Chicken Marengo Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Marengo is a classic French dish known for its rich flavors and comforting ingredients. This hearty chicken stew combines tender meat with mushrooms, tomatoes, and a touch of sherry, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 large onion, sliced
- ½ bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- ½ cup dry sherry
- 1 cup chicken stock (preferably low sodium)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- ½ medium lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 sprigs fresh parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp minced fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Pasta, egg noodles, or rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chicken slices and flour in a large resealable bag. Shake well to evenly coat the chicken with flour. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper (if using) and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove vegetables from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Step 3: Add the remaining olive oil to the pan. Brown the floured chicken pieces on all sides over medium heat until golden, then remove and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same pan, melt the butter and add the sliced mushrooms. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the mushrooms are browned. Add the pressed garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Pour in the dry sherry and allow it to simmer until mostly evaporated, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Step 6: Stir in the chicken stock, diced tomatoes with their juices, lemon juice, and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 7: Return the browned chicken and sautéed vegetables to the pan. Add the fresh parsley sprigs and bay leaf. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Step 8: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Step 9: Remove and discard the bay leaf and parsley sprigs. Garnish with the minced fresh parsley and serve hot over pasta, egg noodles, or rice.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, use homemade chicken stock or low-sodium broth to control the seasoning.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes after removing the chicken to reduce the liquid.
- Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Substitute white wine for sherry if preferred, though sherry gives a classic authentic flavor.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken stock if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken thighs or breasts can be used for added flavor, but cooking times may need to be extended to ensure the meat is cooked through.
Is it necessary to coat the chicken in flour?
Coating the chicken in flour helps create a light crust and thickens the sauce slightly. You can skip this step, but the texture and sauce consistency might be different.
PrintChicken Marengo Recipe
Chicken Marengo is a classic French dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful sauce of tomatoes, mushrooms, sherry, and fresh herbs. This hearty, comforting meal is traditionally served over pasta, egg noodles, or rice, offering a delightful blend of savory and tangy flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
Cooking Fats
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, sliced
- ½ bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
Liquids and Sauces
- ½ cup dry sherry
- 1 cup chicken stock (preferably low sodium)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- ½ medium lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
Herbs and Seasonings
- 3 sprigs fresh parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp minced fresh parsley (for garnish)
Serving Suggestion
- Pasta, egg noodles, or rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: Place the sliced chicken breasts and all-purpose flour in a resealable bag and shake well to coat all pieces evenly. Set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Bell Pepper: Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell pepper if using, cooking until they become translucent. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Place the coated chicken pieces into the pan and brown them on all sides. Once browned, remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: Melt the unsalted butter in the same pan. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they are nicely browned. Add the pressed garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to release its aroma.
- Add Sherry: Pour in the dry sherry and let it simmer until it is mostly evaporated, concentrating the flavors in the pan.
- Combine Liquids and Tomatoes: Stir in the chicken stock, canned diced tomatoes, lemon juice, and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the ingredients to meld together.
- Return Chicken and Vegetables: Place the browned chicken back into the pan along with the sautéed onions and bell pepper. Add the fresh parsley sprigs and bay leaf. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pan, and cook for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaf and parsley sprigs. Garnish the dish with minced fresh parsley and serve hot over cooked pasta, egg noodles, or rice.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- The bell pepper is optional but adds a nice sweetness and color to the dish.
- Dry sherry can be replaced with dry white wine if unavailable.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste, especially if using salted chicken stock.
- Serve with a side of green vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: Chicken Marengo, French chicken recipe, chicken with mushrooms and tomatoes, classic French dish, stovetop chicken recipe

