Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Masala

There are some meals that just feel like a deep breath at the end of the day. You know the kind. Shoes kicked off by the door, homework finally done, the house settling into that quieter evening hum. This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala is one of those meals in our house.

I first started making this on a season of life when afternoons felt like a sprint and evenings felt like survival mode. Practices, meetings, errands, and that familiar question floating around the kitchen. What is for dinner and how fast can it be ready. I wanted something that felt a little special without requiring me to stand over the stove all night.

This recipe became the answer. It smells incredible while it cooks, tastes like something you would order at a restaurant, and still lets you be present with your people instead of babysitting a pan. It is the kind of dinner that works just as well on a busy Tuesday as it does for a quiet Sunday night when you want comfort without effort.

If you have ever ordered Chicken Marsala at Olive Garden and thought I wish I could make that at home without all the work, this one is for you. Cozy, rich, and deeply satisfying, this dish has earned a permanent spot in our family rotation.

What Is Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala?

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala is a tender chicken dinner inspired by the classic restaurant favorite. Boneless chicken breasts are lightly seasoned, quickly seared for flavor, then slow cooked in a savory Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms and garlic. The sauce is finished with heavy cream to give it that signature richness that makes every bite comforting and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set it and forget it ease: Once the chicken is in the slow cooker, dinner takes care of itself while you handle the rest of life.
• Restaurant style flavor at home: This captures that Olive Garden style richness without needing advanced cooking skills.
• Family friendly comfort food: Creamy, savory flavors that adults love and kids happily clean their plates for.
• Great for meal prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.
• Versatile serving options: Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or low carb alternatives with equal success.

When to Serve This Recipe

• Busy weeknights: Perfect for days when time is tight but you still want a homemade meal.
• Casual family dinners: Cozy and comforting without feeling boring or repetitive.
• Weekend comfort meals: Feels special enough for a slow Sunday dinner.
• Meal prep days: Holds up well for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Entertaining without stress: Elegant enough to serve guests with very little effort.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts – Lean and tender, these cook up beautifully in the slow cooker without falling apart.
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt – Adds seasoning and savory depth right from the start.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Brings in that classic herb blend that makes this dish taste restaurant inspired.
• ½ teaspoon paprika – Adds warmth and subtle color without overpowering the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Balances the richness with a gentle bite.
• 1 tablespoon butter – Used for searing and building flavor before slow cooking.
• 8 ounces sliced baby bella mushrooms – Earthy and meaty, these soak up the sauce beautifully.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic makes a noticeable difference in flavor here.
• 1 cup Marsala wine – The heart of the sauce, providing that signature sweet and savory depth.
• ¼ cup water – Helps create the slurry for thickening the sauce.
• ¼ cup cornstarch – Thickens the sauce to a silky, restaurant style consistency.
• ¼ cup heavy cream – Finishes the dish with richness and smooth texture.

How to Make Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala

Step 1: Season the chicken

Lay the chicken breasts out on a clean surface and season both sides evenly with garlic salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. This step builds flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Sear for flavor

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and melt the butter. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear briefly on each side until lightly golden. You are not cooking them through, just developing color and flavor.

Step 3: Transfer to the slow cooker

Place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker in a single layer as much as possible.

Step 4: Add the flavor builders

Scatter the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic over the chicken. Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits, then pour everything into the slow cooker.

Step 5: Slow cook

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for about 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 6: Remove the chicken

Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and set them aside on a plate.

Step 7: Thicken the sauce

Whisk together the water and cornstarch until smooth. Whisk this slurry into the slow cooker liquid until combined.

Step 8: Add the cream

Whisk in the heavy cream and let the sauce thicken for a few minutes.

Step 9: Finish and serve

Return the chicken to the slow cooker, spoon the sauce over the top, and let everything warm together for a few minutes before serving.

Substitutions

• Chicken thighs: Boneless skinless thighs stay extra juicy and are very forgiving in the slow cooker.
• White mushrooms: A great swap if baby bellas are not available.
• Half and half: A lighter option that still gives creaminess.
• Arrowroot powder: Works well as a cornstarch alternative for thickening.

Variations

• Extra mushrooms: Double the mushrooms for a heartier, veggie forward version.
• Cheesy finish: Stir in grated parmesan or romano cheese for added richness.
• Pasta bake twist: Chop the chicken, toss with pasta and sauce, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.
• Low carb option: Serve over mashed cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
• Herb enhanced: Add fresh thyme or rosemary while cooking for deeper flavor.

Tips and Tricks

• Sear first: That quick skillet step adds depth you cannot get from slow cooking alone.
• Fresh garlic matters: It brings brighter, more authentic flavor than jarred garlic.
• Watch the cook time: Chicken breasts cook faster than thighs, so check early if your slow cooker runs hot.
• Thicken before cream: Always add the slurry before the cream for the smoothest sauce.
• Deglaze the skillet: Those browned bits are flavor gold, do not leave them behind.

FAQs

Can I skip the searing step?

Yes, but the flavor will be lighter. Searing adds richness that really makes the dish shine.

Is Marsala wine necessary?

For authentic flavor, yes. You can substitute chicken broth with a splash of balsamic, but it will taste different.

Can this be made dairy free?

You can omit the cream, though the sauce will be less rich and more broth like.

Does this freeze well?

Yes, though the cream sauce may slightly change texture. Stir well when reheating.

Serving Ideas

• Over mashed potatoes: A classic comfort pairing that soaks up the sauce.
• With pasta: Fettuccine or penne work beautifully.
• Alongside rice: Simple and satisfying.
• With crusty bread: Perfect for scooping up every bit of sauce.
• With roasted vegetables: A balanced plate with extra color and texture.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to four days.
• Reheat gently: Warm on the stove or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken.
• Make ahead friendly: Cook fully, cool, and reheat when ready to serve.
• Freeze portions: Freeze in individual servings for easy future meals.
• Stir before serving: The sauce thickens as it sits and benefits from a good stir.