Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to stay even more tender than breasts and provide a richer flavor. You may not need to adjust the cooking time, but do check that they've reached 165°F for food safety.

What if I don't have Marsala wine?

Marsala wine gives this dish its distinctive flavor, but in a pinch, you can substitute a combination of dry white wine with a splash of brandy. For a non-alcoholic version, use chicken stock with a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for depth of flavor.

Can I prep this the night before?

Yes! You can complete steps 1-2 the night before, refrigerate everything separately, then combine in the slow cooker in the morning. This makes morning prep incredibly quick and easy.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging the chicken. Also, double-check that your Marsala wine is gluten-free, as some may contain additives.

Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided; Salt and pepper, to taste; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 (8 oz.) package cremini mushrooms, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¾ cup Marsala wine; ¼ cup cornstarch; ¼ cup water; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

This incredible Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala transforms a classic Italian restaurant favorite into an effortless weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts swimming in a rich, mushroom-laden wine sauce develop deep flavors while your slow cooker does all the work. Perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Just a quick sear of the chicken, then let your slow cooker work its magic while you tackle your day.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: This dish delivers the same deep, complex flavors you’d get at an Italian restaurant, but with minimal effort on your part.
Foolproof Method: Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe is nearly impossible to mess up. The slow cooker ensures tender chicken every time.
Perfect for Entertaining: Impressive enough for guests, but easy enough that you won’t be stressed while hosting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breasts: The star of the show, they become incredibly tender in the slow cooker. Make sure to use boneless, skinless for best results.
Olive oil: Just a small amount for searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables, adding a hint of richness.
Flour: Coating the chicken in flour before searing helps create a beautiful crust and will later help thicken the sauce.
Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base for the sauce. Dice it finely for the best texture.
Cremini mushrooms: These brown mushrooms have a deeper, earthier flavor than white button mushrooms, making them perfect for this savory dish.
Garlic: Adds that essential aromatic punch. Fresh is always best for maximum flavor.
Marsala wine: This Italian fortified wine is the signature flavor in this dish, providing a unique sweet-savory dimension that can’t be replicated.
Cornstarch: Mixed with water to create a slurry that perfectly thickens the sauce at the end of cooking.
Butter: Added at the final stage to give the sauce a silky texture and rich finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Options

Try using boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for even more flavor and tenderness. For a truly luxurious version, add some prosciutto slices on top of the chicken before cooking.

Mushroom Varieties

Feel free to experiment with different mushroom varieties. A mix of cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms creates incredible depth of flavor.

Dairy-Free Adjustment

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with additional olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

Extra Veggies

Add some halved cherry tomatoes or baby spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking for additional color and nutrients.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add remaining oil and sauté onions and mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until tender. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. These caramelized vegetables will add tremendous depth to your sauce.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Transfer the vegetable mixture to the slow cooker, arranging it over the chicken. Pour in the Marsala wine, cover, and cook on low for 5-6 hours until the chicken is completely tender.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Remove the chicken and slice it into strips. Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Transfer the cooking liquid and vegetables to a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and add the cornstarch mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened, then stir in butter until melted.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the sliced chicken to the slow cooker, pour the thickened sauce over it, and gently stir to coat. Your sumptuous Chicken Marsala is ready to serve!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Sear: Taking those extra minutes to brown the chicken creates a flavor foundation that’s worth every second.
Quality Wine Matters: Use a Marsala wine you’d be happy to drink. If you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it!
Mushroom Prep: Don’t wash mushrooms under running water – they’ll absorb too much moisture. Instead, wipe them clean with a damp paper towel.
Slice Against the Grain: When cutting your chicken, slice against the grain for the most tender texture.
Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use a bit more cornstarch slurry. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of chicken broth.

How to Serve

This Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala pairs beautifully with so many sides, making it incredibly versatile for any meal.

Perfect Pairings

Serve over buttered egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that magnificent sauce. If you’re going for a lighter meal, try it with steamed asparagus or broccoli.

Bread Accompaniment

A crusty piece of garlic bread or focaccia is perfect for mopping up every last bit of the delicious Marsala sauce.

Wine Pairing

Since you’re already using Marsala in the recipe, consider serving it with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store this chicken Marsala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making leftovers even more delicious!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave it, but cover it to prevent splattering and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to stay even more tender than breasts and provide a richer flavor. You may not need to adjust the cooking time, but do check that they’ve reached 165°F for food safety.
What if I don’t have Marsala wine?

Marsala wine gives this dish its distinctive flavor, but in a pinch, you can substitute a combination of dry white wine with a splash of brandy. For a non-alcoholic version, use chicken stock with a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for depth of flavor.
Can I prep this the night before?

Yes! You can complete steps 1-2 the night before, refrigerate everything separately, then combine in the slow cooker in the morning. This makes morning prep incredibly quick and easy.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging the chicken. Also, double-check that your Marsala wine is gluten-free, as some may contain additives.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala brings the elegance of a restaurant-quality dish right to your dinner table with minimal effort. The marriage of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and rich Marsala sauce creates a meal that feels special enough for celebrations yet simple enough for weeknights. Give this recipe a try next time you’re craving something comforting yet sophisticated – your family will think you spent hours in the kitchen, but your secret of slow cooker simplicity is safe with me!