Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, luscious dinner that practically makes itself, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe. It’s one of those dishes where tender chicken meets rich, flavorful mushroom wine sauce without you spending hours hovering over the stove. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how easily the slow cooker managed to infuse such deep flavors — and I can’t wait to share all the tips that helped me nail it every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here come together to create that signature Marsala flavor while keeping the dish comforting and satisfying. I recommend fresh mushrooms and good-quality Marsala wine for that extra touch of authenticity.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking—this is key for juicy chicken every time.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh for that punch of aromatic flavor.
• Cremini Mushrooms: Also known as baby bellas, they bring a meaty texture and earthy taste that’s perfect here.
• Dry Marsala Wine: The heart of the dish that gives it that slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Used to enrich the sauce and bring a silky texture.
• Water: Helps the sauce become beautifully saucy when combined with the cornstarch.
• Cornstarch: The secret weapon for thickening without clumps—always dissolve it first!
• Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and balances the wine’s acidity.
• Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: Brightens up the sauce with just the right zing.

Variations

I love how versatile this Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe is. Once you’ve got the base down, you can experiment to fit your tastes or dietary needs — and honestly, it’s fun to make it your own.

• Mushroom Mix-Up: I’ve swapped cremini mushrooms with shiitake or portobello for a deeper umami flavor—give it a try if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream to keep it creamy without dairy, and it’s still delicious.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium broth instead of adding extra salt, especially if you’re watching sodium intake.
• Adding Veggies: Throw in some sliced bell peppers or spinach towards the end for a veggie boost.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe

Step 1: Pound and Season the Chicken

Start by placing each chicken breast in a gallon-sized zip-top bag, then gently pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly in the slow cooker, so you avoid dry or undercooked spots. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper — this is where a lot of your flavor starts, so don’t skimp.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in your slow cooker — a little overlap is fine. Scatter minced garlic and quartered cremini mushrooms over the top, then pour in the dry Marsala wine. This combination will slowly meld, giving you a sauce that’s bursting with deep, savory notes.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 2 to 3 hours or HIGH for 1 to 2 hours. I prefer LOW because it gives the flavors more time to develop and the chicken gets super tender, but if you’re pressed for time, HIGH works fine too. Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness — when your chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part, it’s ready.

Step 4: Remove Chicken and Thicken the Sauce

Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it loosely with foil to keep warm. Pour the remaining sauce, mushrooms, and garlic from the slow cooker into a large skillet and add the butter. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk together water and cornstarch until smooth, then slowly whisk this slurry into the simmering sauce. Let it cook 5 to 7 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Lemon

Stir in the heavy cream and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The cream softens the wine’s intensity and the lemon adds a beautiful brightness. Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce before serving.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley — it adds a lovely fresh pop of color and flavor. Lemon wedges on the side are a must for me, too; a little squeeze of lemon brightens every bite and complements the creamy Marsala sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

This chicken is heavenly served over angel hair pasta or wide egg noodles that soak up the sauce beautifully. Alternatively, I like to lay it over a bed of crisp salad greens when I want something lighter. Roasted veggies or garlic bread are great companions, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating the chicken breast whole with the sauce draped over the top, surrounded by a chiffonade of fresh herbs. Serving in shallow bowls with a swirl of cream and a lemon twist makes it look restaurant-worthy. Sometimes, I get playful and use colorful heirloom carrots or snap peas as a crunchy side to contrast the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. The chicken stays tender, and the sauce keeps its flavor beautifully for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool it before sealing to avoid condensation messing with the texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully by portioning the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers. When properly sealed, it stays good for up to 2 months. I recommend thawing overnight in the fridge for best reheating results.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. This way, the chicken stays moist and the sauce doesn’t split.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes because it combines ease with incredible flavor. It’s perfect when you want a comforting, elegant meal without the fuss. I hope you have as much fun making it—and eating it—as my family and I do. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll be a new staple in your recipe rotation too!

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