Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
This Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is the ultimate comfort dish, offering tender chicken breasts in a rich and flavorful mushroom and marsala wine sauce. It’s a hassle-free meal that delivers exceptional taste with minimal effort.
With just a few simple ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. The slow simmering process enhances the flavors, ensuring every bite is mouthwatering.
Serve this dish over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal your family will love. Whether you’re a busy parent or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe will soon become a weeknight favorite.
Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Ingredients
Chicken breasts form the heart of this dish, offering a tender and juicy base that absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce. The marsala wine introduces a sweet, earthy depth, perfectly complemented by the savory chicken broth. Sliced mushrooms bring an earthy, umami richness, while garlic enhances the overall aroma and flavor profile. A touch of cornstarch thickens the sauce to a velvety consistency, and the heavy cream adds a creamy finish that ties everything together. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish with a hint of color and freshness.
Recipe Tips
- Browning the Chicken
While it’s possible to skip the step of browning the chicken breasts, taking the time to do so makes a noticeable difference. Browning the chicken adds flavor through caramelization, creating a richer and deeper taste that will enhance the overall dish. A golden sear on the chicken creates a savory foundation for the Marsala sauce, giving you a dish that’s far more complex and satisfying. - Thickening the Sauce
For the perfect sauce consistency, be sure to dissolve the cornstarch in cold water before adding it to the slow cooker. This prevents clumping and helps achieve a silky, smooth texture. After adding the cornstarch, allow the sauce to cook on high for the final 30 minutes, giving it time to thicken and intensify in flavor. Stir occasionally to ensure everything is well combined. - Customize with Herbs
While parsley adds a fresh pop of color and flavor at the end, don’t hesitate to experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary. These herbs can complement the earthiness of the mushrooms and the richness of the Marsala wine, enhancing the dish’s complexity. Add them in the last hour of cooking for a fragrant finish.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
- Mashed Potatoes
The creamy, velvety texture of mashed potatoes is a classic choice to accompany Chicken Marsala. The potatoes absorb the rich sauce, making each bite comforting and satisfying. For an extra touch, consider adding roasted garlic or cream cheese to the mashed potatoes for added depth of flavor. - Pasta
A simple pasta, like fettuccine or spaghetti, is another fantastic option. The soft noodles provide a perfect vehicle for the mushroom and Marsala sauce, soaking up all the savory goodness. Toss the pasta in a little butter or olive oil before serving to enhance the richness of the sauce. - Steamed Vegetables
To balance the richness of the chicken Marsala, serve it with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Their freshness and crunch offer a nice contrast to the creamy sauce, making for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
FAQ
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, so they’ll work beautifully in this recipe, although they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
2. Can I prepare this dish the night before?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything in the slow cooker, refrigerate overnight, and cook it the next day. This method is great for busy days and can help the flavors meld together even more.
3. Is it okay to skip browning the chicken?
While skipping the browning step will save time, it’s highly recommended to brown the chicken for added flavor. This step enhances the overall taste by developing a deeper, caramelized crust that will contribute to the richness of the sauce.
4. Can I use a different type of wine?
Marsala wine is key to the authentic flavor of this dish, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with a dry white wine like Chardonnay or a rich red wine. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will shift slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
Ingredients
- boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- Instructions
Instructions
- Begin by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the pan. Sauté the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, Marsala wine, chicken broth, and sliced mushrooms. Cover and set the slow cooker to cook on the LOW setting for 5 hours.
- Once the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1/3 cup of cold water. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker, combining it with the sauce.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker, then turn the heat to HIGH. Allow the sauce to cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until it thickens.
- Stir in the heavy cream, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Finish by sprinkling with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
