Chicken Marengo

Chicken Marengo is a classic French dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato, garlic, mushroom, and white wine sauce. It’s a comforting, elegant meal that’s perfect served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

• 2 lb (900 g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless thighs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes
• ½ cup (120 ml) dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Optional Garnishes

• Fried eggs (traditional)
• Cooked shrimp (traditional variation)
• Fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with the salt and black pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Brown the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, cook the onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
5. Add the garlic and mushrooms and cook for another 4–5 minutes, until the mushrooms are lightly browned.
6. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
7. Add the diced tomatoes, white wine, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well.
8. Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce.
9. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
10. Remove the bay leaf, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve. Add a fried egg and cooked shrimp on top if you want a traditional Chicken Marengo presentation.

Tips

• Bone-in chicken develops deeper flavor, but boneless thighs cook a little faster.
• Deglaze the pan with the wine to capture all the browned bits for a richer sauce.
• Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamier variation.
• Fresh thyme can be used in place of dried thyme for a brighter herbal flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Buttered egg noodles
• Mashed potatoes
• Steamed rice
• Crusty French bread
• Roasted green beans
• Simple green salad

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 430 calories per serving