecca D says
I just made this chicken marsala in my instant pot and I loved it along with my whole family! Thank you so much for sharing it!
Nancylynn says
YAY!! That’s the best!!
Christine McInerney says
I used almond flour instead of tapioca and it turned out fantastic!
Nancylynn says
This is great info! Thank you!
Colleen says
Your recipe calls for 1 T (Tablespoon) of thickener?? Both in the ingredient list and in the instructions. That seems like too much, I’m worried this would turn the sauce into a gelatin type substance?
Nancylynn says
Feel free to start with a teaspoon and work up to 1 T if you aren’t sure!
Carrie says
Is there anyway to do this with frozen chicken? Or is it best to thaw it out first?
Nancylynn says
You can definitely do frozen chicken – I would add a couple of minutes to the cook time in case! And I would also stick with chicken thighs because they are less likely to get overcooked!
Jocelyn says
Made this tonight and both my husband and I LOVE VED it. Thank you!
Nancylynn says
YAY!! This makes me very happy to hear!!
Marian Kern says
This recipe looks delicious. However, I need to prepare this meal for 7 adults this weekend. I had planned on using 7 chicken breasts and probably double the vegetables. However, I’m unsure of how much Marsala and chicken stock to use and what the cooking time under pressure should be. What are your suggestions?
I’m cooking this with 2 friends who also have instant pots and are afraid to use them. I’m supposed to help them get over their fears so I’d really like it to work. Any help you can offer would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Nancylynn says
Hi! I would double the sauce, too – you can never have enough, lol! And use the same cook time…it should work fine that way!
Gabi H says
What would be a single serving size that goes with the container count you listed?
Nancylynn says
1/4 of the contents of the pot…
Chelsea says
How many servings does this make? Thanks in advance?
Nancylynn says
Four!
Lourdes Torres says
Does this recipe call for 1 or 2 pounds of chicken
Nancylynn says
The sauce is perfect for 1-2 pounds of chicken 🙂
Jane says
Thank you for this recipe. This was my very first Instant Pot cooking experience and I love chicken Marsala so I decided to give it a try. We loved it — served with noodles and asparagus — perfect!
PS: we’re an alcohol feee house. To make fake Marsala use 1/4 cup white grape juice or sweet dealcoholized wine, 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract, 2 tbsp sherry vinegar, and 2 tsp of melted honey. It works quite well to simulate the Marsala taste. Enjoy
Nancylynn says
This is SO helpful, Jane!! Thanks so much for taking the time to share that!! <3 <3 <3
Jane says
Hi there. I just made this and we’re an alcohol feee house. To make fake Marsala use 1/4 cup white grape juice or sweet dealcoholized wine, 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract, 2 tbsp sherry vinegar, and 2 tsp of melted honey. It works quite well to simulate the Marsala taste. Enjoy!
Ronda says
Wow!!! I just made this chicken marsala in my brand new instant pot. It was so delicious! My husband hates food made in the crockpot so I was nervous. The sauté step really changed the texture of the chicken for the better. Thank you for sharing. I have one happy and full family.
Nancylynn says
This is wonderful to hear, Ronda!! Thanks for making my night!! <3 <3 <3
Lisa says
Is there a non-alcohol, low sodium substitute for the marsala wine that would keep the flavor integrity intact?
Emily says
I just used a dry wine I had at home, it worked perfectly. I added he juice is half a lemon and a good splash of balsamic vinegar at the end. Delicious.
Cindy Gullo says
The alcohol cooks off leaving the flavor.
Tania says
I didn’t have Marsala so I just used water ! Still delicious flavor. I added a few more garlic cloves.
Nancylynn says
Oooh good to know!
Mel says
Do you pound the chicken first or just put it in the pot whole? I’ve always pounded my chicken very thin when making cbicken marsala (or schnitzel). Would that affect the cooking time? Just got my IP yesterday and I’m learning…
Nancylynn says
I don’t, but you sure can! Just reduce the cook time by two minutes.
Carol says
Hi there- I’m seeing your blog for the first time, thanks to a recipe link on the Instant Pot Community Facebook page. So, how is your toddler’s quiet time going? When my two kids (16 mos. apart) stopped napping, I started Quiet Time. It was more for my sanity than their need for a rest. Every afternoon they had to stay in their bed or crib until the end of a cd stopped plaing. I put on quiet music like piano or soft jazz. They could look at books or play quietly…they didn’t have to sleep. Both knew that when the cd ended they could get up. It worked great and gave me a little bit of down time. I think it started their love of books and reading. Good luck!!
Nancylynn says
This sounds wonderful! I definitely need it for my sanity, and my daughter was great with quiet time. My son is a different story. But maybe the music would help him stay put. I will try it – thank you!
Amanda says
How many servings does this recipe make? I’m dying to try this!!
Nancylynn says
4! It’s SO good!
Mark Mc says
Just had this tonight. It was a hit.
Nancylynn says
That’s AWESOME!!!
Alicia says
How could I cook this with a regular stock pot?
Nancylynn says
I will update this with stovetop directions soon!
Sarah O'Connell says
Are there stovetop directions yet? We don’t have an instant pot, but I want to make this!
Nancylynn says
Yes! Sorry it took me so long!
Cherie Hayes says
How do I go to the stove top directions? This looks amazing but I don’t have an IP.
Nancylynn says
Step 8!!
Julie says
Do you cook it on high pressure or low?
Nancylynn says
high 🙂
Shirley says
What is Marsala wine?
Nancylynn says
It’s a sweet/dry Italian wine – but you can get the cooking version near the vinegar in your regular grocery store!
Diane R says
Wines that are marketed a “cooking wine” are generally of poor quality and are loaded with sodium. Just use regular marsala that you’ll find in the wine section of the store. No need to rush to use the bottle of marsala either– it is a fortified wine and an open bottle can be stored in a cool, dark place. The flavor may fade a bit over time, but an open bottle can last over a year.
Deb says
It’s time to get a “big boy” bed and gate for the door. And reward him when he stays in his bed or bedroom without fussing for 30 mins (at least!). You might consider turning his chest of drawers towards the wall, also. My brother was also a budding gymnast and figured out how to pull out the drawers of his chest and climb them. Until they fell over on him. No, he survived. Glad to say. I like my brother.
Loving your site!
Deb
Nancylynn says
Lol – thanks, Deb! <3 <3
Alex says
The recipe says 2-3 Tablespoons of Tapioca Starch, but the instructions say 2-3 teaspoons. can you clarify which it is?
Nancylynn says
Updated! Thanks so much! I recommend starting with 2-3 Teaspoons and increasing from there if necessary :).
Michele Hudon says
I use xantham gum as a thickener. Work in progress, I eyeballed it & used too much.
Nancylynn says
I’ve never used xantham gum…not sure how much the amount should be. You can add some broth to thin out the gravy!
sharon m sutton says
Michele Hudon, I’d like to know how much xanthan gum you settled on. I’m thinking of trying this recipe and am watching my carbs. I also read somewhere that thickeners aren’t supposed to go in until after pressure is released or it might burn/stick to bottom. Any thoughts on that? Thanks, Sharon.
Colleen says
Just so you know, you changed the tsp of starch to T (Tablespoon) in the directions instead of changing it in the ingredients list. Inexperienced cooks might add the Tablespoon and ruin the gravy. So, you need to change it in the list of ingredients and the 2 spots mentioned in the directions. Can’t wait to try this!
Nancylynn says
I’m not sure I understand?
Christina Chambers says
She meant there are three locations where you mentioned tablespoons.
One in the ingredients list, and two spots in the directions, specifically step 6 and step 8 (you mentioned T (which is tablespoon).
Nancylynn says
Yes – 1-2 tablespoons are correct for this recipe.
Michelle says
Did you use boneless chicken?
Nancylynn says
Yes! But it could work with bone-in.
Vicki says
I love Chicken Marsala and am excited to try it in the instant pot. I’m assuming you use boneless skinless chicken?
Nancylynn says
I do!
Danielle says
Can I make this in a crock pot, too?
Nancylynn says
I think you could!
Sandy says
I always add a squeeze of lemon juice to my chicken Marsala to brighten the other flavors
Nancylynn says
Ooh!!! I’m totally going to try that!! Thank you for sharing!!