Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala Recipe

Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s rich in flavor and perfect for weeknights or special occasions? This Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala Recipe is exactly what you need! The slow cooker does all the hard work, simmering chicken in a creamy, savory Marsala wine sauce that’s enhanced with mushrooms, garlic, and seasonings. This one-pot wonder is sure to become a family favorite, and it’s ideal for both novice and experienced cooks.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until browned. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Marsala Sauce

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Deglaze with Marsala Wine: Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 3: Slow Cooking the Chicken Marsala

1. Add Ingredients to Crock Pot: Pour the Marsala wine and mushroom mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Add the chicken broth and stir everything together.
2. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 4: Finish with Cream

1. Add the Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream, ensuring the sauce is well mixed. Let the sauce thicken and simmer as it absorbs the cream.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add more salt, pepper, or thyme if needed.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala

• Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker takes care of most of the work, leaving you free to relax or focus on other tasks.
• Rich Flavor: Marsala wine and mushrooms combine to create a deep, savory flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The sauce only gets better with time, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving.
• Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: You’ll feel like you’re dining out with this elegant dish, but it’s easy enough to make in your own kitchen.

Serving Suggestions

Over Pasta:

• Serve this creamy chicken Marsala over your favorite pasta, like fettuccine or linguine, to soak up all the rich sauce.

With Mashed Potatoes:

• Creamy mashed potatoes make a fantastic side dish, adding a comforting and hearty base to this flavorful meal.

With Rice or Risotto:

• A bed of rice or risotto will also pair beautifully with this dish, soaking up the creamy Marsala sauce perfectly.

Tips for the Best Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala

Choose Good Quality Marsala Wine

• Opt for a sweet or semi-sweet Marsala wine for a well-balanced flavor. Avoid cooking wines as they are often too salty and lack depth.

Searing the Chicken First

• Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds an extra layer of flavor and helps lock in moisture.

Thicken the Sauce if Needed

• If you find your sauce too thin, you can thicken it by whisking in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) before adding the cream.

Storing and Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits.

Reheating:

• Reheat the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala Recipe is the perfect combination of elegance and simplicity. The rich Marsala wine, tender chicken, and creamy sauce make it a hit with everyone at the table, and the best part is that the slow cooker does all the hard work! Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra richness and moisture to the dish, and they work just as well in the slow cooker.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or almond milk. Keep in mind the flavor may be slightly different.
3. Can I use a different wine?
   While Marsala is the star of this dish, you can substitute it with dry white wine for a different but equally delicious flavor.
4. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
   Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or carrots during the last hour of cooking for a more complete meal.
5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
   While the chicken can be frozen, the creamy sauce may separate once thawed. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days.

Yield: 4

Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala Recipe

Print

Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s rich in flavor and perfect for weeknights or special occasions? This Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala Recipe is exactly what you need! The slow cooker does all the hard work, simmering chicken in a creamy, savory Marsala wine sauce that’s enhanced with mushrooms, garlic, and seasonings. This one-pot wonder is sure to become a family favorite, and it’s ideal for both novice and experienced cooks.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 cups Marsala wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added richness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown (this step is optional but adds extra flavor). Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
4. Transfer to Crock Pot:
   Transfer the chicken breasts to the crock pot. Add the sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic over the chicken.
5. Make the Sauce:
   In the skillet, add the Marsala wine and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for about 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crock pot.
6. Slow Cook:
   Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
7. Add the Cream:
   About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese (if using). Let the sauce simmer and thicken slightly.
8. Serve:
   Once done, remove the chicken from the crock pot and spoon the creamy Marsala sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley.
9. Enjoy:
   Serve the chicken marsala over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the rich, creamy sauce.

Notes

Marsala Wine: Marsala wine is a key ingredient for the distinct flavor of this dish, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with a dry white wine or chicken broth, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Creamy Texture: The heavy cream adds richness to the sauce, but you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.

Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms add a deep, earthy flavor, but white button mushrooms work just as well.

Extra Flavor: For a richer sauce, Parmesan cheese can be added, but it’s optional depending on your taste preference.