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Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Marsala

A mouthwatering dish featuring tender chicken thighs, earthy cremini mushrooms, and a rich Marsala wine sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs Boneless skinless chicken thighs Can substitute with chicken breasts.
  • 8 oz Cremini mushrooms, sliced Button mushrooms can be used as an alternative.
  • 3/4 cup Marsala wine Opt for dry Marsala for better flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream For a lighter version, use half-and-half.
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced About 1 tablespoon.
  • 1/2 cup Chicken broth (low sodium) Homemade or store-bought.
  • 2 tbsp Butter Use unsalted butter for better control of seasoning.
  • 1 tsp Fresh thyme leaves Can substitute with dried thyme (1/3 amount).
  • Salt and pepper Essential for flavor enhancement.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and place them skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cooking

  • Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release moisture and begin to brown, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic in the final minute of cooking, stirring until fragrant.

Sauce Preparation

  • Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the wine is reduced by half.

Combine in the Slow Cooker

  • Place the browned chicken in the slow cooker.
  • Pour the mushroom and Marsala mixture over the chicken.
  • Add the chicken broth and fresh thyme, then stir gently to combine without disturbing the chicken.

Slow Cooking

  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with flavors.

Final Touch

  • About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and warm through on low heat.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

Use a good quality Marsala wine for the best flavor. Avoid cooking wines that contain too much sodium. For maximum tenderness, opt for chicken thighs over breasts; they are less likely to dry out during cooking. Always taste and adjust your seasoning after adding the cream, as it can mellow the flavors. Try adding a splash of fresh lemon juice when serving to elevate the dish with a bright note. If you love a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the mushroom mixture for some heat. Consider pairing this dish with a side of chicken pillows with creamy Parmesan sauce for a satisfying meal.
Keyword Chicken Marsala, Comfort Food, Creamy Sauce, Easy Dinner, Slow Cooker