Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Marsala
A mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken thighs with earthy cremini mushrooms and a creamy Marsala wine sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1.5 lbs Boneless skinless chicken thighs Can substitute with chicken breasts.
- 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.
- 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 to taste Salt and pepper Essential for flavor enhancement.
Vegetables
- 8 oz Cremini mushrooms, sliced Button mushrooms can be used as an alternative.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced About 1 tablespoon.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Cooking
- 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.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with flavors.
- 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. 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. For a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the mushroom mixture.