Chicken Marsala, a classic Italian-American dish, is known for its rich, savory sauce and tender chicken. Traditionally made on the stovetop, this recipe offers a simpler, hands-off approach using a slow cooker. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in an incredibly tender and flavorful chicken that's perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
What is Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala is a dish featuring pan-fried chicken breasts in a creamy sauce made with Marsala wine, mushrooms, and often butter or cream. The combination of savory mushrooms, sweet Marsala wine, and tender chicken creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Our slow cooker adaptation retains all the deliciousness while significantly reducing the cooking time and effort.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
This recipe provides a simple, step-by-step guide to making delicious slow cooker chicken marsala. The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity; you simply brown the chicken, sauté the mushrooms, then combine everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry Marsala wine (look for a quality cooking Marsala)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Onions: In the same skillet, add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic for another minute.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the mushroom mixture to your slow cooker. Add the browned chicken, Marsala wine, chicken broth, flour, butter, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Can I use a different type of wine?
While Marsala wine is traditional and provides a unique sweetness and depth of flavor, you can experiment with other dry white wines like dry sherry or Pinot Grigio. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will change. Dry sherry will offer a slightly nutty and more intense flavor, while Pinot Grigio will create a lighter sauce.
What kind of mushrooms are best for Chicken Marsala?
Cremini mushrooms are a classic choice for Chicken Marsala due to their earthy flavor and firm texture. However, you can also use other varieties, such as button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or a combination. Just be mindful that different mushrooms have varying cooking times and moisture content, which may affect the final consistency of your sauce.
How do I thicken the sauce?
If your sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by whisking together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the slow cooker, stirring constantly, and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can simmer the sauce uncovered for a longer period to allow it to reduce and thicken naturally.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this slow cooker Chicken Marsala can be made ahead of time. You can prepare it completely according to the instructions and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker before serving. The flavors will even deepen over time!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala:
- Use a good quality Marsala wine for the best flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken; work in batches for even browning.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker Chicken Marsala! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
