Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-482316H12M54S
Ingredients: 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 to 2 pounds total); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon sweet paprika; Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup dry Marsala wine (or substitute with chicken broth if preferred); ½ cup water; ¼ cup cornstarch; ¼ cup heavy cream; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is a fantastic take on the Italian-American classic, with juicy chicken breasts gently cooked in a creamy, mushroom-infused Marsala wine sauce. The long, slow-cooking method allows the flavors to blend beautifully, creating a rich, satisfying sauce with a subtle garlic kick. It’s perfect for serving over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. This recipe brings the ease of crockpot cooking to your favorite Italian flavors, making it accessible for both busy weeknights and elegant weekend dinners. The dish’s creamy sauce and fragrant herbs lend an indulgent quality to the meal, while the slow cooker does most of the work. It’s a sure crowd-pleaser for any occasion, be it family dinners or intimate gatherings.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 to 2 pounds total)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon sweet paprika
Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry Marsala wine (or substitute with chicken broth if preferred)
½ cup water
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ cup heavy cream
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions:

Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray and set aside. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, basil, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot oil and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, until just browned.
Transfer chicken to the slow cooker and top with mushrooms and minced garlic.
Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the Marsala wine, cooking for about 1 minute to deglaze and capture all the browned bits. Pour the wine over the chicken and mushrooms.
Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.
Remove chicken from the slow cooker and set aside on a plate.
In a small bowl, whisk water and cornstarch until smooth, then stir into the slow cooker sauce. Add heavy cream and whisk until combined. Return chicken to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on HIGH for 20 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Transfer chicken to serving plates, top with the thickened mushroom sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours (LOW) / 2 hours (HIGH) | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 281 kcal | Servings: 6

A Taste of Italy at Home: The Origins of Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is a quintessential Italian-American dish believed to have originated in Sicily, where Marsala wine is produced. This fortified wine gives the dish its distinct depth and sweetness, which is balanced by savory ingredients like mushrooms and garlic. The combination of Marsala wine, mushrooms, and creamy sauce became popular in the United States as Italian immigrants adapted their culinary traditions to locally available ingredients. What makes this slow cooker version special is that it allows you to capture all these authentic flavors while embracing the ease and convenience of slow-cooking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal with minimal effort.

Why This Recipe Is the Best

1. Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor:
One of the biggest advantages of making Chicken Marsala in a slow cooker is the ease of preparation. You simply sear the chicken to lock in the juices, add the ingredients to your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. The low, slow heat allows the flavors of the Marsala wine, garlic, mushrooms, and herbs to meld, resulting in a richer and deeper taste that you can’t always achieve with stovetop cooking.

2. Tender, Juicy Chicken Every Time:
The slow-cooking method ensures that the chicken breasts remain juicy and tender, as the moisture is sealed within the dish. Since the chicken cooks in its own juices and the Marsala-infused sauce, the result is flavorful and succulent meat with minimal risk of drying out.

3. Health Benefits and Balanced Nutrition:
This recipe offers a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. Chicken breast is a lean protein source, while mushrooms add an array of nutrients, including B vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals like potassium and selenium. The inclusion of a small amount of cream brings a luxurious texture without being overly rich, making this dish suitable for various dietary preferences and calorie-conscious meals.

Ingredient Profile and Customization Tips

The ingredients in Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala are simple but bring complex flavors when combined. Here’s a look at some of the key components:

Marsala Wine: The hero of this dish, Marsala wine gives the sauce its signature sweetness and depth. While dry Marsala is preferred for savory dishes, you can substitute it with other wines like dry sherry or even chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Mushrooms: Earthy, tender mushrooms add a complementary texture and umami flavor. While cremini or button mushrooms are classic choices, feel free to experiment with more exotic varieties like shiitake or oyster mushrooms for added depth.
Garlic and Herbs: Fresh garlic and dried herbs like basil and thyme are essential for seasoning, providing aromatic layers and enhancing the flavors in every bite.

This recipe is also easily customizable. For a heartier meal, try adding potatoes or carrots to the slow cooker, or swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs, which have a slightly richer taste. You can also add a splash of extra cream for a silkier sauce or toss in fresh spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added greens.

Cooking Techniques and Tips for Success

To get the most out of your Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala, a few cooking techniques can help bring out the dish’s best flavors:

Sear the Chicken First: Searing the chicken in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker helps lock in moisture and adds a caramelized layer to the meat. Although this step isn’t essential, it makes a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
Deglaze with Marsala Wine: After searing the chicken, deglaze the skillet with Marsala wine to capture all the browned bits of flavor from the chicken. This little extra step enhances the sauce’s richness and creates a smoother, more cohesive flavor profile.
Use Cornstarch for Thickening: The addition of cornstarch toward the end of cooking thickens the sauce without the need for extended simmering. Whisk it with water to create a slurry before stirring it in, ensuring a velvety, cohesive sauce that clings to the chicken and mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, making it a versatile choice for both casual and more formal meals. Here are a few serving ideas:

Over Pasta or Rice: Serve the chicken and mushroom sauce over a bed of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a comforting and complete meal.
With Low-Carb Sides: If you’re looking for a low-carb option, try serving the chicken over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or roasted vegetables like broccoli and asparagus.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil right before serving adds color and a burst of freshness that balances the rich sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala makes excellent leftovers, as the flavors continue to meld and deepen over time. Here’s how to store and enjoy it later:

Refrigerating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the oven at 350˚F until warmed through.

Why It’s Perfect for Different Occasions

The versatility of this recipe makes it ideal for everything from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. Its rich, comforting flavors are satisfying enough for a family meal, yet elegant enough to serve guests. For busy cooks, the slow cooker eliminates the need for constant attention, allowing you to prepare other dishes or focus on your guests while this dish simmers to perfection.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is a modern adaptation of an Italian-American classic, bringing ease to a beloved recipe without compromising its signature flavor. The slow-cooked method not only enhances the flavors but also makes it easy to prepare in large batches, perfect for meal prepping or hosting. Whether you’re familiar with Chicken Marsala or new to it, this slow cooker version is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, bringing the warmth and elegance of Italian-inspired cooking to your table with each delicious bite.