Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo Recipe [GUIDE]

Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo is a beautiful and flavorful dish inspired by the classic French recipe Poulet Marengo, which is believed to have been created in 1800 to celebrate Napoleon Bonaparte’s victory at the Battle of Marengo. According to legend, the dish was first prepared by Napoleon’s personal chef using the limited ingredients available in the area-chicken, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a few herbs. Over time, the dish has evolved into a French culinary staple, with variations incorporating wine, mushrooms, and sometimes even shrimp.

Mary Berry, the British culinary queen known for her meticulous, home-friendly approach to cooking, has put her spin on this French classic. Her version of Chicken Marengo is a rich, flavorful stew made with tender chicken cooked in a fragrant tomato-based sauce, accented with white wine and a mix of savory herbs. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for a dinner party or a cozy family meal. The combination of chicken, tomatoes, garlic, and onions in a lightly tangy and aromatic sauce is a winning formula, with the simplicity of the ingredients making it an easy, yet delicious dish to recreate at home.

What makes Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo stand out is her emphasis on creating a balanced sauce that’s full of depth. The chicken is perfectly braised to achieve a moist, succulent texture, while the sauce thickens to a beautiful consistency, coating each piece of meat in flavor. Served with rice, crusty bread, or potatoes, this dish feels like comfort food but with an elegant touch, making it versatile for any occasion.

Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo calls for a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create a harmonious dish full of flavor and warmth. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken: The recipe typically calls for bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Chicken thighs are ideal for braising as they stay moist and tender during cooking, but chicken breasts can be used if preferred.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables, this oil adds a lovely richness to the dish.
• Onions: Medium-sized onions are diced finely to form the base of the sauce. They add sweetness and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Garlic: A few cloves of garlic, minced, bring a rich and aromatic depth to the dish.
• Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes (diced or chopped) are used as the base of the sauce. They give the dish its vibrant color and a lovely balance of acidity.
• White Wine: A dry white wine is added to deglaze the pan and add an extra layer of flavor. Choose a wine you enjoy drinking, as it will influence the overall taste of the sauce.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaves are key in infusing the dish with aromatic flavors. These herbs work well with the richness of the chicken and the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Chicken Stock: A good quality chicken stock helps to enhance the savory depth of the sauce. It also adds moisture during the braising process.
• Butter: A little butter is used to finish the sauce and enrich its flavor, giving it a silky smooth texture.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, to bring all the flavors together.
• Optional Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or tarragon can be added as a final touch to brighten up the dish.

Equipment Needed

While Chicken Marengo is a relatively straightforward dish, it does require a few pieces of kitchen equipment to ensure everything is prepared and cooked properly:

• Large Sauté Pan or Dutch Oven: This is where you will cook the chicken and create the sauce. A heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven helps to maintain an even heat distribution, which is essential for browning the chicken and simmering the sauce.
• Tongs: For safely turning the chicken while searing it, ensuring it gets a nice golden-brown exterior without sticking to the pan.
• Wooden Spoon: To stir the ingredients, especially the onions and garlic, preventing them from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Sharp Knife and Chopping Board: For finely chopping the onions, garlic, and herbs.
• Ladle or Measuring Cup: For adding stock and wine to the pan, ensuring you get the right amount to create the perfect sauce consistency.
• Serving Platter or Bowl: To present the dish once it’s ready. A beautiful serving dish will make the dish even more inviting when brought to the table.

Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo

Creating Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo involves browning the chicken, sautéing the vegetables, and simmering everything together in a savory sauce. The process is simple but requires attention to detail to ensure all the flavors develop properly. Here are the detailed steps to follow:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the chicken on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onions and cook them for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant. The onions should be translucent but not browned, as you want to preserve their sweetness.
3. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This is where much of the flavor is concentrated, so be sure to incorporate all of it.
4. Add the Tomatoes and Herbs: Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) to the pan, followed by the thyme, bay leaves, and chicken stock. Stir well to combine. The sauce should start to come together beautifully, creating a fragrant base.
5. Return the Chicken to the Pan: Nestle the browned chicken pieces back into the pan, ensuring they are partially submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cover the pan. Let it cook for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through. You may want to turn the chicken halfway through to ensure it cooks evenly.
6. Finish the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a warm plate. Add a knob of butter to the sauce and stir it in, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and become glossy.
7. Serve: Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over it to coat each piece. Garnish with fresh parsley or tarragon, and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Tips And Tricks

To elevate Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo even further, here are some tips and tricks:

• Chicken Choice: While bone-in, skinless thighs are perfect for this dish, you can also use chicken breasts or even a whole chicken cut into pieces. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as breasts cook faster than thighs.
• Wine: A dry white wine is best for this dish, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. The wine not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken.
• Extra Flavor: If you want to add depth, consider incorporating a splash of brandy or cognac when deglazing the pan, or a small amount of Dijon mustard for a subtle tang.
• Simmer Gently: Don’t rush the simmering process. Allow the chicken to cook slowly and absorb the flavors of the sauce for the best results.
• Make Ahead: Chicken Marengo is even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Make it ahead of time and reheat gently before serving.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers to the dish. These vegetables complement the sauce beautifully and add extra color and texture.

Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo is a stunning, comforting dish that brings together the best elements of French cuisine while being approachable enough for a home cook. With its tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs, it delivers deep, complex flavors in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a family dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

The simplicity of the ingredients-chicken, wine, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs-belies the layers of flavor that emerge from the slow braising process. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a French chef in your own kitchen, without the need for complicated techniques or rare ingredients. With a few careful steps and a little patience, Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo transforms into a dish that’s hearty, savory, and utterly satisfying. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you have a meal that’s as elegant as it is delicious.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo

Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo is a classic French dish that brings together tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and rich, flavorful sauce. However, there are several ways to give this dish your own unique spin, while still maintaining its delicious, comforting essence. Here are some easy recipe variations to consider:

1. Herb Variations

   Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo traditionally calls for a mix of thyme, garlic, and bay leaves. If you want to experiment with the flavor profile, try adding herbs like rosemary, tarragon, or sage. Rosemary’s woody, piney notes work wonderfully with chicken, while tarragon offers a subtle aniseed-like flavor that complements the richness of the sauce. Adding a pinch of dried herbs de Provence can give the dish a slightly more Mediterranean feel.

2. Vegetable Additions

   While the original recipe features onions, carrots, and mushrooms, you can easily customize the dish by adding other vegetables. Consider incorporating bell peppers for a sweet, slightly tangy contrast, or zucchini for a lighter, more refreshing element. For an extra burst of color and nutrition, toss in some peas or even a handful of spinach near the end of cooking. This will not only add flavor but also provide a variety of textures in every bite.

3. Protein Alternatives

   While chicken is the star of the show, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit different tastes. For a twist, you can substitute the chicken with turkey, duck, or even rabbit for a more authentic French experience. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for hearty chunks of firm tofu or tempeh, which will absorb the sauce beautifully, offering a plant-based alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

4. Wine Pairings And Sauces

   In many French recipes, wine plays a key role in enriching the dish. Although Mary Berry’s version uses dry white wine, you could experiment with different types of wine to alter the flavor. Try using red wine for a deeper, more robust sauce, or even a splash of sweet vermouth for an intriguing depth. If you’re looking to add a creamy element, consider finishing the sauce with a spoonful of crème fraîche or a touch of heavy cream for a velvety smooth texture that elevates the dish.

5. Spicy Kick

   If you’re someone who enjoys a bit of heat in their meals, you can easily infuse some spice into Chicken Marengo. Add a finely chopped chili pepper or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes during the cooking process. The warmth from the spice balances beautifully with the tangy acidity from the tomatoes and the richness of the wine, creating a complex flavor profile.

6. Slow Cooker Adaptation

   For a more hands-off approach, Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo can be adapted to the slow cooker. After searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables, transfer them into the slow cooker with the sauce ingredients and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. The slow cooking process enhances the flavors and ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender. The result? A fuss-free, hands-off version of this dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about Chicken Marengo is that it only gets better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld together overnight. Here’s how to properly store and enjoy your leftovers:

1. Refrigeration

   If you have any leftovers, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate the Chicken Marengo within two hours of cooking to ensure food safety. Properly stored, it should last for up to 3 days in the fridge. The chicken will remain juicy, and the sauce will continue to deepen in flavor, making it an even more irresistible meal the following day.

2. Freezing

   Chicken Marengo also freezes very well, which makes it a great dish to prepare in advance. To freeze, portion the leftover chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers, ensuring that the sauce completely covers the chicken to prevent freezer burn. It’s advisable to remove the vegetables (such as mushrooms and carrots) if you plan to freeze, as they can become a bit soggy once thawed. Frozen Chicken Marengo will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a saucepan on low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.

3. Reheating

   When reheating your leftovers, whether from the fridge or freezer, it’s important to heat the dish thoroughly to ensure food safety. For refrigerated leftovers, heat gently over medium-low heat on the stove, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce if necessary. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw the dish completely before reheating. The microwave is an option for quick reheating, but for the best texture, stovetop heating is preferred.

What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo?

When it comes to serving Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo, the right side dishes can elevate the meal to a whole new level, complementing the rich and flavorful sauce. Here are some fantastic pairing options that will balance the dish and enhance the overall experience:

1. Crusty Bread

   A rustic baguette or a slice of crusty sourdough bread is a perfect companion for Chicken Marengo. The bread is ideal for soaking up the delicious sauce, ensuring that no flavorful drop goes to waste. If you like, you can also lightly toast the bread and serve it with a bit of garlic butter for added indulgence.

2. Mashed Potatoes

   Soft, creamy mashed potatoes are an obvious choice to pair with this dish. The richness of the potatoes harmonizes beautifully with the tangy tomato sauce and the tender chicken. For extra flavor, try adding roasted garlic or a handful of grated cheese to the mashed potatoes, or serve with a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean touch.

3. Rice Or Couscous

   For a lighter, yet equally satisfying side, you can serve Chicken Marengo with fluffy white rice or couscous. Both options work wonderfully to absorb the sauce. A squeeze of lemon over the rice or couscous will provide a zesty freshness that cuts through the richness of the dish, making every bite balanced and refreshing.

4. Steamed Vegetables

   Pairing the dish with some simple steamed vegetables, such as green beans, broccoli, or asparagus, adds both texture and a burst of freshness. The slight crunch of the vegetables offers a nice contrast to the tender chicken and soft potatoes or rice.

5. Roasted Vegetables

   For something heartier, try serving Chicken Marengo with roasted root vegetables like parsnips, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness and caramelized edges pair beautifully with the savory sauce of the chicken. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary would bring an extra layer of flavor to the roasted veggies.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo is a timeless, comforting dish that can easily be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with different herbs, vegetables, or proteins, the end result is always a rich, flavorful meal that’s bound to impress. The dish also stores and reheats incredibly well, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. Whether served with crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or a medley of vegetables, Chicken Marengo is a dish that can be personalized to fit your culinary preferences, all while retaining its classic French charm. So, roll up your sleeves and give this delicious dish a go-it’s bound to become a favorite in your household for years to come!

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo?

To make Mary Berry’s chicken marengo, you will need the following ingredients: chicken thighs (or breasts), onions, garlic, tomatoes, white wine, chicken stock, olive oil, butter, flour, fresh thyme, bay leaves, and a selection of vegetables like carrots and mushrooms. Optional ingredients for garnish include parsley. This dish is a rustic, flavorful combination of tender chicken and a rich sauce.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo?

Mary Berry’s chicken marengo typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to cook. This includes the preparation time (about 15 minutes) and the cooking time (around 1 hour). The chicken is simmered in the sauce, allowing it to absorb all the delicious flavors while staying tender and juicy.

Can Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo Be Made In Advance?

Yes, Mary Berry’s chicken marengo can be made in advance. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day or two, making it a great dish for meal prepping. Simply prepare the dish as usual, allow it to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stove or in the oven until warmed through.