Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for restaurant-worthy chicken Marsala without hovering over the stove, this Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is your culinary dream come true! Tender chicken breasts simmer gently in a savory Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms, garlic, and herbs—all with barely any hands-on effort. Prepare to impress your tastebuds (and everyone at the table) with this simple, soulful comfort food!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to Chicken Marsala’s bold yet delicate flavor. Each item here plays an important role—from creamy richness to earthy undertones—so don’t skip any if you want that signature Italian flair.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! Select plump, even-sized breasts for attractive, juicy results.
• Garlic Powder, Dried Basil, Dried Thyme, and Sweet Paprika: This quartet infuses your chicken with classic Italian notes and inviting color.
• Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper: Essential for coaxing out all the delicate savory layers in the dish.
• Olive Oil: Use a good-quality olive oil for browning; it adds subtle depth right from the start.
• Mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced): Mushrooms soak up the Marsala sauce and release earthy umami that balances the wine beautifully.
• Fresh Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic adds sweet, punchy flavor that complements both the chicken and wine.
• Dry Marsala Wine: The soul of this recipe—be sure to use dry (not sweet) for that signature savory elegance.
• Water & Cornstarch: This handy combo turns your cooking liquid into a luscious, silky sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Just a splash makes the sauce decadently rich without being overpowering.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle at the end adds freshness and a pretty pop of color!

Variations

The beauty of Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is how customizable it can be! With a few intelligent swaps, this dish easily fits various dietary needs or personal cravings—so feel free to get creative.

• Wine-Free Version: Substitute low-sodium chicken broth for the Marsala wine to make it family-friendly or alcohol-free.
• Dairy-Free Creaminess: Use coconut cream or unsweetened cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free twist that’s still luscious.
• Different Mushrooms: Try cremini, baby bella, or a wild mushroom medley for more complex flavor and boosted earthiness.
• Herb Swap: Fresh thyme or rosemary in place of dried herbs delivers a brighter, garden-fresh punch.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, basil, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Browning in a skillet with olive oil isn’t mandatory, but a quick sear (about 3 minutes per side) gives the chicken gorgeous color and sealing in those flavorful juices.

Step 2: Build the Layers in the Slow Cooker

Arrange the browned chicken in your lightly greased slow cooker, then scatter the sliced mushrooms and minced fresh garlic on top. This layering lets everything mingle while cooking, infusing each bite with earthy and aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Deglaze with Marsala Wine

Don’t waste that tasty fond left in your skillet! Pour in the Marsala wine and cook for just about a minute, scraping up all the browned bits; this step creates a deep, richly flavored sauce that’s absolutely worth every second.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Drizzle the wine from the skillet over your chicken and mushrooms, cover, and let the slow cooker work its magic: set it on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is deliciously tender and reaches 165°F inside.

Step 5: Thicken and Finish the Sauce

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate. Whisk together water and cornstarch to make a smooth slurry, then stir this (plus the heavy cream) into the wine sauce. Let it simmer in the slow cooker with the lid on, returning the chicken to the pot after about 20 minutes to bathe in the thickened, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Spoon plenty of the mushroom-Marsala sauce over the chicken breasts, sprinkle with plenty of fresh parsley, and bring to the table while piping hot. Harp music is optional—smiles and “Wow!”s are guaranteed!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

Garnishes

No Chicken Marsala is complete without a burst of fresh parsley on top! Not only does it enliven the color, but its brightness truly complements the rich sauce. For extra flair, shave a little Parmesan over the chicken just before serving.

Side Dishes

This creamy dish shines alongside buttery mashed potatoes, freshly cooked pasta (like fettuccine or linguine), or pillowy polenta. Don’t forget a leafy green salad or some simply roasted green beans for a pop of freshness!

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and arranging it on a platter over a bed of noodles, then drizzling the mushroom-Marsala sauce artfully on top. For mini dinner parties, serve in shallow bowls garnished with parsley and a side of crusty bread for dunking every last drop of sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is a gift for future-you! Store any cooled extra chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—just reheat gently before serving.

Freezing

This dish also freezes beautifully. Place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags (removing as much air as possible), and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a covered saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also microwave single portions in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent the sauce from separating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning a cozy Sunday supper or need something special for a weeknight crowd, Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala has you covered. I can’t wait for you to experience how the simple magic of a slow cooker can create such an elegant, deeply flavorful meal—give it a try soon, and let your taste buds take a little Italian vacation!

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