Chicken Marsala Recipe by Alton Brown with Authentic Richness

Chicken marsala dances on the palate with an irresistible symphony of rustic flavors and culinary finesse.

Professional kitchens and home cooks adore this sensational Italian-American classic for its incredible depth.

Wine-enriched sauces effortlessly elevate simple chicken into a gourmet masterpiece that sparks excitement.

Each succulent morsel tells a story of carefully balanced ingredients and expert technique.

Tender medallions swimming in a robust, velvety sauce represent comfort and sophistication on a single plate.

The dish transforms mundane weeknight dinners into memorable dining experiences that delight the senses.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 4

Alton Brown’s Chicken Marsala Ingredient Guide

• Chicken Breasts: Choose fresh, plump breasts with no discoloration for the most tender and juicy result.

• All-Purpose Flour: Select unbleached flour for better coating and richer flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Opt for freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt for maximum flavor intensity.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Use extra virgin olive oil and unsalted butter for a rich, golden sear.

• Garlic, Onion Powder: Select fresh garlic cloves and high-quality onion powder for depth of taste.

• Marsala Wine: Choose a dry Marsala for authentic, complex flavor profile.
• Chicken Stock: Use low-sodium stock to control overall dish saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: Select full-fat cream for luxurious, silky sauce texture.

• Fresh Parsley: Pick bright green, crisp parsley for vibrant color and fresh herbaceous note.

Equipment Needed for Alton Brown’s Chicken Marsala

• Skillet (large, heavy-bottomed): Perfect for even heat distribution and creating golden chicken.
• Plastic wrap: Helps pound chicken without mess.
• Meat mallet or rolling pin: Tenderizes and flattens chicken cutlets evenly.
• Cutting board: Stable surface for slicing and pounding chicken.
• Measuring spoons: For precise seasoning.
• Tongs: Great for flipping and moving chicken in the skillet.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir mushrooms and scrape pan bits.
• Knife: Sharp tool for mincing garlic.
• Plate with foil cover: Keeps chicken warm while preparing sauce.
• Measuring cup: Helps pour accurate amounts of marsala wine and stock.
• Whisk: Blends cream smoothly into sauce.

How to Prepare Chicken Marsala

• Prep Chicken Cutlets

Slice breasts horizontally into thin, even pieces. Gently flatten between plastic wrap using a meat mallet until uniformly thin.

• Season and Coat

Dust chicken with a light layer of seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for a flavor boost.

• Create Flavor Base

Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter, creating a golden cooking medium that adds rich depth to the dish.

• Sear and Cook Chicken

Cook chicken until edges turn crispy and golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a warm plate to rest.

• Build Delicious Sauce

Sauté mushrooms in the same pan until they release moisture and caramelize. Add garlic and a touch of onion powder for aromatic intensity.

• Develop Sauce Complexity

Splash marsala wine into the pan, scraping up all the delicious browned bits. Allow liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors.

• Finish Sauce

Pour in chicken stock and cream, stirring gently. Let sauce simmer and thicken, creating a silky texture that clings perfectly to the chicken.

• Final Touch

Return chicken to the pan, coating with the luxurious sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Let sauce rest briefly to reach ultimate thickness.

Tips for Making Alton Brown’s Chicken Marsala Flavorful

• Boost Chicken Marsala Perfection: Expert Cooking Tips
• Select Premium Mushrooms: Choose cremini or shiitake mushrooms for deeper, richer flavor profiles that elevate your entire dish.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Watch sauce carefully while reducing; gentle simmer prevents breaking and ensures silky smooth texture that coats chicken beautifully.
• Optimize Meat Thickness: Pound chicken cutlets evenly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Wine Quality Matters: Use authentic marsala wine from Italy; cooking wines lack depth and can introduce unwanted saltiness to your final sauce.

Serving Michael Symon’s Chicken Marsala Right

• Savor Alongside Comforting Sides
• Pair with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the rich marsala sauce, creating a delightful flavor combination.
• Create Elegant Table Presentation
• Arrange chicken on a large platter, drizzle sauce generously, and garnish with fresh parsley for a restaurant-quality visual appeal.
• Complement with Bright Vegetables
• Add roasted asparagus or steamed green beans as a light, crisp counterpoint to the hearty chicken marsala, balancing the dish's richness.
• Wine Pairing Perfection
• Select a medium-bodied red wine like pinot noir or a crisp chardonnay that harmonizes with the marsala's deep, complex flavors and enhances the overall dining experience.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips for Chicken Marsala

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken marsala in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Carefully transfer chicken marsala to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in microwave or skillet with splash of chicken stock to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Marinate chicken cutlets and chop ingredients night before cooking. Store prepped components separately in refrigerator to streamline next-day meal preparation.

Authentic Alton Brown Chicken Marsala Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Classic Alton Brown chicken marsala combines tender chicken breasts with rich mushroom sauce from Italian culinary traditions. Sautéed mushrooms and marsala wine create elegant flavors you can easily master in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¼ lbs (567 g) chicken breast, 2 large or chicken tenders
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
• 8 oz (226 g) brown button mushrooms, halved or thickly sliced if very large
• ¾ cup dry marsala wine, not sweet
• ¾ cup chicken stock, reduced-sodium
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp salt, or to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsps parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice chicken breasts lengthwise into four cutlets, then flatten between plastic wrap until uniformly thin.
2. Seasoning: Coat chicken pieces with flour, shaking off excess, and season with salt and black pepper.
3. Searing: Heat skillet over medium flame with olive oil and butter until fat mixture shimmers. Cook chicken cutlets 3-4 minutes per side, achieving golden-brown crust and reaching 165°F internal temperature.
4. Resting: Transfer cooked chicken to warm plate, tenting with foil to preserve heat.
5. Mushroom Sauté: In same skillet, caramelize mushrooms until liquid evaporates, releasing deep, rich flavors.
6. Aromatics: Add garlic and onion powder, stirring briefly to activate fragrant notes.
7. Deglazing: Pour Marsala wine into pan, scraping browned bits to incorporate intense flavor profile.
8. Sauce Creation: Reduce wine, then blend chicken stock and heavy cream, simmering until sauce thickens and develops luxurious consistency.
9. Final Assembly: Return chicken to skillet, coating with sauce and reheating gently to merge flavors.
10. Serving: Garnish with fresh parsley and plate immediately, ensuring sauce remains warm and glossy.

Notes

• Slice with Precision: Cut chicken breasts carefully to ensure uniform thickness, which guarantees even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Flour Power: Shake off excess flour completely to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden-brown crust that seals in moisture.
• Temperature Matters: Use medium heat to control browning and prevent burning, allowing chicken to cook evenly and develop rich caramelization.
• Sauce Secrets: Reduce Marsala wine and sauce to concentrate flavors, creating a luxurious, velvety consistency that clings beautifully to the chicken cutlets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg