There’s a certain tranquility that comes from knowing dinner is effortlessly simmering in the slow cooker, and nothing embodies that cozy feeling quite like Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala. The moment I walked into my kitchen to find the rich scent of garlic and herbs welcoming me home after a long day, I knew I had stumbled upon something special.
This dish is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings family and friends together around the table without the fuss. With minimal prep time and bold flavors wild enough to impress even the most discerning guests, this recipe is my solution to weekday chaos. Plus, the succulent chicken enveloped in a creamy Marsala sauce evokes that restaurant-quality charm we all crave, yet it’s as easy as pressing a button.
Join me as we unravel the secrets of this simple, yet elegant recipe that will definitely leave a lasting impression!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala
- This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to simply season and let the slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day.
- The rich and creamy Marsala sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken and mushrooms, making every bite a flavor-filled delight.
- Its versatility means you can serve it over pasta, rice, or even alongside your favorite vegetables to suit any occasion.
- With its stunning presentation, this dish will impress your family and guests alike, proving that comfort food can also be visually appealing.
Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala Ingredients
Get ready to indulge in the delightful flavors of Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala!
For the Chicken
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – A lean choice that cooks perfectly tender in the slow cooker.
- Salt, to taste – Essential for enhancing all the delicious flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Adds a subtle kick to your dish.
For the Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses your chicken with a warm, savory aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – Brings a hint of sweetness and earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds a lovely herbal note that complements the dish.
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika – Introduces a touch of sweetness and a splash of color.
For the Sauté
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps sear the chicken beautifully while adding healthy fats.
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced – Delivers an umami richness that pairs wonderfully with chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic adds an irresistible fragrance and flavor.
For the Sauce
- 1 cup dry Marsala wine – This is the star player that brings depth to the creamy sauce.
- ½ cup water – Keeps the sauce smooth and balanced.
- ¼ cup cornstarch – A key thickening agent that makes your sauce luxuriously creamy.
- ¼ cup heavy cream – Enhances the sauce's richness to create that creamy texture.
For Serving
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional) – A sprinkle of freshness that brightens up the dish.
Now that you have everything you need, let's dive into creating this comforting masterpiece!
How to Make Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala
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Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
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Season the chicken: Generously sprinkle garlic powder, basil, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken breasts. This savory blend will infuse the meat with delicious flavors.
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Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until light golden brown. This step locks in moisture and flavor!
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Transfer to slow cooker: Place the seared chicken in the slow cooker and top it with the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. The mushrooms will provide an umami richness, enhancing the dish's overall taste.
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Deglaze the skillet: Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping up the browned bits from the skillet. This adds depth and richness to your sauce. Pour the mixture over the chicken and mushrooms in the slow cooker.
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Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours until the chicken reaches 165°F. The chicken should be tender and infused with all those fantastic flavors!
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Thicken the sauce: Remove the chicken and set aside. Whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth, then stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker to achieve a velvety consistency.
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Add cream: Mix in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for that perfect balance of flavors.
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Final cooking: Return the chicken to the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for an additional 20 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken beautifully around the chicken.
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Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finishing touch. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with your favorite side!
Optional: Serve with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can season the chicken and even sear it up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just seal the chicken in an airtight container after marinating, and refrigerate. The mushrooms and garlic can be prepped ahead too; simply slice and keep them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, transfer everything to the slow cooker, pour in the Marsala wine, and follow the normal cooking instructions. By prepping ahead, you’ll enjoy a stress-free dinner with all the comforting flavors intact—just as delicious as if you made it fresh!
Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful recipe and explore the ways you can enhance its flavors!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with a can of coconut milk for a richness without the dairy.
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Mushroom Medley: Mix different types of mushrooms, like shiitake or cremini, for a more complex flavor profile.
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Herb Explosion: Fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano can be added for a fresher taste, bringing a garden vibe to the dish.
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat that beautifully contrasts the creaminess.
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Pasta Base: Serve the chicken and sauce over fettuccine or gnocchi to elevate it to an Italian feast.
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Wine Swap: Use white wine like Chardonnay or a non-alcoholic wine option to create an alternative flavor sensation.
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Vegetable Add-ins: Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and a burst of color.
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Sweetness Boost: Mix in a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or brown sugar for a subtle sweetness that balances the dish beautifully.
What to Serve with Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala?
There’s nothing quite like complementing your slow-cooked masterpiece with sides that elevate the whole dining experience.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic choice that pairs beautifully with the rich sauce, soaking up all the flavors.
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Garlic Butter Pasta: With its subtle garlic notes, it balances the creaminess, making every bite a delight.
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Sautéed Green Beans: The tender-crisp texture and fresh taste of green beans add a lovely contrast to the rich chicken.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies brings color and sweetness, enhancing the overall dish.
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Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and cheesy croutons offer refreshing acidity, cutting through the creaminess of the sauce.
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Crusty French Bread: Perfect for sopping up every drop of that luscious Marsala sauce; it’s a must-have!
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay complements the dish's flavors, enhancing the rich and earthy notes of the Marsala wine.
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Chocolate Mousse: A light, decadent dessert like chocolate mousse will satisfy that sweet craving and leave a memorable finish.
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala
Fridge: Store any leftover Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its creamy deliciousness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of water or cream to restore its silky texture.
Airtight Storage: Make sure to allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it in an airtight container to prevent condensation, which can change the sauce's consistency.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala is perfectly seasoned, make sure to apply the spice blend generously on the chicken breasts before searing them.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken by using a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165˚F, as this will help maintain its tenderness.
- When thickening the sauce, whisk the cornstarch with water until smooth to prevent lumps from forming, and stir it into the sauce gently.
- For a rich flavor, let the dish simmer on HIGH for an extra 20 minutes after adding the cream to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala Recipe FAQs
How should I select the chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are firm to the touch and have a pinkish color with no dark spots. This indicates freshness, and I often find that organic chicken has the best flavor!
How do I store leftover Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala?
For the best taste, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up to prevent any condensation, which can alter the sauce's texture.
Can I freeze Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala?
Yes, you can! Freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently, and if the sauce has thickened, stir in a splash of water or cream for that creamy consistency we love!
What if my sauce is too thin or thick?
If your sauce turns out too thin, whisk a bit more cornstarch with water until smooth and stir it into the sauce, cooking it on HIGH for a few minutes until thickened. On the other hand, if it’s too thick, simply add a touch of water or cream to reach your desired consistency. It's a forgiving recipe, so don't worry!
Are there any dietary considerations for this dish?
Yes, while this Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala is a crowd-pleaser, keep in mind that it contains allergens like dairy and wine. If you have any dietary restrictions, consider substituting the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and you can replace Marsala wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Very! Feel free to toss in some vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure they are cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Enjoy mixing it up!
Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray.
- Generously sprinkle garlic powder, basil, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken breasts.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until light golden brown.
- Place the seared chicken in the slow cooker and top it with the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic.
- Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping up the browned bits from the skillet.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken and set aside. Whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth, then stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Mix in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for an additional 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finishing touch. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with your favorite side!
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