Substitute veal stew meat for the chicken breasts, and increase the cooking time to 6 to 8 hours on Low or 3 to 4 hours on High.Both chicken and veal are frequently paired with fortified Marsala wine, and this dish includes lots of mushrooms too. Serve it with Toasted Barley with Mushrooms or steamed potatoes.
Makes 4 to 6 servings | Prep time: 20 minutes | Minimum cook time: 2 hours in a medium slow cooker
1/3 cup olive oil, divided
1/2 small onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound cremini mushrooms, wiped with a damp paper towel, trimmed, and sliced
4 to 6 (4 to 6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
All-purpose flour for dredging
3/4 cup dry Marsala
1 cup Chicken Stock or purchased stock
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried
1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and mushrooms, and cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until mushrooms begin to soften. Scrape mixture into the slow cooker.
2. Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Trim chicken of all visible fat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, and dredge in flour, shaking off excess over the sink or a garbage can.
3. Heat remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken breasts on both sides, turning them gently with tongs. Transfer chicken to the slow cooker.
4. Add Marsala and stock to the skillet, and bring to a boil, scraping up the brown bits clinging to the bottom of the pan. Pour liquid into the slow cooker, and stir in parsley and thyme.
5. Cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours or on High for 2 to 3 hours, or until chicken is cooked through, tender, and no longer pink. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve hot.
Note: The dish can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated, tightly covered. Reheat it, covered, in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until hot.
Variation:
Substitute veal stew meat for the chicken breasts, and increase the cooking time to 6 to 8 hours on Low or 3 to 4 hours on High.