Chicken Thighs Marengo

Chicken Thighs Marengo Recipe from France with Mushrooms and White Wine

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken Thighs Marengo is a classic French dish that is both delicious and easy to make. This recipe features tender chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful sauce with mushrooms, tomatoes, and a touch of white wine. It's a perfect dish for a special dinner or a cozy night in.

History

Chicken Marengo is said to have been created by Napoleon's chef after the Battle of Marengo in 1800. The original dish included chicken, tomatoes, garlic, and crayfish. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of ingredients, but the essence of the dish remains the same.

Ingredients

6 chicken thighs (2 lb (907 g)), skinned
0.25 tsp pepper
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 clove garlic, minced
0.25 tsp dried whole thyme
1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
0.5 tsp salt
2 tsp olive oil
4 green onions, sliced
0.5 cup dry white wine (or chablis)
2 medium tomatoes, cut in wedges

How to prepare

Trim excess fat from the chicken.
Rinse the chicken with cold water and pat it dry.
Place the chicken in a shallow container.
Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper.
Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and add olive oil.
Place the skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until it is lightly browned.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain it on paper towels.
Wipe the skillet dry with a paper towel.
Recoat the skillet with cooking spray and place it over medium-high heat until it is hot.
Add the mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set them aside.
Recoat the skillet with cooking spray and place it over medium-high heat until it is hot.
Add the green onions and garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Stir in the wine and thyme.
Add the reserved chicken.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 25 minutes.
Add the reserved mushrooms and tomato wedges and simmer for 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.

Variations

Substitute chicken breasts for the chicken thighs for a leaner option.
Add olives or capers to the sauce for a briny twist.
Use red wine instead of white wine for a richer flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance the flavor.

- Browning the chicken thighs before simmering them in the sauce helps to seal in the juices and create a delicious crust.

- Use fresh herbs like thyme and parsley for the best flavor, but dried herbs can also be used in a pinch.

- Be sure to simmer the chicken thighs in the sauce for the full 25 minutes to ensure they are cooked through and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chicken Thighs Marengo over cooked pasta or rice for a complete meal.

- Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

- Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken thighs before simmering them in the sauce helps to develop flavor and create a delicious crust.

- Simmering the chicken in the sauce for the full 25 minutes ensures that it is cooked through and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken drumsticks or bone-in chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs.

- Substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs if needed.

- Use vegetable broth or water in place of white wine if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

- Store the cooked Chicken Thighs Marengo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chicken Thighs Marengo in a shallow bowl with the sauce spooned over the top. - Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

- Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the Chicken Thighs Marengo in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

260 per serving

Carbohydrates

7g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 14g

- Saturated Fat: 4g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 26g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Vitamin C: 15% DV

- Iron: 8% DV

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and vitamins, while being relatively low in carbohydrates and calories. It's a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Chicken Thighs Marengo is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in. With tender chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful sauce with mushrooms, tomatoes, and white wine, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Chicken Thighs Marengo. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her quaint little village in the countryside. Maria was known for her delicious cooking, and I always looked forward to trying her newest creations.

On this particular day, Maria invited me into her cozy kitchen to watch as she prepared a special dish for dinner. As she gathered the ingredients and began to cook, the tantalizing aromas filled the air, making my mouth water with anticipation. I watched in awe as she effortlessly chopped vegetables, browned the chicken thighs, and simmered the sauce to perfection.

As we sat down to eat, Maria shared the story behind the recipe for Chicken Thighs Marengo. She explained that the dish was named after the Battle of Marengo, a famous battle in the Napoleonic Wars. Legend has it that Napoleon Bonaparte himself requested a quick and hearty meal after the battle, and his chef created this dish using whatever ingredients he had on hand.

Maria had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She told me that each family had their own variation of the dish, but the key ingredients remained the same: chicken thighs, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, and a splash of white wine.

After that day, I couldn't stop thinking about the delicious flavors of Chicken Thighs Marengo. I knew I had to learn how to make it myself, so I asked Maria to teach me the recipe. She graciously agreed and invited me back to her kitchen the following week for a cooking lesson.

As we worked together to recreate the dish, Maria shared her tips and tricks for getting the flavors just right. She showed me how to properly sear the chicken thighs to lock in the juices, how to sauté the vegetables until they were tender and fragrant, and how to deglaze the pan with white wine to create a rich and savory sauce.

After hours of cooking and simmering, the Chicken Thighs Marengo was finally ready to serve. I took a bite and closed my eyes in blissful satisfaction as the flavors danced on my tongue. It was even better than I remembered, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Chicken Thighs Marengo countless times for family and friends, always receiving rave reviews. Each time I cook it, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, where I first discovered the joy of this delicious dish.

I am grateful to have learned this recipe from Maria, and I will always cherish the memories of our time spent cooking together. As I pass the recipe down to future generations, I hope that they will feel the same joy and satisfaction that I do every time I make Chicken Thighs Marengo. Cooking truly is a gift that brings people together, and I am thankful for the recipes and traditions that have been passed down to me over the years.