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Mary Berry Chicken Marengo

Featured in Easy Chicken Recipes.

Mary Berry's Chicken Marengo is a classic British comfort dish that features tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. The chicken is first browned to develop flavor, then slowly cooked with aromatic onions, garlic, white wine, and herbs. As the dish simmers, the chicken becomes incredibly tender while absorbing the complex flavors of the sauce. The white wine adds depth while the tomatoes provide a fresh, robust base. This one-pan meal is relatively simple to prepare but delivers impressive flavor, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Mon, 17 Mar 2025 06:06:40 GMT
A plate of food with chicken, carrots, and onions. Pin it
A plate of food with chicken, carrots, and onions. | lastminrecipes.com

Mary Berry's Chicken Marengo brings together the richness of tender chicken thighs simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce infused with white wine, garlic, and aromatic herbs. This classic French-inspired dish offers that perfect balance of savory depth and subtle tanginess that makes it ideal for both family dinners and casual entertaining. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all those wonderful flavors while becoming irresistibly juicy and fork-tender.

Last weekend I made this for a small dinner gathering at home. My nephew, who typically avoids any dish with visible herbs, surprised everyone by asking for seconds. The secret was in the slow simmering that allows all those flavors to meld beautifully together, creating a sauce that everyone wanted to soak up with extra bread.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Chicken Thighs: Choose boneless for convenience, but bone-in offers even deeper flavor. Look for plump thighs with an even color and avoid any with dry or discolored patches.
  • Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole tomatoes and crush them yourself for better texture, or use good-quality crushed tomatoes with no added herbs or salt.
  • White Wine: Select a dry white wine that you'd enjoy drinking. The flavor concentrates during cooking, so the quality matters significantly.
  • Fresh Herbs: While dried thyme works in the cooking process, fresh parsley added at the end provides that bright, fresh counterpoint to the rich sauce.
A plate of food with chicken and vegetables. Pin it
A plate of food with chicken and vegetables. | lastminrecipes.com

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Let rest for 15 minutes to improve browning.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Reduce heat to medium, add onions, and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in white wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until reduced by half.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Add tomatoes, chicken stock, bay leaf, and thyme. Stir and bring to a simmer.
Step 6: Simmer the Chicken
Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Partially cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and stir in fresh parsley. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

Growing up, my mother always made a similar chicken dish on cold winter evenings. I remember the kitchen windows fogging up from the steam and the incredible aroma filling our home. The tradition of making this comfort food has carried through to my own family, becoming a recipe that signals that lovely transition from fall to winter.

Mary Berry's Chicken Marengo has become more than just a recipe in my kitchen—it's a reliable friend I turn to when I want to create something special without spending hours at the stove. There's something deeply satisfying about watching a few simple ingredients transform into a dish that brings everyone to the table with anticipation. Whether I'm making it for a quiet family dinner or serving it to guests, the rich aromas and comforting flavors never fail to create that moment of joy when someone takes their first bite and closes their eyes in appreciation.

A plate of food with chicken and vegetables. Pin it
A plate of food with chicken and vegetables. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes to prevent them from becoming dry.
→ What can I use instead of white wine in Chicken Marengo?
If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with additional chicken stock and add a tablespoon of lemon juice to maintain the slight acidity.
→ What sides go well with Mary Berry's Chicken Marengo?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
→ Can I make Mary Berry's Chicken Marengo ahead of time?
Yes, this dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Store in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving.
→ Is Chicken Marengo suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Mary Berry Chicken Marengo

Mary Berry's Chicken Marengo features tender chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with wine, herbs, and garlic.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Chicken

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: British

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 4 boneless chicken thighs
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 1 onion, finely chopped
04 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 400g (14 oz) canned tomatoes
06 150ml (5 fl oz) white wine
07 200ml (7 fl oz) chicken stock
08 1 bay leaf
09 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 Salt and pepper, to taste
11 Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their flavor.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown for about 5 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 04

Pour in the canned tomatoes and white wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these add wonderful flavor to your sauce.

Step 05

Add the chicken stock, bay leaf, and dried thyme to the pan. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.

Step 06

Return the browned chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the pan and simmer gently on low heat for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender.

Step 07

Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  1. This classic Mary Berry recipe creates a hearty, rustic dish where tender chicken thighs are bathed in a rich tomato and wine sauce.
  2. The dish was inspired by Napoleon's chef who created it after the Battle of Marengo, using ingredients he could find locally.
  3. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large frying pan with lid
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 32 g