This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is a tasty dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a rich, flavorful Marsala wine sauce. It’s perfect for busy days!
The best part? You just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic! I love serving it over pasta or rice for a comforting meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. However, you can use thighs for a juicier option or even turkey breasts if you have them on hand.
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms give a nice earthy flavor, but white button mushrooms will work perfectly too. If you’re trying to avoid them, you can skip the mushrooms altogether or use additional veggies like bell peppers.
Marsala Wine: This key ingredient adds depth, but if you don’t have it, you can use white wine or a mix of chicken broth with a splash of vinegar for a tangy taste.
Thyme: Dried thyme is convenient, but fresh thyme is a lovely substitute. You can also experiment with herbs like rosemary or oregano if you prefer.
All-Purpose Flour: This is optional for thickening the sauce. If you want to avoid gluten, cornstarch mixed with water is a great alternative!
How Do I Get the Chicken to Be Perfectly Tender?
To ensure your chicken is tender, avoid overcooking. Using a slow cooker, cooking on low for 4-6 hours is usually perfect. If you can, check the internal temperature; it should be 165°F (75°C).
- Season the chicken well before cooking for added flavor.
- If browning the chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan to keep the heat up.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing. It will help retain its juiciness.
Enjoy preparing this delicious Chicken Marsala in your slow cooker!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups sliced cremini or white mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or pasta, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 4 to 6 hours of cooking in the slow cooker. It’s a simple, low-effort dish that’s perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. This will add a nice kick of flavor!
2. Brown the Chicken (Optional):
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil or butter. Quickly brown the chicken breasts on both sides until they’re golden, about 2 minutes per side. This step is optional, but it adds a wonderful flavor to the dish.
3. Move to the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the slow cooker. This is where the magic happens!
4. Add the Veggies:
Next, sprinkle the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic over the chicken in the slow cooker. These ingredients will make the sauce delicious!
5. Add the Liquids:
Pour the Marsala wine and chicken broth into the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well covered in liquid. It’s going to create a delightful sauce!
6. Season and Stir:
Sprinkle the dried thyme over everything and give it a gentle stir to combine. This will help all those flavors mingle together.
7. Cook it Up:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when it easily shreds with a fork.
8. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and mushrooms from the slow cooker once cooked. Pour the sauce into a saucepan, mix the flour with a small amount of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce over medium heat. Keep stirring until it thickens.
9. Serve It All Together:
Return the chicken and mushrooms to the thickened sauce to coat them well. It’s now time to serve!
10. Final Touches:
Serve your Chicken Marsala over cooked rice or pasta, and don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra thyme sprigs for a lovely presentation!
Enjoy your flavorful, tender Chicken Marsala made easily in your slow cooker!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to cook them on low for 6-8 hours instead of the usual 4-6 to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.
What can I substitute for Marsala wine?
If you don’t have Marsala wine, you can use dry white wine or even a mixture of grape juice with a splash of vinegar for a similar flavor profile.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the all-purpose flour or substitute it with cornstarch mixed with water as a thickening agent. Make sure to check that your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.
