This scrumptious slow cooker chicken marsala recipe is a surefire way to impress at your next dinner party. It showcases the delicate and rich flavors of marsala wine combined with tender chicken and savory mushrooms, creating a dish that is comforting, delicious, and incredibly satisfying.
The star ingredient in this recipe is certainly the marsala wine. This type of wine is not commonly found in every home. Marsala wine is a fortified wine from Sicily and is commonly used in Italian cooking. It's available in sweet and dry varieties, for this recipe, we will use the dry version. You should be able to find it in the wine section of your local supermarket. If not, a dry sherry or a dry white wine can substitute it.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
Chicken breasts: These will serve as the main protein in this dish. The chicken breasts will be slow cooked until tender and flavorful.
Olive oil: This is used to sauté the chicken breasts, giving them a nice, brown crust before they go into the slow cooker.
Garlic: Adds a depth of flavor to the dish, sautéed along with the chicken.
Marsala wine: Gives the dish its distinctive, rich and slightly sweet flavor.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and helps to tenderize the chicken as it slow cooks.
Mushrooms: Provides a meaty texture and absorbs the flavors of the marsala wine and chicken broth.
Cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent for the marsala sauce.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the marsala sauce.
Parsley: Used as a garnish at the end, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
One reader, Ginelle Mccabe says:
This slow cooker chicken marsala recipe is a game-changer! The chicken turns out so tender and flavorful, and the sauce is absolutely divine. It's become a family favorite in my household. Plus, the convenience of using a slow cooker makes it a no-brainer for busy weeknights. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
How to brown the chicken: In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
How to thicken the sauce: Whisk together the cornstarch with ⅓ cup of cold water. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook on high for 30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
How to finish the dish: After thickening the sauce, stir in the heavy cream and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
Tender chicken breasts, slow-cooked to perfection and coated in a rich, appetizing mushroom sauce makes this chicken marsala a dish to try with the family.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 6chicken breastsboneless, skinless
- 1tbspolive oil
- Salt and pepperto taste
- 2tspgarlicminced
- ½cupMarsala wine
- ½cupchicken broth
- 1 ½cupsmushroomssliced
- ¼cupcornstarch
- ¼cupheavy cream
- 2tbspparsleychopped
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
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Place the chicken in the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
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Place the chicken breasts, garlic, wine, chicken broth and mushrooms in the slow cooker.
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Cook on Low for 5 hours.
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Remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Whisk together the cornstarch with ⅓ cup cold water. Pour the cornstarch into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
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Add the chicken back to the slow cooker, turn the heat to High and cook for 30 minutes or until sauce has thickened.
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Stir in the heavy cream and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 416.76kcal
- Fat: 22.54g
- Saturated Fat: 7.34g
- Trans Fat: 0.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.48g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.95g
- Carbohydrates: 9.64g
- Fiber: 1.04g
- Sugar: 2.16g
- Protein: 39.37g
- Cholesterol: 125.55mg
- Sodium: 707.59mg
- Calcium: 37.80mg
- Potassium: 676.46mg
- Iron: 1.98mg
- Vitamin A: 88.30µg
- Vitamin C: 3.55mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
When cooking the chicken in the pan, ensure that it is just seared and not fully cooked. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors from the marsala wine, chicken broth, and mushrooms while it slow cooks. Also, when adding the cornstarch mixture, make sure to whisk it well with cold water before adding it to the slow cooker. This prevents the cornstarch from clumping and ensures a smooth and thickened sauce.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-sliced mushrooms: Skip the step of slicing mushrooms by using pre-sliced ones, which will save you time and effort.
Multi-task: While the chicken is cooking in the slow cooker, use that time to prepare side dishes or set the table to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Invest in a slow cooker: Investing in a good quality slow cooker can save you time and effort in the kitchen, as it allows you to set it and forget it while it cooks your meal.
Organize your workspace: Before you start cooking, make sure your workspace is organized and all the necessary ingredients and tools are within reach to avoid wasting time searching for items.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe
Chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe, providing a similar texture and taste when cooked in the slow cooker.
Marsala wine - Substitute with sherry wine: Sherry wine can be used as a substitute for Marsala wine, offering a similar depth of flavor and sweetness to the dish.
Chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, providing a lighter and slightly different flavor profile while still adding depth to the dish.
Cornstarch - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used as a thickening agent in place of cornstarch, providing a similar thickening effect to the sauce.
Heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream, adding a rich and creamy texture to the sauce while imparting a subtle coconut flavor.
Parsley - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for parsley, adding a mild onion-like flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
Best Way to Present Chicken Marsala
Elevate the plating: When presenting the Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala, focus on creating an elegant and refined plating. Use clean lines and minimalistic design to showcase the dish's sophistication and depth of flavor.
Incorporate color contrast: Introduce vibrant and visually appealing elements to the plate to create a striking contrast. Consider incorporating colorful garnishes such as microgreens or edible flowers to add a pop of color and elevate the overall presentation.
Focus on precision: Pay close attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Precision is key in showcasing attention to detail and culinary expertise. Ensure that each element is thoughtfully arranged to create a visually stunning presentation.
Emphasize the sauce: Highlight the rich and velvety Marsala sauce by drizzling it artfully around the dish. The sauce should be delicately placed to complement the chicken and add a touch of luxury to the overall presentation.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose sophisticated and refined serving ware to elevate the dining experience. Opt for sleek, modern plates or bowls that complement the dish without overshadowing its exquisite flavors.
Incorporate texture: Introduce textural elements such as crispy potato galette or delicate herb tuiles to add depth and complexity to the presentation. Texture not only enhances the dish but also creates a visually appealing contrast.
Balance flavors and aesthetics: Ensure that the presentation not only looks visually stunning but also reflects the harmonious balance of flavors in the dish. Each element should contribute to both the visual and gustatory experience.
Consider the negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space to create a visually captivating presentation. Allow the dish to breathe on the plate, emphasizing the beauty of simplicity and sophistication.
Personalize the presentation: Infuse a touch of personal flair into the plating to showcase your unique culinary style. Whether it's a signature garnish or a distinctive arrangement, let your creativity shine through in the presentation.
Highlight the main ingredient: Place the spotlight on the succulent chicken breasts as the focal point of the presentation. Ensure that the chicken takes center stage while being complemented by the surrounding elements.
Essential Tools for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
- Large pan: A large, sturdy pan is essential for browning the chicken breasts before transferring them to the slow cooker.
- Slow cooker: This kitchen appliance is used to cook the chicken marsala dish slowly over a low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Whisk: A whisk is necessary for combining the cornstarch with water and for stirring the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Spatula: A spatula is useful for flipping and transferring the chicken breasts while browning them in the pan.
- Measuring cup: Measuring cups are needed to accurately portion out the marsala wine, chicken broth, and heavy cream for the recipe.
- Cutting board: A cutting board is essential for slicing the mushrooms and parsley for the chicken marsala dish.
- Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for slicing the mushrooms and parsley on the cutting board.
- Large mixing spoon: A large mixing spoon is useful for stirring the ingredients in the slow cooker and ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Small bowl: A small bowl can be used to mix the cornstarch with water before adding it to the slow cooker sauce.
- Tongs: Tongs are helpful for transferring the browned chicken breasts from the pan to the slow cooker.
Storing and Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
- Allow the chicken marsala to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled chicken marsala to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, place the cooled chicken marsala in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Frozen chicken marsala can be stored for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen chicken marsala in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed chicken marsala in a covered skillet or saucepan over low heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
- If the sauce appears too thick after thawing and reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Avoid freezing the chicken marsala with the heavy cream added, as it may separate and affect the texture of the sauce. Instead, add the heavy cream when reheating the thawed dish.
- For best results, consume the reheated chicken marsala within 2 days of thawing.
How To Reheat Chicken Marsala Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover chicken marsala to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling. This method helps to maintain the moisture in the chicken and prevents it from drying out.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use the microwave. Place the leftover chicken marsala in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Stir the sauce and check the temperature of the chicken before serving. Be careful not to overheat the chicken, as it can quickly become dry and tough in the microwave.
For a stovetop reheating option, place the leftover chicken marsala in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to help loosen the sauce and prevent the chicken from drying out. Gently simmer the chicken and sauce, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method allows you to control the temperature and moisture level more easily than the microwave.
If you have leftover chicken marsala sauce without the chicken, you can reheat it separately and serve it over freshly cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. To reheat the sauce, simply place it in a saucepan over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of marsala wine, chicken broth, or heavy cream to the sauce to help revive its flavor and texture.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to store your leftover chicken marsala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than 3-4 days. When reheating, always ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illness.
Interesting Fact About Chicken Marsala
The slow cooker chicken marsala recipe is a popular Italian-American dish that originated in the 19th century. It is named after the Sicilian city of Marsala, where the wine used in the dish is produced. Marsala wine is a fortified wine, which means it has a higher alcohol content and a longer shelf life. It adds a rich and unique flavor to the dish, making it a favorite in many households. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a tender and flavorful chicken dish that is perfect for a comforting family meal.
Is This Recipe Budget-Friendly for Home Cooking?
The slow cooker chicken marsala recipe is fairly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken, mushrooms, and pantry staples, are reasonably priced and can be found in most grocery stores. The use of the slow cooker also helps to tenderize the chicken, making it a budget-friendly option for a family meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it an affordable and delicious option. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Healthy or Unhealthy?
This slow cooker chicken marsala recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, chicken breast is a lean protein source, and the dish includes mushrooms, which are low in calories and rich in nutrients like vitamin D and potassium. The use of olive oil is also a healthier choice compared to butter or other saturated fats.
However, the recipe does have some less healthy components:
- The heavy cream adds significant amounts of saturated fat and calories to the dish
- The marsala wine and cornstarch contribute to the overall carbohydrate and sugar content
- Depending on the amount of salt used for seasoning, the sodium content could be high
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative like evaporated skim milk or Greek yogurt
- Use whole wheat flour instead of cornstarch to thicken the sauce, as it provides more fiber and nutrients
- Reduce the amount of marsala wine and replace some of the liquid with additional chicken broth to lower the carbohydrate and sugar content
- Use low-sodium chicken broth and be mindful of the amount of salt used for seasoning
- Increase the proportion of mushrooms and consider adding other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost the nutrient content and fiber
Editor's Opinion on Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
This slow cooker chicken marsala recipe is a delightful twist on the classic dish. The use of a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken. The addition of mushrooms and marsala wine adds depth to the dish, while the creamy sauce brings everything together. The use of cornstarch and heavy cream creates a luscious and velvety texture. Overall, this recipe is a winner for its simplicity and delicious results.
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Why trust this Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe:
This slow cooker chicken marsala recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender chicken breasts and flavorful mushrooms simmered in rich marsala wine and savory chicken broth creates a dish that's both comforting and elegant. The addition of garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth, while the final touch of heavy cream adds a luxurious creaminess. With a simple yet sophisticated cooking process, this recipe promises a restaurant-quality meal right in your own home. Trust the harmonious blend of flavors and the ease of preparation for a delightful dining experience.
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