Ah, Chicken Marengo! The dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. I stumbled upon this gem one rainy Sunday afternoon while rummaging through my great-aunt’s old recipe book. You know the kind—pages smudged with love, little notes scribbled in the margins, each one a cherished memory. As I flipped through the pages, the aroma of garlic and savory herbs danced through my kitchen, whispering promises of deliciousness to come. The moment I took my first bite, I was transported to a sun-soaked Italian countryside, where flavors mingle effortlessly. Juicy chicken bathed in a rich tomato sauce, with just a hint of oregano—it’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Table of Contents
I love making Chicken Marengo for my family and friends because it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. The colors, the scents, the sounds of sizzling garlic! You’re inviting everyone to gather around your table, and trust me, they won’t be able to resist. Once you try it, I know you’ll fall in love too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just one skillet, cooking and cleaning up will be a breeze—it’s a win-win!
- Quick Cook Time: A hearty, delicious meal can be on the table in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a healthy choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of herbs, tomatoes, and tender chicken creates a dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean goodness.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs: The star of the show! They’re juicy and full of flavor—plus, they stay tender when cooked.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A drizzle of this liquid gold not only helps to brown the chicken but adds a heartwarming fruity flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: Sweet sautéed onions bring depth to the sauce. Make sure to chop it nice and fine for meltingly good texture!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: The aroma of garlic is possibly one of life’s greatest joys—don’t skip this!
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Adds sweetness and color! Feel free to use any color you love—red, yellow, or green—each brings its own charm.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: The foundation of your sauce; choose a good quality brand for a richer taste.
- 1 cup chicken broth: This adds moisture and richness. Homemade is best, but store-bought works just fine!
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Bring on the Mediterranean vibes! This herb pairs wonderfully with chicken and tomatoes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key! Don’t be shy; let the flavors sing.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: This little green touch is the finishing flourish that brightens up the dish.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. The moment the oil starts to shimmer, you know you’re in for a treat!
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and brown them for about 5 minutes on each side. The sizzling sound is music to the ears, and trust me, that golden crust is where the magic begins.
Step 3: Set Asides the Chicken
Once the chicken is beautifully browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Let those delightful juices hang out on the side for now!
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, toss in the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until they’re soft, around 5-7 minutes. Just take a moment to inhale that heavenly scent—there’s nothing quite like it!
Step 5: Stir in the Sauce
Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper into the veggies. Stir until everything is combined and let those flavors mingle for a couple of minutes.
Step 6: Return the Chicken
Place the chicken back in the skillet, nestling it into that bubbling tomato bath. The chicken will soak up those vibrant flavors while it cooks!
Step 7: Simmer Away
Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes. The anticipation will build as your kitchen fills with aromas that practically beg to be tasted.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s showtime! Garnish with fresh parsley and serve it up. Watch as your loved ones dive in, enchanted by every mouthful.
Pro Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for an hour beforehand.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet while browning the chicken—work in batches if needed.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking—taste and tweak to create a dish you truly love!
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
Flavor Variations
- Herbs: Swap oregano for thyme or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Veggies: Toss in mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies in the sauce!
- Spicy Kick: Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Marengo pairs beautifully with cooked pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad. For plating, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside roasted vegetables, letting that vibrant sauce swirl around the plate. As for drinks, a glass of Chianti or a crisp white wine complements the flavors perfectly!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prep the chicken and chop vegetables a day ahead, making weeknight cooking a breeze. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll last about 3-4 days.
Leftovers
Don’t let the deliciousness go to waste! Shred leftover chicken and toss it into a salad, use it as a topping for pizza, or make a scrumptious sandwich!
Freezing
Yes, Chicken Marengo can be frozen! Just allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium-low heat, allowing the flavors to meld back together. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but you might miss out on that delicious browning!
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken will cook slightly faster, so keep an eye on it.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You can! Just swap out the chicken for hearty vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead.
What can I use if I don’t have dried oregano?
Feel free to use Italian seasoning, or even fresh herbs if you have them on hand!
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Definitely! You can add more crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or top it off with some sliced jalapeños when serving.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, my cherished Chicken Marengo! This dish is all about creating cozy moments in the kitchen and sharing them with those you hold dear. I hope each mouthful warms your soul as much as it has warmed mine. Grab a plate, gather your loved ones, and savor every moment. Happy cooking, friends! 🥰
Chicken Marengo
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and brown them for about 5 minutes on each side.
- Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, toss in the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until they’re soft, around 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper into the veggies. Stir until everything is combined.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
- Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.