Crockpot Chicken Marsala

I made this for the first time during a really busy week when everything felt nonstop. The slow cooker saved dinner, and this Crockpot Chicken Marsala quickly became one of my favorite comfort meals. Since then, it’s been my go-to whenever I want deep, rich flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

Crockpot Chicken Marsala with chicken and mushroom sauce

The creamy mushroom sauce feels like something you’d order at a restaurant, but it’s easy enough to make at home. If you love chicken recipes, try our Fig and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken for another cozy dinner idea. This slow cooker chicken Marsala recipe gives you tender chicken with a smooth, glossy sauce.

It’s perfect for family dinners, hosting friends, or enjoying a relaxed weekend meal.

Ingredients

Crockpot Chicken Marsala ingredients ready for cooking

Here’s what I use for this recipe and you can always make substitutions if you prefer.

  • boneless chicken breast: Cut into pieces and seasoned before cooking.
  • cremini mushroom: Sliced for earthy mushroom flavor.
  • Marsala wine: Adds sweet savory depth.
  • chicken broth: Creates the sauce base.
  • heavy cream: Makes the sauce creamy.
  • cornstarch: Thickens the sauce.
  • fresh parsley: Adds fresh garnish.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Slow cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker maintains even heat and prevents uneven cooking.
  • Skillet: A heavy 10-inch skillet improves browning and avoids hot spots.

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the chicken pieces

Crockpot Chicken Marsala chicken browning

Season 2 pounds boneless chicken breast and brown at 400°F for 2 minutes per side. Flip pieces with tongs until golden edges appear.

The chicken smells savory and the surface turns lightly crusted. Miss this timing and the flavor will be weaker.

Browning builds the sauce base.

Tip: Cut chicken into even pieces for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Slow cook chicken and mushrooms

Crockpot Chicken Marsala slow cooker stage

Move chicken and 16 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms into a slow cooker with Marsala wine and broth. Cook at 200°F for 4 to 5 hours on low heat.

The mushrooms soften and the sauce becomes darker. Stir gently once halfway through.

Slow cooking keeps the chicken tender.

Tip: Keep the slow cooker covered to maintain steady heat.

Step 3: Thicken the creamy sauce

Crockpot Chicken Marsala creamy sauce

Add 1 cup heavy cream and cornstarch slurry after chicken reaches 165°F. Stir at 250°F for 5 minutes until sauce coats the spoon.

The sauce becomes silky and glossy. (I tested adding cream earlier and the texture became thinner.

) Gentle heat keeps the sauce smooth.

Tip: Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding.

Step 4: Plate and garnish chicken

Crockpot Chicken Marsala plated dinner

Transfer the chicken and sauce to a white plate. Add fresh parsley and rest for 2 minutes before serving.

The dish shows uneven sauce coverage and golden chicken surfaces. Serve warm because the texture is best fresh.

Tip: Add parsley just before serving for fresh color.

Pro Tips

  • Brown chicken at 400°F for 2 minutes per side.
  • Use fresh mushrooms for better texture.
  • Cook in a 6-quart slow cooker for even heat.
  • Add herbs within 5 minutes of serving.
  • Do not overcook after adding cream.
  • Store portions within 30 minutes after cooling.
  • Add spinach in the final 10 minutes.
  • Use chicken thighs for richer flavor.
  • Add garlic for extra savory notes.

Storage Instructions

Store Crockpot Chicken Marsala in airtight containers for 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat at 300°F for 15 minutes. Add broth if sauce becomes thick.

Print
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Crockpot Chicken Marsala with chicken and mushroom sauce

Crockpot Chicken Marsala


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  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This easy Crockpot Chicken Marsala is a quick and simple healthy dinner idea for weeknight dinner, meal prep, holiday or party meals. The best homemade version uses tender chicken, mushrooms and a creamy sauce. The secret is slow cooking until the sauce turns glossy and rich. The smell is savory and the texture stays soft.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless chicken breast
  • 16 ounces cremini mushroom
  • 1 cup Marsala wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Season 2 pounds boneless chicken breast and brown at 400°F for 2 minutes per side. Flip pieces with tongs until golden edges appear. The chicken smells savory and the surface turns lightly crusted. Miss this timing and the flavor will be weaker. Browning builds the sauce base.
  2. Move chicken and 16 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms into a slow cooker with Marsala wine and broth. Cook at 200°F for 4 to 5 hours on low heat. The mushrooms soften and the sauce becomes darker. Stir gently once halfway through. Slow cooking keeps the chicken tender.
  3. Add 1 cup heavy cream and cornstarch slurry after chicken reaches 165°F. Stir at 250°F for 5 minutes until sauce coats the spoon. The sauce becomes silky and glossy. (I tested adding cream earlier and the texture became thinner.) Gentle heat keeps the sauce smooth.
  4. Transfer the chicken and sauce to a white plate. Add fresh parsley and rest for 2 minutes before serving. The dish shows uneven sauce coverage and golden chicken surfaces. Serve warm because the texture is best fresh.

Notes

Pro Tips:

  • Brown chicken at 400°F for 2 minutes per side.
  • Use fresh mushrooms for better texture.
  • Cook in a 6-quart slow cooker for even heat.
  • Add herbs within 5 minutes of serving.
  • Do not overcook after adding cream.
  • Store portions within 30 minutes after cooling.

Storage: Store Crockpot Chicken Marsala in airtight containers for 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat at 300°F for 15 minutes. Add broth if sauce becomes thick.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: Italian American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 542g
  • Calories: 353
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 814mg
  • Fat: 31g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 261mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this ahead?

Prepare ingredients 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Cook until chicken reaches 165°F.

How long does it keep?

Store 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently with broth if needed.

Can I freeze it?

Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating slowly.

Why is my sauce thin?

Mushrooms release water. Add slurry and simmer 5 minutes.

Can I double the recipe?

Use a larger cooker and add 30 minutes if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you make this on a weekend afternoon with music playing, you’ll understand why this Crockpot Chicken Marsala stays in my rotation. The final sauce step makes the biggest difference.

Tag me when you try it. My family always asks for extra sauce.

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