Name: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491111H6M32S
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 tbsp olive oil; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button); 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¾ cup Marsala wine; 1 cup chicken broth; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning; ½ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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If you are looking for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that’s low effort but high on taste, this Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala Recipe is an absolute gem. Imagine tender chicken simmering gently in a rich, silky Marsala wine sauce studded with earthy mushrooms and a touch of creaminess that feels indulgent yet homey. Perfectly suited for busy days or when you just want to come home to a warm, satisfying meal, this slow cooker version captures all the magic of Olive Garden’s famous dish without the fuss. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

An overhead view of many small white bowls and a glass measuring cup placed on a white marbled surface. The bowls contain sliced brown mushrooms, grated parmesan cheese, black pepper, paprika, flour, an egg, salt, melted butter, chopped green herbs, and a cup of panko breadcrumbs in a metal measuring cup. The glass measuring cups hold golden olive oil, dark soy sauce, and light brown chicken broth. On the right side, two raw chicken breasts rest on a white plate. The items are spread out evenly to show all ingredients clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward creating this delicious Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala Recipe. Each component plays its part in layering the dish’s luscious flavors, from the tender chicken and aromatic mushrooms to the Marsala wine that brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.

2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs add richness and stay juicy, but breasts work beautifully too.
1 tbsp olive oil: Used for browning the chicken, enhancing flavor and texture.
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button): These add an earthy, savory note to balance the sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives a subtle punch of aromatic warmth.
¾ cup Marsala wine: The star ingredient that defines the dish’s distinctive sweet and nutty character.
1 cup chicken broth: Provides the hearty base to build the sauce.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the key flavors without overpowering.
½ tsp black pepper: Adds just enough spice for balance.
½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning: Compliments the wine and mushrooms with herbal notes.
½ cup heavy cream: For a dreamy, rich texture in the final sauce.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Boosts the umami and adds a subtle tang.
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening): To achieve a perfect sauce consistency if desired.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds color and a fresh, bright contrast to the hearty flavors.

How to Make Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly brown the chicken breasts or thighs on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. This step is a game-changer because it seals in moisture and adds a beautiful golden color and extra flavor that your Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala Recipe will thank you for. However, if you’re pressed for time, you can skip browning and still end up with tender, delicious chicken.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned chicken into your slow cooker and evenly distribute the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic over the top. This layering lets the mushrooms and garlic infuse the chicken with their robust flavors as it cooks. Pour in the Marsala wine along with the chicken broth, then sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning for that perfectly balanced taste profile.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender, absorbing all the savory and sweet notes of the Marsala sauce. Low and slow is ideal here because it gently melds the flavors and creates that silky sauce everyone loves.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Whisk in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese directly into the sauce left behind. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook on HIGH for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This step enriches your sauce, giving it that beautiful glossy finish your Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala Recipe is known for.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the slow cooker and spoon that creamy, mushroom-studded Marsala sauce right over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely pop of color and freshness. Your Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala Recipe

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh parsley sprinkled over the dish adds a vibrant color contrast and a subtle herbaceous note that brightens the creamy, savory sauce. A little extra grated Parmesan on top also never hurts and intensifies the umami richness.

Side Dishes

This chicken marsala pairs beautifully with a variety of comforting sides. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the luscious sauce perfectly, while pasta like fettuccine or pappardelle provides a tender base to catch every bite. For a lighter option, steamed rice or roasted vegetables make excellent companions that complement the flavors without overwhelming the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests or family, serve your Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala Recipe over a bed of garlic butter noodles or alongside crispy polenta cakes. You can plate it in shallow bowls with sauce spooned generously or arrange it on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs for a rustic, shareable meal. Either way, it looks stunning and tastes divine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often improve as they meld overnight, making it an excellent choice for next-day meals.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Cool it completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s best consumed within 2 to 3 months to enjoy peak flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling of the cream. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it back up to a creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are actually my favorite for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender during the slow cooking process, adding a richer flavor. Breasts work well too if you prefer a leaner option.

What if I don’t have Marsala wine?

Marsala wine is key for that authentic flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, a dry sherry or a sweet Marsala wine substitute paired with a splash of balsamic vinegar can work in a pinch. Avoid cooking wines as they often taste harsh.

Do I have to brown the chicken first?

Browning adds extra flavor and a lovely color, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step. The slow cooker will still give tender, flavorful chicken; just expect a slightly lighter sauce color and less depth.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth. Always check your seasoning blends and broth labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be silky and coat the chicken nicely but not overly thick. If you like it thicker, the cornstarch slurry step is perfect. For a lighter sauce, you can skip the thickening and enjoy it a bit more brothy and rich.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala Recipe enough for anyone who loves rich, comforting meals with minimal effort in the kitchen. It’s a beautiful combination of flavors and textures that feels truly special but requires very little hands-on time. Next time you want to impress yourself or your loved ones with a cozy Italian-inspired dinner, give this one a try—you’ll be so glad you did!