This Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is one of those elegant-yet-easy meals I love making when I want something rich and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s loaded with flavor from Marsala wine, tender chicken, and savory mushrooms—all simmered low and slow until everything is infused with that deep, luxurious taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about this dish, especially when I want to serve something restaurant-worthy without the fuss:
- Slow cooker does most of the work—no constant watching
- Tender, flavorful chicken that melts in my mouth
- Delicious mushroom and wine sauce that tastes gourmet
- Perfect for weeknights or entertaining
- Minimal prep, but delivers maximum flavor
- Pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- I start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- I season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then brown them on both sides—just enough to add color and flavor.
- I transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, I sauté the garlic and mushrooms until they’re soft and golden.
- I pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- I pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- I cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Just before serving, I garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people generously. It takes about 15 minutes to prep, and then cooks for 6 to 7 hours on low in the slow cooker.
Variations
Sometimes I use chicken thighs instead of breasts—they come out extra juicy. If I want the sauce creamier, I stir in a splash of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For more flavor depth, I add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or a bay leaf while it simmers.
Storage/reheating
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, I add a splash of broth when reheating.
FAQs
What kind of Marsala wine should I use?
I use dry Marsala wine for a more savory, traditional flavor. Sweet Marsala works too, but gives the dish a slightly different, sweeter note.
Can I make this with chicken thighs?
Yes, I often use boneless, skinless thighs—they hold up beautifully in the slow cooker and stay extra moist.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
Browning adds flavor and color, but if I’m in a rush, I skip it and still get a great result.
What can I serve with Chicken Marsala?
I love it with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or even polenta. Anything that soaks up the sauce works perfectly.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, I freeze portions with sauce in airtight containers for up to 2 months. I thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to keep the texture tender.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is a dish I keep coming back to—it’s cozy, flavorful, and incredibly easy. I get all the depth of a classic Marsala sauce without hovering over the stove, and the result is always impressive. It’s one of those meals that feels special, but fits right into a busy weeknight.
PrintSlow Cooker Chicken Marsala
This Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is a rich, flavorful, and elegant dinner made easy. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a savory Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms, garlic, and herbs. With minimal prep and a gourmet result, this slow cooker chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (on low)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Marsala wine (dry preferred)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; sear on both sides until lightly browned (about 2–3 minutes per side).
- Transfer chicken to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic and mushrooms until softened and golden.
- Deglaze the pan with Marsala wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
- Add a splash of heavy cream in the last 30 minutes for a creamier sauce.
- Toss in fresh thyme or a bay leaf while cooking for added depth.
- Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
- To thicken the sauce slightly, remove the lid for the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg