Delicious Chicken Marengo Recipe by Mary Berry

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey with the beloved Mary Berry Chicken Marengo recipe! This classic British comfort dish is a true showstopper, featuring succulent boneless chicken thighs lovingly simmered in a luxurious tomato-based sauce. Mary Berry’s rendition of this timeless favorite captures the essence of savory richness and aromatic flavors that will delight your taste buds with every bite.

Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo is a delightful harmony of tender chicken, fragrant onions, garlic, and a splash of white wine, all mingling together to create a symphony of flavors. This one-pan wonder is not only a breeze to make but also packs a punch in the taste department, making it a perfect choice for both everyday dinners and special gatherings. As the chicken slowly cooks to perfection, it absorbs the essence of the sauce, resulting in a dish that is as comforting as it is delicious.

With its simple yet elegant preparation, Mary Berry Chicken Marengo promises a culinary experience that is both heartwarming and satisfying. Whether you’re looking to elevate a weeknight meal or impress your dinner guests, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the magic of Mary Berry Chicken Marengo—it’s a dish that truly embodies the art of cooking with love and flavor!

Quick Benefits

• Complex Flavors: The dish offers a rich and vibrant tomato sauce infused with white wine, garlic, and aromatic herbs, creating a savory and tangy balance.
• Convenience and Maximum Flavor: One-pot cooking means less cleanup while allowing the flavors to develop and intensify for an incredibly delicious outcome.
• Improved Leftovers: The dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld and deepen, making it a perfect make-ahead option.
• Versatile Pairing: It can be paired with various sides such as rice, pasta, crusty bread, or mashed potatoes, making it adaptable to different preferences and occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Chicken Marengo Recipe by Mary Berry Recipe

• The rich, tomato-based sauce infused with white wine, garlic, and aromatic herbs creates a vibrant and complex flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated.
• The slow cooking process results in incredibly tender and juicy chicken thighs that have absorbed all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
• The one-pot approach not only makes the cooking process convenient but also enhances the depth of flavor by allowing all the ingredients to meld together perfectly.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and intensify, making it a great make-ahead dish.
• The versatility of this dish allows you to pair it with a variety of sides like rice, pasta, crusty bread, or mashed potatoes, making it suitable for any occasion.
• Even picky eaters, like the blogger’s nephew who typically avoids visible herbs, enjoy this dish because of the well-balanced and harmonious blend of flavors.
• The recipe tips provided, such as choosing quality ingredients like plump chicken thighs, whole canned tomatoes, and a good dry white wine, ensure a delicious and restaurant-quality outcome.
• The personal stories shared by the blogger evoke a sense of nostalgia and familiarity, making this recipe not just a dish but a tradition that brings warmth and joy to the table.
• The additional cooking tips, such as browning the chicken in batches, adding tomato paste for depth of flavor, and finishing with butter for a glossy sauce, elevate the dish to a professional level without much effort.
• Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo is more than just a recipe; it’s a reliable go-to dish that can turn any meal into a special occasion, delivering rich aromas and comforting flavors that bring people together in appreciation and joy.

Ingredients for Delicious Chicken Marengo Recipe by Mary Berry

Main Ingredients

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 200ml (7 fl oz) chicken stock
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 boneless chicken thighs
• 400g (14 oz) canned tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 150ml (5 fl oz) white wine

Pro Tips for Delicious Chicken Marengo Recipe by Mary Berry

To elevate the flavors of Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless for an even richer taste profile. The bones add extra depth and contribute to the overall flavor of the dish. Additionally, crushing whole tomatoes yourself rather than using pre-crushed ones can enhance the texture of the sauce, giving it a more rustic and authentic feel. Lastly, for a glossy and professional touch, finish the dish by adding a small pat of butter before serving, which will add a luxurious sheen to the sauce and further enrich the flavors.

When making Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo, remember that the key to a perfectly balanced sauce lies in achieving the right consistency. Aim for a sauce that coats the back of a spoon, ensuring it’s not too watery or overly thick. To enhance the depth of flavor in the dish, consider adding 2 tablespoons of tomato paste after sautéing the onions. This simple addition will bring a rich umami undertone to the sauce. Finally, allowing the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking will allow the flavors to settle and meld further, maximizing the delicious taste experience.

How to Make Delicious Chicken Marengo Recipe by Mary Berry

Step 1: Step 01

Sprinkle both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper for seasoning.

Step 2: Step 02

In a large frying pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Brown chicken thighs for about 5 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Step 03

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

Step 4: Step 04

Add the canned tomatoes and white wine to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.

Step 5: Step 05

Combine chicken stock, bay leaf, and dried thyme in the pan, stirring to mix the flavors.

Step 6: Step 06

Add the browned chicken thighs back to the pan, ensuring they are covered with the sauce. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 7: Step 07

Discard the bay leaf from the sauce, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm alongside preferred side dishes.

Storage Tips

To store Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo, ensure that any leftovers are cooled to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. As the flavors continue to meld and develop, the dish actually improves in taste after a day, making it a great option for make-ahead meals or meal prep.

When reheating the Chicken Marengo, gently warm it on the stovetop over low to medium heat to prevent drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of chicken stock or water can help revive the sauce’s consistency. Remember to stir occasionally to ensure even heating and taste for seasoning adjustments before serving. This dish’s versatility allows you to enjoy it on its own, paired with a variety of sides like rice, pasta, bread, or even mashed potatoes, making it ideal for different meal settings and preferences.

Ingredient Substitutions

For ingredient substitutions in Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo, you can try using chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer white meat. However, be mindful that chicken breasts cook faster and may not be as juicy as thighs, so adjust cooking time accordingly to prevent them from drying out. Additionally, if you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute it with chicken broth or even apple cider for a different flavor profile. The wine adds depth to the sauce, but the dish will still be delicious with a non-alcoholic alternative.

If you want to enhance the herb flavors in the dish, consider using fresh herbs like thyme instead of dried. Fresh herbs can provide a brighter and more vibrant flavor to the sauce, especially when added towards the end of cooking. You can also experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano to tailor the dish to your taste preferences. Moreover, if you don’t have fresh parsley for garnish, you can substitute it with other fresh herbs like cilantro or chives for a different visual appeal and flavor profile. Garnishing with fresh herbs adds a pop of color and freshness to the final dish, enhancing its overall presentation and taste.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo, try serving it over creamy polenta instead of the traditional rice or pasta. The rich and savory tomato sauce will beautifully complement the smooth texture of the polenta, creating a comforting and hearty meal that is sure to impress your guests.

To elevate the presentation of Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo, consider serving it in individual baked puff pastry shells. Simply spoon the chicken and sauce mixture into the shells before baking until the pastry is golden brown and crispy. This elegant twist adds a touch of sophistication to the dish while providing a delightful contrast in textures between the tender chicken and flaky pastry. Serve with a side salad for a complete and visually stunning meal that will leave your guests impressed.

FAQs for Delicious Chicken Marengo Recipe by Mary Berry

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken thighs can be used for this recipe to add even deeper flavor. Ensure they are plump, evenly colored, and avoid any with dry or discolored patches.

What type of white wine is recommended for Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo?

Select a dry white wine that you enjoy drinking, as the flavor concentrates during cooking and significantly impacts the dish’s taste. Choose a quality white wine for the best results.

How should I adjust the cooking time if I use bone-in chicken thighs?

If using bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless, you may need to extend the cooking time slightly to ensure the meat is cooked through. Keep an eye on the chicken’s internal temperature and adjust as needed.

Can I make Mary Berry’s Chicken Marengo ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors of this dish tend to develop and improve over time, so it’s a great make-ahead option. Simply reheat gently on the stove before serving and enjoy the rich, complex flavors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mary Berry Chicken Marengo is a dish that embodies the essence of comforting home-cooked meals with its rich flavors and straightforward preparation. It’s a recipe that has the power to evoke cherished memories and create new ones around the dining table. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity yet impressive taste, making it a go-to option for various occasions. So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, give this recipe a try and savor the delightful flavors of Mary Berry Chicken Marengo. Let it become a treasured recipe in your kitchen, just as it has in mine. Happy cooking!

Remember, the heart of Mary Berry Chicken Marengo lies in the slow simmering of tender chicken thighs in a luscious tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs and wine. Embrace the process, enjoy the aromas wafting through your kitchen, and relish the rewarding moment when you sit down to indulge in this delightful meal. Share it with your loved ones and create lasting memories around the dinner table. Mary Berry Chicken Marengo is more than just a dish—it’s a culinary experience that brings warmth and satisfaction to those who gather to enjoy it. Cheers to good food, good company, and the joy of cooking!