Chicken Marsala (Slow Cooker)
Discover an easy and delicious Chicken Marsala recipe made in a slow cooker, featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. Perfect for busy days or cozy dinners, this hands-off Italian classic delivers comforting flavors with minimal prep and effort.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using cornstarch or gluten-free flour)
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 3/4 cup Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice mushrooms, mince garlic and shallots. Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor absorption.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add mushrooms, garlic, and shallots, cooking until mushrooms are golden and fragrant to develop deep flavors.
- Layer Chicken and Mushrooms in the Slow Cooker: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Spoon the sautéed mushrooms and aromatics evenly on top, coating each piece well.
- Add Liquids and Cook: Pour Marsala wine and chicken broth over the chicken and mushrooms. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken the Sauce: Remove chicken and keep warm. Mix flour or cornstarch with water to create a slurry, stir into the slow cooker sauce, and cook uncovered on high for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Serve and Garnish: Return chicken to the sauce briefly to coat, then plate and garnish with fresh parsley for a bright finishing touch.
Notes
- Dry chicken well before seasoning to improve browning and flavor absorption.
- Do not skip sautéing mushrooms and shallots; it adds richness and avoids a bland sauce.
- Use good-quality Marsala wine for authentic and deep flavor.
- Adjust thickener gradually and cook uncovered to avoid an overly thick or gloopy sauce.
- Check chicken doneness early to prevent drying out during slow cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Chicken Marsala, Slow Cooker, Italian Chicken, Mushroom Sauce, Easy Dinner