Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish known for its rich, savory flavors. Traditionally made on the stovetop, this recipe transforms it into a slow cooker delight, making it an easy and convenient option for busy days. With tender chicken, a creamy mushroom sauce, and the distinct taste of Marsala wine, this Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is sure to become a family favorite. Let's explore how you can create this delectable dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or button mushrooms)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until they are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps lock in the flavors and juices of the chicken.
Step 2:
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the slow cooker. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are fragrant and the onions are translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 3:
Pour the Marsala wine and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This step adds depth to the flavor of the sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4:
Carefully pour the wine, broth, and mushroom mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add the dried thyme for an aromatic touch.
Step 5:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 6:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Cooking Note:
To enhance the flavor, you can use a combination of Marsala wine and dry white wine. This will add complexity to the sauce, making it even more delicious.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. The sauce pairs beautifully with these sides, allowing you to savor every bit of the rich, savory flavors. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad also complements the dish perfectly.
Tips:
- Choose the Right Wine: Opt for a good quality Marsala wine to achieve the best flavor. Sweet Marsala is typically used for Chicken Marsala, but you can use dry Marsala if you prefer a less sweet dish.
- Sear the Chicken: Don't skip the step of searing the chicken breasts. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving to add a touch of color and freshness to the dish.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use the cornstarch slurry method or simply let the sauce reduce uncovered for a few minutes before serving.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Total Time:
4 hours and 15 minutes (low) or 2 hours and 15 minutes (high)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is a wonderfully easy and flavorful recipe that brings the classic taste of this Italian-American favorite to your table with minimal fuss. The slow cooker does all the hard work, ensuring the chicken is tender and infused with the rich flavors of Marsala wine and mushrooms. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its delicious taste and simplicity. Try this recipe and enjoy a comforting, gourmet meal right at home. Happy cooking!
PrintSlow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes - 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala recipe delivers tender chicken in a rich, flavorful mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. Perfect for a hands-off, delicious dinner that your family will love!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional)
- 2 tbsp water (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Place seared chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Marsala wine to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour the mushroom mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Add chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add heavy cream and stir to combine.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir into the slow cooker.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- Adjust the amount of Marsala wine to taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Leave a Reply