Prepare for a delicious, savory meal with minimal effort! This slow cooker chicken marsala recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering a comforting dish that practically cooks itself. Enjoy tender chicken coated in a rich, mushroom-garlic sauce without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

You will adore this incredibly simple and flavorful slow cooker chicken marsala recipe for many great reasons:

Effortless Prep and Cooking: Spend minutes getting ingredients into your slow cooker. Then, let it work its magic all day.
Rich, Savory Mushroom-Garlic Sauce: The sauce simmers slowly, infusing every bite with deep, complex flavors.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Come home to a fully cooked, delicious meal ready to serve. This is a true time-saver for families.
Great for Comforting Leftovers: The flavors often deepen overnight, making this an excellent dish for meal prepping.
Beginner-Friendly: Even new cooks will find success with this straightforward, step-by-step method.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your amazing slow cooker chicken marsala:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste (I used about ½ teaspoon of each)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup sweet Marsala cooking wine
½ cup water
¼ cup corn starch
Fresh parsley (roughly chopped)

Notes & Substitutions

For the Marsala wine, choose a sweet Marsala cooking wine for authentic flavor. Marsala wine, a fortified wine from Sicily, Italy, provides a unique depth to this dish. If unavailable, or if you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute it with chicken broth. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts; they stay incredibly moist and tender. Feel free to use your favorite mushrooms, such as cremini or button, for this delicious slow cooker chicken marsala dish.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy recipe:

A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this amount of chicken.
Measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy.
A whisk helps create a smooth cornstarch slurry.
A slotted spoon makes removing chicken easy.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the best slow cooker chicken marsala:

Lightly grease your slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Season each side of your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer at the bottom of your prepared slow cooker.
Next, evenly distribute the minced garlic over the chicken breasts. Scatter the sliced mushrooms on top of the chicken and garlic mixture. Pour the entire cup of sweet Marsala cooking wine over all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook the ingredients on the low setting for 5-6 hours, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and absorb the rich flavors.
Once the cooking time is complete, use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a plate. Set the chicken aside while you prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup of cold water and ¼ cup of cornstarch until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and forms a smooth slurry. Pour this cornstarch slurry directly into the liquid remaining in the slow cooker. Stir well to combine it thoroughly with the existing sauce.
Return the reserved chicken breasts to the slow cooker, nestling them into the now-thickening sauce. Increase the heat setting on your slow cooker to high. Cover it again and continue to cook for an additional 20-30 minutes. This high-heat period allows the sauce to thicken beautifully to a desirable consistency.
After the sauce has thickened, taste the slow cooker chicken marsala and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper if desired. Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of fresh, roughly chopped parsley over the entire dish just before serving. Enjoy your delicious, homemade slow cooker chicken marsala.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Follow these tips for perfect slow cooker chicken marsala every time. To prevent chicken from drying out, cook it on the low setting. Low heat ensures juicy, tender results. If your sauce isn’t thickening, ensure your cornstarch slurry is lump-free and cook on high until it reaches your desired consistency. For best flavor development, always use sweet Marsala wine, as its unique profile truly defines the dish. Avoid overfilling your slow cooker, which can lead to uneven cooking.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Serving Suggestions

Serve this comforting slow cooker chicken marsala over your favorite pasta like fettuccine or linguine. It also pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even quinoa. Round out your meal by adding a side of steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple crisp green salad. Don’t forget some crusty bread for soaking up that amazing sauce.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate any leftover slow cooker chicken marsala in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Freezing is generally not recommended for this specific recipe, as chicken can sometimes become stringy and the sauce’s texture may change upon thawing.

Variations

Experiment with different types of mushrooms like shiitake or oyster for varied texture and flavor. For an extra rich and creamy sauce, stir in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese at the very end of cooking. You can also explore adding other herbs such as fresh thyme or rosemary for a slightly different aromatic profile to your slow cooker chicken marsala.

Nutrition Information

This slow cooker chicken marsala offers a balanced meal. It provides lean protein from the chicken and nutrients from the mushrooms. The exact values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	170 kcal
Carbohydrates	9 g
Protein	25 g
Fat	3 g
Saturated Fat	1 g
Trans Fat	1 g
Cholesterol	72 mg
Sodium	350 mg
Potassium	548 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	1 g
Vitamin A	35 IU
Vitamin C	6 mg
Calcium	14 mg
Iron	1 mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and cooking methods. Individual results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of Marsala wine is best for slow cooker chicken marsala? For this recipe, sweet Marsala cooking wine is ideal. It provides the signature flavor profile without being overly alcoholic.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe? Absolutely, chicken thighs work wonderfully and often stay even more moist. Use the same cooking time as breasts for tender results.

Can I double the recipe in my slow cooker? Yes, you can double the ingredients if your slow cooker is large enough (at least an 8-quart). Ensure all ingredients fit without exceeding the halfway mark.

How do I clean a slow cooker effectively after making this dish? To clean easily, fill the slow cooker with warm, soapy water immediately after serving. Let it soak, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.

Is this slow cooker chicken marsala recipe freezer-friendly? While you technically can freeze it, the chicken texture might change, becoming slightly stringy. For best quality, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Conclusion

You now have everything needed to create a truly spectacular slow cooker chicken marsala with minimal effort. This recipe proves that incredibly delicious meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. We hope this simple, beginner-friendly guide encourages you to try this comforting dish soon. Please share your cooking experience in the comments below!