Name: Chicken Marengo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken pieces (thighs or breasts); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; ½ cup white wine; ½ cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Fresh parsley for garnish

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If you have a soft spot for classic French flavors and hearty, comforting meals, you are going to adore this Chicken Marengo Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken simmered in a flavorful tomato, garlic, and white wine sauce, enriched with mushrooms and herbs. This dish brings the warmth of a traditional kitchen straight to your table, offering a perfect balance of savory aromas, tender textures, and bright, fresh notes that make each bite memorable. If you’re looking for a recipe that effortlessly impresses yet feels like home, this Chicken Marengo Recipe is absolutely for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl on a white marbled surface holds sliced raw chicken pieces that are pale pink. To its left, another white bowl is filled with sliced mushrooms that are brown on the outside with white insides. Below the chicken bowl, a smaller white bowl contains sliced red bell peppers, bright and glossy. Next to it on the right, a similar bowl holds sliced white onion rings that look fresh and slightly translucent. Above these, a light green cup is filled with thick, chunky red tomato sauce. To the right of it, a light green cup holds a brown broth or sauce with a smooth surface. Small white bowls contain ingredients including peeled garlic slices, smooth yellow butter, bright yellow olive oil, coarse white flour, and shiny red tomato paste. Two tiny white dishes hold a green bay leaf and fresh green parsley, while a small brown dish contains coarse salt, and another has cracked black pepper. A fresh half lemon with bright pale yellow flesh sits near the top right corner of the scene. A whole garlic bulb with white papery skin sits near fresh parsley on the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Chicken Marengo Recipe lies in the simplicity and freshness of its ingredients. Each one plays an important role in building layers of flavor, from the earthiness of mushrooms to the acidity of tomatoes and richness from the chicken broth and white wine. Together, they create a vibrant, well-rounded dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious.

2 pounds chicken pieces (thighs or breasts): Choose bone-in thighs for juiciness or breasts for a leaner option.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity base for sautéing and enhances flavor.
1 onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and depth when softened in the pan.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers aromatic pungency that infuses the entire dish.
1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Adds a lovely earthy texture and umami richness.
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Provides bright acidity and vibrant color for the sauce.
½ cup white wine: Lends a subtle fruitiness and complexity; use a dry wine you enjoy drinking.
½ cup chicken broth: Builds savory depth and keeps the chicken tender.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an herbal note that ties all the flavors together.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Fresh parsley for garnish: Gives a fresh burst of color and brightness at the end.

How to Make Chicken Marengo Recipe

Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken

First things first, season your chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures that the chicken’s flavor shines through. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then carefully add the chicken. Brown it on all sides until golden and slightly crisp, which locks in those juices and adds a beautiful texture to your dish. Once browned, set the chicken aside but keep all those flavorful bits in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Using the same skillet, reduce the heat a touch and add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Stir these around as they cook until the onion becomes translucent and everything softens and smells heavenly. This step builds the base flavor for your sauce, so take your time here and enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes, white wine, and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all those tasty browned bits. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and give everything a good stir to combine. The sauce comes alive here, developing a perfect balance of tangy, earthy, and slightly sweet elements that will coat your chicken beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken

Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them gently in the simmering sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and let everything cook gently for 25 to 30 minutes. This slow simmer softens the chicken until it’s tender and infused with the vibrant sauce, making every bite juicy and flavorful. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has slightly thickened.

How to Serve Chicken Marengo Recipe

A black pan filled with seven golden brown cooked chicken thighs arranged in a circular pattern on top of a rich, thick red tomato sauce with visible pieces of mushrooms and onions mixed in. The chicken thighs have a crispy skin texture and are sprinkled with fresh green parsley leaves, some whole sprigs resting on top. A single large bay leaf is placed near the center of the dish, adding detail to the savory look. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Before serving, sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley over the dish. Not only does it add a pop of bright green color that makes the meal feel fresh and inviting, but it also introduces a subtle herbal lift that complements the rich flavors perfectly. It’s that little finishing touch that makes a big difference.

Side Dishes

Chicken Marengo is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with several sides. For a classic experience, serve it alongside fluffy white rice or buttery pasta to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce. Or, keep it rustic and simple with thick slices of crusty bread for dipping. Steamed seasonal vegetables can round out the plate, bringing balance and extra texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to surprise your guests? Try serving this chicken over creamy polenta or with a side of garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. You can also plate it in shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant sauce, topped with a few sprigs of fresh parsley and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for an elegant finish. Presentation can elevate the entire dining experience, turning this humble Chicken Marengo Recipe into a special occasion delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries at all because Chicken Marengo tastes even better the next day. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, making for an easy and delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes wonderfully. Once cooled, transfer the Chicken Marengo to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its rich taste or texture. Just be sure to label it so you remember this gem in your freezer stash!

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method helps the sauce keep its luscious texture and avoids drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of broth or water can refresh the sauce if it’s thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs are juicier and more forgiving during cooking, breasts work perfectly if you prefer a leaner cut. Just be careful not to overcook the breasts to keep them tender and moist.

What kind of white wine is best for this recipe?

A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is ideal. Avoid sweet wines, as they can alter the sauce’s intended savory balance. Plus, using a wine you enjoy drinking always makes the sauce taste better.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the chicken is tender. This is a great hands-off option that still yields fantastic flavors.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, yes! All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your broth and canned tomatoes to ensure no hidden gluten-containing additives if that is a concern.

What can I do with the leftover sauce?

The sauce is so delicious that you might want to use it beyond the chicken. It’s wonderful spooned over roasted vegetables, mixed into pasta dishes, or even used as a flavorful base for shakshuka-style eggs. Don’t waste a drop!

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Marengo Recipe is truly one of those recipes you’ll want to keep coming back to time and time again. It’s simple, soulful, and bursting with the types of flavors that make you feel cozy and cared for. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or aiming to impress guests with a touch of French cooking finesse, this dish delivers every time. So grab your skillet, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a classic that never goes out of style.