Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Lombardy: Recreate This Cheesy Marsala Classic at Home
Remember the days when Olive Garden’s Chicken Lombardy was a cherished menu item? For lovers of rich, savory chicken dishes, it was an undeniable highlight. This exquisite dish, renowned for its tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luxurious cheesy Marsala wine sauce, offered a gourmet experience that was both comforting and elegant. While it may no longer grace the menu of your favorite Italian-American restaurant, the good news is you can effortlessly bring this beloved classic back to your own dinner table with our spot-on copycat recipe!
Here at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts, we have a passion for recreating restaurant favorites right in your kitchen. We’ve successfully cracked the code for several Olive Garden classics, from our comforting Chicken Gnocchi Soup and hearty Minestrone Soup to those irresistible Olive Garden Breadsticks. Adding Chicken Lombardy to our collection means you no longer have to miss out on this fantastic meal.
What is Chicken Lombardy? A Cheesy Marsala Delight
If you’re a fan of traditional Chicken Marsala, you are absolutely going to adore this elevated version. Chicken Lombardy takes the classic Marsala concept – tender chicken cutlets pan-seared and simmered in a rich Marsala wine and mushroom sauce – and introduces a glorious layer of melted cheese on top. It’s essentially a cheesy chicken Marsala, offering a deeper level of comfort and flavor that is truly irresistible. The combination of the savory sauce, plump mushrooms, and gooey mozzarella and Parmesan creates a symphony of textures and tastes.
This recipe is designed for both speed and flavor. From your first chop to the final garnish, it takes approximately 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Yet, its sophisticated flavors and beautiful presentation ensure it’s also special enough for entertaining guests or celebrating a quiet evening at home. You’ll cook the chicken and mushrooms on the stovetop, building the fragrant sauce, then finish it off in the oven to achieve that perfect, bubbly, melted cheese topping. It’s a simple process that yields truly spectacular results.
Key Ingredients for Your Homemade Chicken Lombardy
Creating this Olive Garden copycat doesn’t require a long list of obscure ingredients. Many of these are pantry staples, ensuring that you can whip up this delicious meal whenever the craving strikes. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to gather:
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for thinly sliced cutlets for quick and even cooking.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken.
- Garlic Powder: Adds an aromatic depth to the chicken seasoning.
- All-Purpose Flour: For a light dredge that helps the chicken brown beautifully and thickens the sauce slightly.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken.
- Butter: Adds richness to both the chicken searing and mushroom sautéing.
- Mushrooms: Fresh brown mushrooms, like cremini (baby bella), are ideal for their earthy flavor.
- Marsala Wine: The star ingredient for the distinctive sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the savory sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For that irresistible, gooey, melted topping.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty counterpoint to the mozzarella.
- Fresh Parsley: For a vibrant garnish and fresh flavor.
Unveiling Marsala: The Heart of the Sauce
Marsala is a fortified wine, originating from the city of Marsala in Sicily, Italy, that is absolutely crucial for this dish’s signature flavor. Its unique profile — often described as nutty, fruity, with hints of brown sugar and dried fruit — is what gives Chicken Lombardy (and its cousin, Chicken Marsala) its distinctive depth and complexity. It’s a game-changer for the sauce, providing a rich, savory backdrop that beautifully complements the chicken and mushrooms.
You can typically find Marsala wine in most liquor stores, though it might be in a specific section for cooking wines or fortified wines, separate from regular drinking wines. Many grocery stores also carry “Cooking Marsala,” which is often salt-added and specifically for culinary use. While convenient, a dry, good-quality drinking Marsala will generally yield a more authentic and nuanced flavor. If you find yourself unable to locate Marsala, don’t despair! Dry vermouth, port wine, or even dry sherry can serve as suitable substitutes. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile, but all will work well in the recipe and still result in a delicious meal. Just be sure to choose a dry variety to avoid making the sauce overly sweet.
Mastering Homemade Chicken Lombardy: Step-by-Step Guide
Recreating this classic dish at home is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly tender, cheesy, and flavorful Chicken Lombardy:
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by seasoning your thinly sliced chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Once seasoned, lightly dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This light coating helps the chicken brown beautifully and contributes to the richness of the sauce.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large, oven-safe skillet (more on this important detail in our tips!), heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the floured chicken breasts. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a lovely golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and tent it loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
- Preheat Oven: While the chicken rests, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready for the final cheesy bake.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the remaining butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the thinly sliced mushrooms. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender, browned, and have released their moisture. This step is crucial for developing their deep, earthy flavor.
- Build the Sauce: Pour the Marsala wine and chicken broth into the skillet with the mushrooms. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes. The goal here is to reduce the liquid, allowing the flavors to concentrate and the sauce to thicken slightly. The aroma will be incredible!
- Combine and Cheese: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rich Marsala-mushroom sauce. Spoon some of the delicious sauce and mushrooms over the chicken to ensure every piece is coated. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the chicken and sauce.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your homemade Chicken Lombardy immediately, inviting everyone to enjoy this restaurant-quality meal.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Chicken Lombardy
Chicken Lombardy is a wonderfully versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. The rich, savory Marsala and cheese sauce practically begs for something to soak up every last drop! Here are some fantastic suggestions to complete your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are an ultimate comfort food pairing, perfect for absorbing the luscious sauce.
- Jasmine Rice: A lighter alternative to potatoes, fluffy rice provides a subtle base that lets the chicken and sauce shine.
- Tossed Salad: A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts: Roasted or air-fried vegetables add a touch of healthy green and a slightly bitter note that balances the cheesy sauce.
- French Dinner Rolls: Crusty bread is excellent for dipping and ensuring no drop of that delicious sauce goes to waste.
- Pasta: A classic choice! Serve over a bed of al dente spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne to turn it into a more substantial pasta dish.
Essential Recipe Tips for Success
To ensure your Chicken Lombardy turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Chicken Preparation: Using thinly cut chicken breasts (often labeled as chicken cutlets) is key for quick and even cooking. If your chicken breasts are thicker, slice them in half lengthwise or place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to about 1/2-inch thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures consistent cooking and tenderness.
- Mushroom Choice: While cremini (baby bella) mushrooms are often considered the ideal choice for their earthy flavor, don’t hesitate to use what’s available. White button mushrooms or even thinly sliced portobello caps will also work wonderfully, absorbing the rich Marsala sauce beautifully.
- Oven-Safe Skillet is a Must: This recipe requires transferring the skillet directly from the stovetop to the oven. Ensure your skillet is oven-safe (e.g., cast iron, stainless steel with an oven-safe handle). If you don’t have one, simply transfer the seared chicken and sauce to a baking dish before sprinkling with cheese and baking. This avoids extra cleanup and keeps the cooking process smooth.
- Sauce Consistency: If your Marsala sauce reduces too much and becomes overly thick, you can thin it out with a splash more chicken broth or even a little water. Conversely, if it’s too thin, allow it to simmer for a few more minutes to reduce further.
- Cheese Variations: While mozzarella and Parmesan provide the classic creamy and salty combination, feel free to experiment with other Italian melting cheeses like provolone or fontina for a slightly different flavor profile and melt.
- Make Ahead Options: For an even faster weeknight meal, you can season and flour your chicken breasts a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also slice your mushrooms ahead of time to save on prep.
More Delicious Chicken Dinner Recipes to Explore
If you loved this Chicken Lombardy recipe, you’re in for a treat! Our site is brimming with fantastic chicken dinner ideas perfect for any occasion. From comforting soups to quick and easy wraps, there’s a chicken recipe for everyone. Don’t stop at Chicken Lombardy; broaden your culinary horizons with these other delectable options:
- Chicken Pot Pie Soup
- BBQ Chicken Wraps
- Cashew Chicken
- Chicken Stuffed Shells
- Chicken Chorizo Pasta
- Ranch Cheddar Chicken
- Chicken Stroganoff
Chicken Lombardy
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons butter, divided
- 8 oz brown mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup marsala
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- Fresh Parsley
Instructions
-
Season the chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder evenly on both sides. And then coat the chicken in flour. You just want to lightly coat it, and gently shake off any of the excess.
-
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the chicken to the pan and let it brown for 2-3 minutes on each side. Then take it out and cover it with foil to keep warm.
-
Preheat oven to 350º F.
-
Add the rest of the butter to the pan with the mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the mushrooms starts to brown and cook down.
-
Pour in the marsala and chicken broth and simmer for 5-7 minutes, you want it to reduce and cook down some.
-
Add the chicken back to the pan, spooning the sauce and mushrooms over the chicken. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.
-
Put the pan in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes to melt the cheese and finish cooking the chicken.
-
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
We’ve created a fantastic community on Facebook, and we would absolutely love for you to join us! It’s a vibrant space where you can share your favorite recipes, ask cooking questions, and stay up-to-date on all the new and exciting dishes from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts. Don’t miss out on a single recipe or a chance to connect with fellow food enthusiasts!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so we can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU create!
Stay connected and never miss a delicious update by following us on our social media channels:
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Enjoy bringing the taste of Olive Garden’s Chicken Lombardy home!