Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe: A Gourmet Delight
Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this exquisite Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala recipe. Bursting with flavor and tender juicy chicken, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can achieve that restaurant-quality taste without the hassle. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, this Chicken Marsala will surely impress. So, let’s embark on a culinary journey and discover the secrets to creating this gourmet delight!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (thighs are also suitable)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup Marsala wine
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breast halves with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Brown the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté until the mushrooms are golden brown and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
- Pour the mushroom mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Stir in the heavy cream, chopped parsley, and unsalted butter.
- Cook for an additional 15-30 minutes on low heat until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala over cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Thighs Instead of Breasts: If you prefer dark meat or have thighs on hand, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace the chicken with sliced portobello mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use cooking wine instead of Marsala wine? A: While cooking wine can be substituted in a pinch, Marsala wine adds a distinct flavor profile to this dish that is hard to replicate. If you don’t have Marsala wine on hand, you can try using a dry sherry or Madeira wine as alternatives.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free? A: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version of this dish.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of Chicken Marsala? A: Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: What sides pair well with Chicken Marsala? A: This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for dredging the chicken.
- Use a low-carb substitute for the Marsala wine, such as dry red wine or beef broth mixed with a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Instead of heavy cream, use full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk to keep the carb count low.
Low-Carb Version:
- Follow the keto substitutions mentioned above and adjust the quantities of ingredients to fit your low-carb dietary preferences.
- Serve the Chicken Marsala over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative to pasta.
Experience the ultimate in gourmet comfort food with this Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala recipe. From its tender chicken to its rich and flavorful sauce, every bite is a true delight. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. With its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s destined to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the slow cooker, and get ready to savor the exquisite flavors of Chicken Marsala!
