Easy Alton Brown Chicken Marsala Recipe That Wows Every Time

Bold chicken marsala captures the essence of rustic Italian-American cuisine with its sophisticated yet approachable flavor profile.

Professional chefs and home cooks appreciate this delectable dish for its remarkable depth and complexity.

Wine-infused sauces transform ordinary proteins into extraordinary culinary experiences that tantalize taste buds.

Each carefully crafted bite promises a harmonious blend of savory and sweet undertones.

Tender meat bathed in a luscious reduction showcases the artistry of balanced cooking techniques.

Elegant yet unpretentious, this classic preparation elevates simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy sensation.

Rich, velvety textures and nuanced flavors will transport you to a charming trattoria: prepare to be amazed.

How to Prepare Alton Brown’s Chicken Marsala

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Cutlets

Slice chicken breasts lengthwise into 4 equal cutlets. Place between plastic sheets and pound until 1/3 inch thick.

Step 2: Season and Flour Chicken

• Dredge chicken in flour
• Shake off excess flour
• Sprinkle salt
• Add black pepper

Set aside prepared chicken.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Fat

• Olive oil
• Butter

Step 4: Cook Chicken

Sear chicken in hot oil-butter mixture. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a foil-covered plate to keep warm.

Step 5: Sauté Mushrooms

Add mushrooms to the same pan. Cook 5 minutes until liquid evaporates and mushrooms turn golden brown.

Step 6: Add Aromatics

• 2 minced garlic cloves
• Onion powder

Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 7: Deglaze Pan

Pour marsala wine. Scrape pan bottom to release browned bits.

Step 8: Build Sauce

• Increase heat
• Cook until liquid reduces (4-5 minutes)
• Add chicken stock
• Gradually stir in heavy cream

Step 9: Season and Reduce Sauce

• Add salt
• Adjust seasoning to taste
• Simmer 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens

Step 10: Finish Dish

• Sprinkle chopped parsley
• Return chicken to pan
• Pour sauce over chicken
• Cook 2 minutes

Sauce will continue thickening as it cools.

Pro Tips for Alton Brown’s Chicken Marsala

• Simmer Gently: Keep the heat low to prevent sauce separation and maintain smooth consistency.
• Pour Cream Carefully: Slowly whisk in dairy while sauce is at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling.
• Protect Cream Quality: Use fresh cream and store properly to ensure optimal sauce texture.
• Watch Temperature Closely: Maintain a low heat that allows sauce to thicken without breaking.
• Timing Matters: Patience during sauce preparation guarantees a silky, rich marsala finish.

How to Store Alton Brown’s Chicken Marsala

• Vacuum Sealing: Lock in flavors and prevent freezer burn by using a vacuum sealer. Press out all air before sealing the chicken Marsala in specialized bags, which can extend storage life up to 4 months and maintain the dish's original taste and texture.
• Portion Control: Divide leftover chicken Marsala into individual serving sizes before storing. This smart technique allows easy reheating of exactly what you need, reduces waste, and keeps the remaining portions fresher for longer periods.
• Glass Container Method: Transfer cooled chicken Marsala into glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Glass prevents flavor absorption from other foods, maintains food quality, and provides a clear view of contents while ensuring an airtight seal for maximum freshness in the refrigerator.

Delicious Variations of Alton Brown’s Chicken Marsala

• Herbal Mediterranean Chicken: Swap marsala wine with white wine and add fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that brings bright, earthy notes to the dish.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Version: Replace marsala wine with tequila, add chipotle peppers, and incorporate smoked paprika to create a bold, fiery southwestern-style chicken marsala with a kick of heat.
• Mushroom Medley Upgrade: Use a blend of wild mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, and oyster mushrooms instead of standard white mushrooms to enhance the depth and complexity of the sauce's umami flavor.
• Lighter Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lower-fat option that maintains sauce richness while adding a subtle tanginess to the classic chicken marsala preparation.

A Rich, Savory Meal: Alton Brown’s Chicken Marsala

Culinary magic unfolds with Alton Brown’s Chicken Marsala, a sophisticated dance of flavors that whispers classic Italian elegance.

Rich marsala wine mingles with golden chicken, creating a symphony of savory notes that transport palates to rustic Sicilian kitchens.

Mushrooms caramelize into golden treasures, while cream transforms the sauce into liquid silk.

Professional techniques merge with home-kitchen accessibility, making this recipe a gateway to gourmet dining.

Delicate herb-kissed cutlets promise a restaurant-quality experience without leaving home.

Complex yet approachable, this dish invites passionate cooks to explore culinary artistry – share this recipe, drop a comment below, and spark delicious conversations with fellow gastronomes eager to elevate their cooking game.

What Makes Alton Brown’s Chicken Marsala a Flavorful, Elegant Dish

• Quick and Elegant Weeknight Dinner: Alton Brown's Chicken Marsala transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who crave sophisticated flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Restaurant-Worthy Flavor Profile: The combination of marsala wine, golden-browned mushrooms, and rich cream sauce creates a deeply satisfying taste experience that balances savory, slightly sweet, and umami notes, elevating a simple chicken dish to gourmet status.
• Masterful Technique with Simple Steps: This recipe teaches professional cooking techniques like dredging, creating pan sauce, and achieving perfect golden-brown chicken, empowering home cooks to develop restaurant-level culinary skills with straightforward, approachable instructions.
• Versatile Meal for Multiple Occasions: Whether you're preparing a romantic dinner, impressing dinner guests, or enjoying a comforting family meal, Chicken Marsala adapts beautifully to different dining scenarios while delivering consistent, delicious results every time.

What You Need for Alton Brown’s Chicken Marsala

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base for the dish, best when fresh and evenly sized for consistent cooking.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a golden crispy exterior for chicken, helps sauce adhere to meat.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing chicken's natural flavor.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps achieve golden brown chicken exterior.

• Garlic Cloves: Adds deep, savory undertone to the dish.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle onion flavor without chunky texture.

• Mushrooms: Earthy component that adds depth and texture to the sauce.

• Marsala Wine: Signature ingredient giving distinctive sweet-savory flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken Stock: Adds rich depth and helps create sauce consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, luxurious sauce texture.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herbal note to finish the dish.

Alton Brown Chicken Marsala Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Alton Brown’s Chicken Marsala delivers classic Italian-American comfort with sophisticated culinary precision. Professional chefs and home cooks alike will savor this elegant dish featuring perfectly sautéed chicken breasts nestled in rich, deeply flavored Marsala wine sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 ¼ pounds (567 grams) chicken breast, (2 large), or chicken tenders

Seasonings and Spices:

• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Cooking Components:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 8 ounces (226 grams) 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 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice chicken breasts lengthwise into four uniform cutlets, then gently flatten between plastic wrap sheets until approximately 0.33 inches (8.5 millimeters) thick.
2. Generously coat chicken pieces with all-purpose flour, ensuring excess is thoroughly shaken off, then season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
3. Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium temperature, adding 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter.
4. Once fat mixture is shimmering, carefully place seasoned chicken cutlets into pan, cooking approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Transfer cooked chicken to a warm plate, loosely covering with aluminum foil to retain heat.
6. In the same skillet, add additional olive oil if needed, then sauté sliced mushrooms for 5 minutes until liquid evaporates and edges become caramelized.
7. Introduce minced garlic cloves and onion powder, stirring continuously for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
8. Deglaze pan by pouring 3/4 cup Marsala wine, using a wooden spatula to scrape accumulated browned bits from skillet bottom.
9. Increase heat and allow liquid to reduce by approximately 70%, then incorporate 3/4 cup chicken stock and 1/2 cup heavy cream, stirring consistently.
10. Adjust seasoning with additional 1/4 teaspoon salt, reducing heat to maintain gentle simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until sauce reaches desired consistency.
11. Return chicken to skillet, spooning sauce over cutlets and allowing them to reheat for 2 minutes.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, serving immediately while sauce remains warm and slightly thickened.

Notes

• Watch for delicate balance when adding cream to avoid unwanted curdling.
• Slow and steady wins the game with sauce consistency.
• Temperature control matters more than speed when preparing this dish.
• Gentle whisking prevents separation of dairy and wine components.
• Cream’s integration requires careful, methodical approach for smooth results.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg