Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish known for its rich, savory sauce and tender chicken. Traditionally made on the stovetop, this recipe shows you how to achieve the same delicious results using your slow cooker – perfect for a weeknight meal or a relaxed weekend dinner. This method delivers incredibly tender chicken and a deeply flavorful sauce, minimizing hands-on time and maximizing deliciousness.
What Makes This Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe Special?
This recipe isn't just about throwing ingredients into a slow cooker; it's about building layers of flavor. We start by browning the chicken for a richer taste and then build a Marsala sauce that's both creamy and complex. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a truly unforgettable dish. Unlike some slow cooker recipes that can end up watery, this one delivers a beautifully thick and satisfying sauce.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry Marsala wine (you can substitute with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked pasta or rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess. Brown chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This step is crucial for enhancing the flavor. Set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
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Deglaze the Pan: Pour in Marsala wine (or chicken broth) and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly reduced.
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Slow Cooker Magic: Transfer the browned chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, and Marsala mixture to your slow cooker. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, sliced mushrooms, butter, and thyme. Stir to combine.
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Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on high for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also make a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and whisk it into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
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Serve: Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir gently to coat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over cooked pasta or rice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of wine?
While Marsala wine is traditional, you can experiment with other dry white wines, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly. Chicken broth is a great non-alcoholic substitute.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce the amount of heavy cream or use half-and-half instead. Using more mushrooms and less butter will also contribute to a healthier version. You can also opt for whole wheat pasta to increase the fiber content.
What can I serve with Chicken Marsala?
This dish pairs beautifully with cooked pasta (fettuccine or tagliatelle are classic choices), mashed potatoes, or even roasted vegetables. A simple green salad complements the richness of the sauce nicely.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the slow cooker in the morning and cook it on low while you're at work. The flavors will meld beautifully, resulting in an even more flavorful meal. Just keep it warm in the slow cooker on the "warm" setting until ready to serve. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What if my slow cooker doesn't brown the chicken as well?
Don't worry! While browning the chicken beforehand adds depth of flavor, it’s not strictly necessary. If you skip this step, the chicken will still be tender and delicious, but the sauce might not be as rich.
This slow cooker Chicken Marsala recipe is a testament to the ease and deliciousness achievable with a slow cooker. Enjoy the convenience and the incredible taste!
