Is Chicken Marsala High in Carbs? The Surprising Truth About This Italian Dish

December 26, 2025 •

5 min read

According to several nutrition trackers, a single serving of traditional chicken marsala typically contains less than 10 grams of carbs. So, is Chicken Marsala high in carbs? For most recipes, the answer is a resounding no, but the final carb count depends heavily on preparation and serving choices.

Quick Summary

Traditional chicken marsala is naturally low in carbohydrates, but its carb count can increase with common ingredients like flour for dredging. Modifications for keto diets are simple and involve flour alternatives. The final carb load is heavily influenced by the chosen side dishes.

Key Points

Core Ingredients are Low Carb: The chicken and mushrooms that form the base of Chicken Marsala are naturally low in carbohydrates, making the dish a solid protein source.
Flour is the Main Carb Culprit: In traditional preparations, the all-purpose flour used to dredge the chicken is the primary source of carbs, though the total amount per serving remains moderate.
Keto Versions are Easy: Achieving a very low-carb or keto-friendly version is straightforward by replacing all-purpose flour with substitutes like almond flour or xanthan gum.
Accompaniments Affect Total Carbs: Serving Chicken Marsala with starchy sides like pasta can drastically increase the overall carb count of the meal. Opt for vegetable sides for a healthier option.
Wine Adds Minimal Carbs: While Marsala wine contains some sugar, the small quantity used in the sauce means it contributes only a small number of carbohydrates to each serving.
Nutritional Value Varies by Recipe: The exact carb count of Chicken Marsala is not static; it varies depending on the specific recipe, preparation techniques, and serving choices.
Check for Hidden Sugars: When eating out or using pre-made sauces, be mindful of hidden sugars or thickeners that can increase the carb content.

Understanding the Carb Count in Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish beloved for its tender chicken cutlets, savory mushrooms, and a rich sauce made from Marsala wine. When examining its nutritional profile, particularly the carbohydrate content, it's essential to look beyond the main ingredients and consider the full recipe. In its most basic form—pan-fried chicken and mushrooms deglazed with Marsala—the dish is naturally quite low in carbs. The primary components, chicken and mushrooms, contain negligible carbohydrates. The fortification process of Marsala wine does add some carbs, but the amount is typically minimal per serving.

The Hidden Carb Sources in Traditional Recipes

For most people asking, "is Chicken Marsala high in carbs?", the real culprits for an increased count are typically the flour dredge and the accompaniments. Classic recipes often call for dusting the chicken cutlets in all-purpose flour before frying. The flour serves to give the chicken a golden crust and, more importantly, to thicken the sauce. While a small amount of flour per serving adds only a few grams of carbohydrates, it's a key factor to consider, especially for those on very strict low-carb or keto diets. Some recipes also use a higher quantity of Marsala wine or may add sweeteners, further boosting the carb total.

Comparison of Chicken Marsala Carb Counts

To better illustrate how different preparation methods impact the carb count, here is a comparison table based on information from various sources:


Preparation Method	Key Carb Sources	Estimated Carbs per Serving
Traditional Recipe	All-purpose flour, Marsala wine	5–15 grams
Keto-Friendly Version	Marsala wine (in moderation)	Less than 8 grams
Restaurant Version	Flour, sugary wine, starchy sides	Varies widely, can be high
Healthy Choice Meal	Reduced flour, controlled sauce	~14 grams

Making Chicken Marsala Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly

For those watching their carb intake, making chicken marsala fit into a low-carb or ketogenic diet is surprisingly simple. The most critical modification is to remove the flour dredge. Instead of flour, you can use low-carb alternatives or skip the coating altogether. To thicken the sauce without flour, several options are available:

Use Xanthan Gum: This is a popular keto-friendly thickener. A tiny amount is all that's needed to create a rich, velvety sauce. For example, some recipes call for just 1/4 tsp of xanthan gum to thicken an entire batch of sauce.
Cook Down the Sauce: Simply simmering the Marsala wine and chicken stock for a longer duration allows the sauce to naturally reduce and thicken, intensifying its flavor at the same time.
Add Cream: Incorporating heavy cream not only enriches the sauce but also helps to thicken it without adding significant carbs.
Almond Flour: Some recipes suggest a very light coating of almond flour for browning the chicken, which adds minimal carbs.

Low-Carb Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Marsala

Another major factor in the total carb count of a meal is the side dish. While traditional pasta or mashed potatoes can turn a low-carb main into a high-carb meal, plenty of delicious alternatives exist:

Cauliflower Rice: A versatile and popular substitute for traditional rice, it works perfectly for soaking up the marsala sauce.
Zucchini Noodles: Also known as "zoodles," these are a fantastic low-carb replacement for pasta.
Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli: Simple roasted vegetables provide a nutrient-dense and flavorful accompaniment.
Creamy Cauliflower Mash: This can replace mashed potatoes for a comforting, low-carb experience.

Conclusion: Chicken Marsala's Carb Profile Explained

The question "is Chicken Marsala high in carbs?" is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. The core components of chicken and mushrooms are inherently low in carbs. The potential for a higher carb load comes from the cooking method, specifically the use of flour for dredging, and the choice of side dishes. For those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, it is straightforward to adapt the recipe by using alternative thickeners like xanthan gum or heavy cream and by serving it with low-carb vegetable sides. Whether you prefer a traditional or a modified version, Chicken Marsala remains a versatile and delicious meal that can fit into a variety of dietary plans.

External Resource

For more information on the nutritional content of Marsala sauces, you can reference resources like Nutritionix.

Key Takeaways

Naturally Low Carb: The primary ingredients of chicken and mushrooms make the dish naturally low in carbohydrates.
Flour Increases Carbs: The main carb contribution in traditional recipes comes from the all-purpose flour used to coat the chicken.
Easy Keto Adaptations: Keto-friendly versions are simple to make by replacing flour with alternatives like xanthan gum or almond flour.
Sides Matter: The total carb count is significantly impacted by side dishes, with traditional pasta and potatoes adding substantial carbohydrates.
Moderate Marsala Wine: While Marsala wine contains some carbs, the quantity used per serving is usually low, especially in keto recipes.
Nutrient-Dense Option: Even with moderate carbs, Chicken Marsala offers a good source of protein, along with other vitamins and minerals.

FAQs

Question: What makes traditional chicken marsala a low-carb dish? Answer: Traditional chicken marsala is considered a low-carb dish because its main ingredients, boneless chicken and mushrooms, are naturally low in carbohydrates. The Marsala wine used in the sauce also contributes minimally to the total carb count per serving.

Question: How can I reduce the carbs in a homemade chicken marsala recipe? Answer: To reduce carbs, eliminate the all-purpose flour typically used for dredging. Instead, you can use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum for the sauce or simply simmer it for longer to reduce and thicken naturally. Using a dry Marsala wine is also recommended.

Question: Is marsala cooking wine high in carbs? Answer: Marsala cooking wine typically contains around 4g of net carbs per serving. The amount used in a chicken marsala recipe is usually minimal when distributed across multiple servings, so its carb impact is low. However, low-sugar or 'dry' versions are better for strict keto diets.

Question: What are some low-carb side dishes to serve with chicken marsala? Answer: Excellent low-carb side dishes include cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a creamy cauliflower mash. These options allow you to enjoy the rich marsala sauce without adding significant carbs.

Question: Is Chicken Marsala an option for a keto diet? Answer: Yes, chicken marsala is very suitable for a keto diet, provided you make a few simple adjustments. By omitting the flour dredge and using a low-carb thickener, the dish can be made with a very low net carb count, often under 5-8 grams per serving.

Question: Do restaurant versions of chicken marsala have more carbs? Answer: Yes, restaurant versions can often have more carbs due to several factors, including a heavier flour dredge, potentially sweeter Marsala wine, and larger, less-controlled portions. The side dishes served, such as pasta or potatoes, also significantly increase the total carb count.

Question: Are the mushrooms in chicken marsala high in carbs? Answer: No, mushrooms are not high in carbs. They are a low-carb, low-calorie vegetable that adds bulk and nutrients to the dish without significantly affecting the carb count. For example, a whole cup of mushrooms contains only a few grams of carbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Marsala wine used in chicken marsala adds a minimal amount of carbohydrates. While it contains some sugar, the quantity is low when distributed across an entire recipe, especially when using a dry Marsala wine.

The carb count for a restaurant chicken marsala can vary widely. It often depends on the chef's recipe, the amount of flour used, and whether it's served with a starchy side like pasta, which increases the total significantly. Be mindful that portions are often larger as well.

Yes, using almond flour to lightly dredge the chicken is an excellent and effective low-carb alternative. It helps achieve a nice brown crust without the high carb count of all-purpose flour.

Good low-carb sides include cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles (zoodles), sautéed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans, and a creamy cauliflower mash. These pair well with the rich sauce.

Yes, the sauce can be thickened with keto-friendly alternatives. A small amount of xanthan gum is highly effective, or you can simply reduce the sauce by simmering it for a longer period until it reaches your desired consistency.

Yes, by omitting the flour dredge and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free, chicken marsala becomes a naturally gluten-free dish. Most recipes can easily be adapted for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.

To make a creamy chicken marsala without extra carbs, simply stir in heavy whipping cream at the end of the cooking process. This adds richness and helps thicken the sauce without using any flour-based thickeners.

Using a dry Marsala wine is the best choice for a low-carb recipe, as it typically contains less residual sugar than sweeter versions. Quality fortified wines from Sicily are often recommended.