When dinner needs to feel elegant but your schedule screams “help,” this Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is your culinary lifesaver. With rich Marsala wine, tender chicken, and a silky mushroom sauce, this dish tastes restaurant-worthy, but your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a dinner party in disguise, this chicken marsala recipe has your back.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

It’s a flavor-forward, set-it-and-forget-it wonder. The chicken simmers in a bath of wine, garlic, and herbs until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, then gets coated in a luscious, creamy sauce. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and comfort—a creamy mushroom chicken that brings big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5–2 lbs / 680–900 g)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp sweet paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (225 g)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup dry Marsala wine (240 ml)
½ cup water (120 ml)
¼ cup cornstarch (30 g)
¼ cup heavy cream (60 ml)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

Prep the slow cooker: Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
Season the chicken: Sprinkle garlic powder, basil, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over chicken breasts.
Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Brown chicken for 3 minutes per side, then transfer to the slow cooker.
Add mushrooms and garlic: Top the chicken with sliced mushrooms and minced garlic.
Deglaze the skillet: Pour Marsala wine into the hot pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 1 minute, then pour over the chicken.
Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken is fully cooked (165°F / 74°C).
Thicken the sauce: Remove the chicken and set it aside. In a small bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this into the sauce in the slow cooker along with the heavy cream.
Finish the dish: Return the chicken to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on HIGH for 20 more minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Garnish and serve: Spoon creamy mushroom sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Marsala

Browning the chicken adds depth and keeps it juicy—don’t skip it if you can help it!
Use a dry Marsala wine for best flavor balance.
Prefer thighs over breasts? Go for it! Boneless, skinless thighs are ultra-tender and work beautifully.
Add spinach or a splash more cream for an even richer sauce.

A Comforting Story

This dish became a weeknight staple after one of those “what’s for dinner?” days when I only had chicken, wine, and mushrooms. I tossed it all in the slow cooker, crossed my fingers, and hours later—magic. My husband thought I’d gone gourmet. Now it’s a frequent flyer on our table, especially on busy days when we all need something a little special.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy Marsala chicken over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or fluffy rice to soak up all that dreamy sauce. Add a side of roasted green beans or a simple salad to round out the meal.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed. This dish also freezes well—just cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs About Chicken Marsala

Can I use cooking wine?

It’s best to use dry Marsala wine from the wine aisle—it has better flavor and less salt.

Can I skip the cream?

Yes, the sauce will be more traditional and slightly thinner, but still delicious.

What mushrooms work best?

White button or cremini mushrooms both pair well with Marsala.

Is this a good make-ahead meal?

Absolutely. Prepare earlier in the day and reheat before serving, or let the slow cooker keep it warm.

A Touch of Class with Crockpot Ease

This Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is proof that elegant meals don’t have to be complicated. It combines the best of classic Italian flavor and modern ease for a crockpot dinner you’ll want on repeat. Rich, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying—this creamy mushroom chicken dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.

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