Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of classic Italian-American cuisine with this incredibly easy-to-make Crock Pot Chicken Marsala. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken and mushrooms into a gourmet experience, slow-simmered to perfection in a delectable Marsala wine sauce. Imagine tender chicken breasts, sautéed to a golden crispness, then left to marry with savory mushrooms in a rich, sweet, and creamy Marsala reduction for hours. The result? A deeply flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s effortlessly elegant for a dinner party yet simple enough for a busy weeknight meal.

The beauty of a slow cooker lies in its ability to do the heavy lifting for you. This “fix it and forget it” approach allows flavors to meld beautifully over time, creating a depth that’s hard to achieve with quicker methods. Whether you’re serving it over a bed of al dente pasta, fluffy rice, creamy risotto, or enjoying it as a stand-alone protein-packed meal, this Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready to impress your taste buds with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

Tender Crock Pot Chicken Marsala with mushrooms in a rich Marsala wine sauce, served on a plate

Contents

Why Choose Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala?

There’s an undeniable allure to slow cooker recipes, especially when life gets hectic. They offer a simple solution for preparing wholesome, delicious meals without constant supervision. This Crock Pot Chicken Marsala recipe exemplifies that convenience. By utilizing your slow cooker, you can achieve a sophisticated dish that tastes like it took hours of complex cooking, when in reality, your slow cooker did most of the work. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal on the table but lack the time for extensive meal preparation. Moreover, the slow cooking process ensures that the chicken remains incredibly moist and tender, absorbing all the wonderful aromas and flavors of the Marsala wine and spices. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it culinary delight that delivers consistent, mouth-watering results every time.

This recipe is not just about convenience; it’s about flavor. The prolonged simmering allows the Marsala wine, garlic, and mushrooms to create a rich, savory, and slightly sweet sauce that coats every piece of chicken. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that appeals to all ages, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or a special occasion when you want to impress guests without being tied to the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic meal prep option, as the flavors only deepen with time, tasting even better the next day.

Close up of Lemon Chicken in a cast iron skillet

If you’re a fan of boneless chicken breast recipes that are both flavorful and fuss-free, you’ll also adore these other chicken dishes: Sweet and Smoky Chicken, Crispy Honey Fried Chicken, and this Easy Lemon Chicken (pictured above). These recipes demonstrate the versatility of chicken and are perfect for expanding your weeknight meal rotation.

Crock Pot Marsala Chicken simmering in a slow cooker with a rich, dark sauce and mushrooms.

What Exactly is Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala is a beloved Italian-American classic, known for its rich and savory characteristics. While it shares some similarities with other Italian dishes like veal scaloppini or chicken piccata, its distinguishing feature is the use of Marsala wine. Unlike piccata, which typically uses white wine, Chicken Marsala features a sauce made from Marsala, a fortified wine from Sicily. This unique wine, often sweet or dry, imparts a deep, nutty, and slightly caramelized flavor to the dish, creating a more robust and complex sauce.

The cooking process involves tender cuts of chicken (usually breasts or thighs) lightly floured and pan-seared to achieve a golden crust, then simmered with mushrooms in the distinctive Marsala wine sauce, often finished with a touch of heavy cream for luxurious richness. For those concerned about alcohol content, rest assured that the alcohol in the Marsala wine cooks off during the long simmering process, leaving behind only its magnificent flavor profile. This makes it a family-friendly dish that delivers a gourmet taste without the intoxicating effects.

A bowl of creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala garnished with fresh parsley.

Essential Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Marsala

Crafting the perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients that build layers of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious meal:

Chicken: For optimal tenderness and ease, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also opt for chicken thighs for a richer, juicier result, as they tend to hold up well to slow cooking.
Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper creates a fragrant and savory coating for the chicken, enhancing its natural flavor.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its robust flavor, but any quality olive oil will work for searing the chicken to a beautiful golden brown.
Mushrooms: Fresh, sliced cremini mushrooms (also known as baby bellas) are ideal. Their earthy flavor complements the Marsala wine perfectly, adding wonderful texture. White button mushrooms are a suitable alternative.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is always best for its pungent aroma and flavor, but pre-minced jarred garlic can be used in a pinch for convenience.
Marsala Wine: This is the star of the sauce! Sweet Marsala wine is traditional, offering a nuanced sweetness and depth. If you prefer a less sweet sauce or don’t have Marsala on hand, a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir can be a substitute, though it will slightly alter the classic flavor profile.
Water/Cornstarch Slurry: A simple mixture of cold water and cornstarch is crucial for thickening the Marsala sauce, giving it that desirable luscious consistency.
Heavy Cream: A splash of heavy cream at the end adds luxurious richness and a silky texture to the sauce, balancing the savory and sweet notes of the Marsala.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley serves as a beautiful and vibrant garnish, adding a touch of freshness and color to the finished dish.

Keep reading to discover more tips, tricks, and answers to common questions about preparing this delightful Crock Pot Marsala Chicken recipe, ensuring your culinary success!

Simple Steps to Making Chicken Marsala in Your Slow Cooker

The slow cooker streamlines the cooking process for this Chicken Marsala recipe, making it incredibly accessible even for novice cooks. Follow these straightforward steps for a delicious meal:

Chicken breasts seasoned with herbs and spices in a small bowl, ready for cooking.

1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend generously over both sides of your boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.

Chicken breasts searing in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown.

2. Sear for Flavor: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook until they are beautifully golden brown on both sides. This searing step is crucial for locking in moisture and developing a deeper, more complex flavor. Once seared, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.

Minced garlic being added to the slow cooker with seared chicken.

3. Assemble and Slow Cook: Add the minced garlic to the slow cooker, scattering it around the chicken. Then, sprinkle the sliced mushrooms evenly over the chicken and pour in the Marsala wine. Secure the lid on your slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 5 hours. The longer, slower cooking time helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Chicken being removed from the slow cooker and placed on a plate.

4. Thicken the Sauce: Once the initial cooking time is complete, carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside on a plate. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch until no lumps remain, creating a smooth slurry.

Water and cornstarch being whisked together in a small bowl to create a slurry.

5. Finish the Sauce: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the Marsala wine mixture remaining in the slow cooker. Add the heavy cream and whisk everything together thoroughly to combine. This will begin the thickening process.

Cornstarch slurry and heavy cream added to the Marsala wine mixture in the slow cooker, being whisked.

6. Return and Thicken: Gently place the chicken back into the slow cooker, ensuring it’s nestled in the sauce. Close the lid and continue to cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce has reached your desired thickness and is beautifully glossy.

Finished Crock Pot Chicken Marsala garnished with fresh parsley, ready to serve.

7. Serve: Dish out generous portions of your Crock Pot Chicken Marsala, garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite accompaniments.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

This Marsala chicken tastes even better the next day! To store, allow any leftover chicken to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight storage container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator.

Stovetop Reheating: For best results, place the chicken marsala in a saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until the dish is thoroughly heated through. You might need to add a small splash of water or chicken broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency and prevent it from drying out.
Microwave Reheating: If you’re short on time, the microwave offers a quicker reheating method. Transfer your desired portion to a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals (30-60 seconds), stirring gently between each interval, until the chicken and sauce are heated evenly.

Overhead view of a finished plate of Crock Pot Chicken Marsala with parsley garnish.

Love it? Pin it!

If you adore this irresistible Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala recipe, don’t let it slip away! Make sure to save it for later inspiration by pinning it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you leave!

Creative Substitutions for Your Marsala Chicken

When it comes to cooking, don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor recipes to your personal taste, dietary needs, or what you have available. This Crock Pot Chicken Marsala is versatile enough for several delicious substitutions:

Chicken Cut: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are specified, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier and more flavorful result. Thighs are more forgiving and hold up exceptionally well during slow cooking.
Marsala Wine Alternatives: If Marsala wine isn’t available or you prefer an alternative, dry vermouth can be used, though it will impart a slightly different, perhaps crisper, flavor profile. For a non-alcoholic option, you can try chicken broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth, although the distinctive Marsala flavor will be absent.
Seasoning Blend: The suggested seasoning blend is a fantastic starting point, but don’t hesitate to experiment! Use your favorite poultry seasoning, add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary, or a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Mushroom Varieties: Cremini mushrooms offer an earthy depth, but white button mushrooms are a perfectly fine substitute. For an elevated touch, consider a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms to add more complex flavors and textures.
Cream Alternative: If you need a dairy-free option, coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream substitute can be used, though it might slightly alter the taste and richness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Marsala

Can you put raw chicken in a crock pot? Yes, you absolutely can place raw chicken directly into a crock pot. However, searing the chicken beforehand, as this recipe instructs, is highly recommended. Searing locks in moisture, creates a desirable golden crust, and significantly enhances the overall flavor of the dish, contributing to a more complex and appealing Marsala sauce.
Is dry or sweet Marsala better for chicken Marsala? Both dry and sweet Marsala wines can be used for chicken Marsala sauce, and the choice largely depends on your personal preference. Dry Marsala tends to yield a more savory and robust sauce, which I personally prefer as it adds a deeper, richer flavor to the dish. Sweet Marsala, on the other hand, will result in a slightly sweeter and fruitier sauce. Experiment to find which you enjoy most!
Why is my chicken in the crockpot still tough? If your chicken turns out tough in the slow cooker, it could be due to either overcooking or undercooking. While slow cooking is forgiving, extremely high heat settings for too long, or insufficient cooking time on a low setting, can lead to less than ideal texture. Ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without exceeding it excessively.
Should chicken be cooked on high or low in a crockpot? For the juiciest and most tender chicken in a slow cooker, cooking it on a low heat setting for an extended period is generally preferred. This allows the chicken to slowly break down and absorb flavors without drying out, resulting in a wonderfully moist texture. High heat can sometimes cook the chicken too quickly, making it less tender.
Can you cook a whole chicken in the crock pot? Yes, you can certainly cook a whole chicken in the crock pot! You can place it in whole, or if it’s a larger bird, you might need to cut it into smaller pieces to fit.
How do you cook a whole chicken in the crockpot? To cook a whole chicken, simply season it generously with your favorite spices, add a cup or two of chicken broth or water to the bottom of the pot, and optionally add some chopped vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For a dedicated recipe, check out this Crock Pot Rotisserie Chicken recipe.
Can you make chicken Marsala ahead of time? Absolutely! Chicken Marsala is an excellent make-ahead meal. Prepare the recipe as instructed, allow it to cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen and improve with a little time, making it perfect for meal prepping.

A close-up of the creamy Marsala sauce with sliced mushrooms and chicken.

Pro Tips & Tricks for the Best Crock Pot Chicken Marsala

Restoring Sauce Consistency: If you’re reheating frozen or refrigerated Marsala chicken and the sauce appears to have separated, don’t worry. Gently heat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. A splash of Marsala wine, chicken broth, or even a bit more heavy cream can help restore its smooth, creamy consistency.
Easy Cleanup: For a hassle-free cleanup, consider spraying the interior of your crock pot with cooking spray before adding ingredients, or use a slow cooker liner. This prevents sticking and makes washing up much easier.
Ensure Doneness: Always use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the chicken is cooked thoroughly. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry chicken.
No Low-Fat Milk: Do not substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or half-and-half. Heavy cream provides the necessary fat content and richness to achieve that velvety, decadent Marsala wine sauce. Lighter milk alternatives will not thicken properly and will result in a watery sauce.
Searing is Key: While it’s an extra step, don’t skip searing the chicken breasts. This process creates a Maillard reaction, developing deep, savory flavors and a beautiful golden crust that adds significant depth to the final dish.
Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding your slow cooker. If you’re making a larger batch, consider using a bigger slow cooker or dividing the ingredients into two smaller ones to ensure even cooking and proper sauce development.

Teriyaki Chicken over rice on a white plate

More Delicious Recipes to Love

If you’re continually seeking easy and flavorful chicken recipes to simplify your meal planning, these options are perfect additions to your repertoire. For more slow cooker goodness, try this Slow Cooker Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Casserole, this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki (pictured above), or this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Recipe. If you prefer to skip the slow cooker, you might enjoy this Easy Chicken and Mushroom Florentine Pasta, a classic Chicken Piccata, or this vibrant Southwest Chicken Linguine.

A vibrant hero shot of Crock Pot Chicken Marsala, beautifully plated and ready to serve.

For your next chicken dinner, if you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe, this slow cooker version of Chicken Marsala is an absolute must-try. It promises rich flavors and tender chicken with minimal fuss, making it a perfect addition to any cook’s collection.

LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!

Extreme close up of Marsala chicken on a spoon

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars from 11 votes

Print Recipe

Crock Pot Chicken Marsala

Tender mushrooms and juicy chicken simmer for hours in a rich marsala wine sauce in this Crock Pot Chicken Marsala. Easily made ahead, this meal is perfect for a busy weeknight but fancy enough for a dinner party. Serve over pasta, rice, risotto, or all on its own, everyone will love this delicious meal!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 6 hrs

Course: Chicken

Cuisine: American/Italian

Keyword: chicken, Crock Pot, marsala, slow cooker

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 424 kcal

Equipment

Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker
Crock-Pot Mini 1.5 Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker, Black (SCR151)
Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black

Ingredients

6 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 Tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces mushrooms (sliced, cremini recommended)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup marsala wine
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/3 cup heavy cream
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, basil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sprinkle over the chicken breasts to season, coating both sides evenly.
Place a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Add the garlic, mushrooms, and marsala wine to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 5 hours.
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch until smooth. Add this mixture to the wine mixture along with the heavy cream and whisk to combine.
Place the chicken back into the slow cooker, close the lid, and cook on high for another 20-30 minutes or until the sauce is thick.
Serve immediately with freshly chopped parsley as a garnish.

Notes

To Store: Bring leftover chicken to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight storage container. In the fridge, the chicken will keep for 3-4 days, and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as desired.

Stovetop Reheating: To reheat the chicken Marsala on the stovetop, place it in a saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until the dish is heated through. You may need to add a little water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.

Microwave Reheating: If you prefer a quicker method, you can use the microwave. Transfer to a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly heated.

Nutrition