Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to prepare, Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is the perfect dish! This classic Italian-American favorite features tender chicken slow-cooked in a rich and savory Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms, garlic, and herbs. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, this creamy and comforting dish is sure to impress. Plus, with minimal prep and a hands-off cooking process, it’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Let your slow cooker do the magic and enjoy this effortless yet elegant dish!

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup Marsala wine

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 tbsp unsalted butter

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.

Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onions until soft.

Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking for 3-4 minutes until mushrooms release moisture.

Stir in Marsala wine, chicken broth, thyme, and oregano. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.

Slow Cook

Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender.

Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.

Stir in heavy cream and cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing the sauce to thicken.

Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

Sear the Chicken for Extra Flavor: Browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker enhances its texture and adds a deeper, richer flavor to the dish.

Use a Good-Quality Marsala Wine: Opt for dry Marsala wine rather than sweet for a more balanced and authentic taste. Avoid cooking wines with added salt.

Don’t Skip the Mushrooms: They absorb the delicious sauce and add an earthy depth to the dish. Cremini or baby bella mushrooms work best.

Thicken the Sauce Properly: Stirring in a cornstarch slurry and heavy cream during the last 30 minutes helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.

Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Before serving, taste the sauce and add more salt, pepper, or fresh herbs as needed.

Serving Suggestions: Serve your Chicken Marsala over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or even roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is the perfect combination of comfort and elegance in one easy dish. With minimal effort, you’ll have a creamy, flavorful meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Let your slow cooker do the work and enjoy a stress-free, delicious meal!