Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the rich, intoxicating aroma of perfectly cooked Chicken Marsala that practically melts in your mouth - without spending hours slaving over the stove! This slow-cooker magic transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or simply craving an Italian-inspired comfort meal, this Crock Pot Chicken Marsala recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the boneless, skinless chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. This step adds flavor but is optional as the chicken will cook thoroughly in the crock pot.
- While the chicken is searing, chop the onion and mince the garlic. Set aside.
- Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to the crock pot. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms on top of the chicken.
- In a separate bowl, combine the Marsala wine and chicken broth. Stir well to mix. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crock pot, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. If you prefer a shorter cooking time, you can set it to high for about 3 hours, but low is recommended for the best flavor and tenderness.
- About 30 minutes before serving, check the chicken for doneness. It should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If desired, you can shred the chicken in the crock pot for easier serving.
- Once cooked, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the chicken Marsala over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your hearty, flavorful Crock Pot Chicken Marsala!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, take the extra few minutes to sear your chicken before adding it to the crock pot. This step creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious flavor.
- Use a good quality Marsala wine - it makes a significant difference in the overall taste of the dish. If possible, choose a dry Marsala for a more authentic flavor profile.
- Don't rush the cooking process. Slow cooking on low heat for 6 hours allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and helps the flavors meld together perfectly.
- For a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for food safety, but be careful not to overcook, which can dry out the meat.
- Consider serving over wide egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious Marsala sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 90mg
