Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe

Craving a dish that’s both rich in flavor and easy to prepare? Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is the answer! This Italian-American classic combines tender chicken with a creamy, mushroom-infused Marsala wine sauce.

The best part? You can make it all in your slow cooker, which means less hands-on time and more convenience. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or a special weekend meal. Let’s dive into this delicious and simple recipe!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season and Dredge the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off the excess.
2. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 2-3 minutes per side. You don’t need to cook the chicken through, just sear it for added flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

1. Add the Mushrooms: Place the sliced mushrooms at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Transfer the Chicken: Place the browned chicken breasts on top of the mushrooms.
3. Pour in the Marsala Wine and Broth: Pour the Marsala wine and chicken broth over the chicken and mushrooms, ensuring that everything is well coated.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Marsala

1. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
2. Make the Sauce: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the heavy cream and butter, letting the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Chicken: Serve the chicken breasts on a plate, spooning the creamy Marsala mushroom sauce over the top.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

• Use Good Quality Marsala Wine: Dry Marsala wine is recommended for a deeper, richer flavor. Avoid using sweet Marsala, as it can make the dish too sugary.
• Sear the Chicken for Added Flavor: While browning the chicken before placing it in the slow cooker is optional, it adds a great depth of flavor to the dish.
• Don’t Skip the Cream: The heavy cream gives the sauce a luxurious, silky texture that makes this Chicken Marsala extra special.

Variations of Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

Gluten-Free Chicken Marsala:

• To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the chicken.

Vegetarian Marsala:

• Skip the chicken and use hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms, cauliflower, and zucchini instead. The rich Marsala sauce pairs perfectly with vegetables as well.

Marsala Chicken Thighs:

• Swap out chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs offer a more intense flavor and stay tender during slow cooking.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

Mashed Potatoes:

• Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect companion for Chicken Marsala. They soak up the delicious sauce and provide a comforting, hearty base.

Buttered Noodles:

• Simple buttered noodles, like fettuccine or pappardelle, make an excellent side to catch the rich Marsala sauce.

Steamed Vegetables:

• Serve with a side of steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli to add a fresh and healthy balance to the meal.

Health Benefits of Chicken Marsala

• Lean Protein: Chicken breasts are a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Mushrooms, especially when paired with garlic and parsley, provide antioxidants that support the immune system.
• Bone Health: The inclusion of cream and butter adds calcium, essential for bone health.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 450-500
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

How to Store and Reheat

Storing Leftovers:

• Store any leftover Chicken Marsala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips:

• Reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is a classic dish that has been made even easier with the convenience of a slow cooker. The combination of tender chicken, rich Marsala sauce, and earthy mushrooms creates a meal that is both elegant and comforting. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with minimal effort!

FAQS

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and will provide a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may cook a bit faster.
2. Can I make this without Marsala wine?
   Marsala wine is the key ingredient that gives this dish its unique flavor. If you don’t have Marsala, you can substitute it with a mix of dry white wine and a splash of brandy, but the flavor will be slightly different.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free butter substitute.
4. What’s the difference between sweet and dry Marsala wine?
   Sweet Marsala is often used in desserts, while dry Marsala is better suited for savory dishes like Chicken Marsala. For this recipe, dry Marsala is preferred to balance the flavors.
5. Can I freeze Chicken Marsala?
   While you can freeze the chicken and sauce, the texture of the cream may change when reheated. If you plan to freeze, wait to add the cream until after the dish is reheated for best results.

Yield: 4

Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe

Print

Craving a dish that’s both rich in flavor and easy to prepare? Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is the answer! This Italian-American classic combines tender chicken with a creamy, mushroom-infused Marsala wine sauce. The best part? You can make it all in your slow cooker, which means less hands-on time and more convenience. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or a special weekend meal. Let’s dive into this delicious and simple recipe!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup Marsala wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
   Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
   
2. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Add the chicken breasts and sear on both sides for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown (the chicken will finish cooking in the slow cooker).
   Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the slow cooker.
   
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
   In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to brown.
   Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
   
4. Prepare the Marsala Sauce:
   Pour the Marsala wine and chicken broth into the skillet with the mushrooms and garlic.
   Scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits and bring the mixture to a simmer for 2-3 minutes.
   Pour the Marsala sauce over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
   
5. Slow Cook:
   Add the thyme to the slow cooker.
   Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
   
6. Optional – Add Cream:
   If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
   
7. Serve:
   Garnish the chicken with fresh parsley.
   Serve the Chicken Marsala with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

Marsala Wine: Use dry Marsala wine for a savory flavor. If you like a sweeter dish, you can use sweet Marsala wine instead.

Chicken Substitute: Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor. Bone-in or boneless thighs work well in this recipe.

Vegetables: For added nutrition, you can add vegetables like green beans or spinach during the last hour of cooking.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.