Chicken Marengo is a classic French dish that dates back to Napoleon’s victory at the Battle of Marengo. This hearty skillet meal features tender chicken breasts simmered with tomatoes, mushrooms, and garlic in a wine-infused sauce. While traditionally topped with eggs and seafood, this simplified version focuses on a rich, savory tomato-based sauce that makes a perfect pairing with pasta, noodles, or rice.

Full Recipe:

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 white wine or 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)

Directions

Place chicken and flour in a bag; shake to coat well. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and bell pepper (if using) in 1–2 tbsp olive oil until translucent. Remove to a plate.
Add remaining olive oil to the pan and brown the coated chicken on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Add butter to the pan. Sauté mushrooms for 3–4 minutes until browned, then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Pour in the wine and simmer until mostly evaporated.
Stir in chicken stock, tomatoes, lemon juice, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil.
Return chicken and vegetables to the pan. Add parsley sprigs and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Discard bay leaf and parsley sprigs.
Garnish with minced parsley and serve with pasta, noodles, or rice.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 452
Fat: 10g (13% DV)
Saturated Fat: 4g (20% DV)
Cholesterol: 108mg (36% DV)
Sodium: 405mg (18% DV)
Carbohydrates: 42g (15% DV)
Fiber: 5g (17% DV)
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 44g
Vitamin C: 24mg (119% DV)
Calcium: 69mg (5% DV)
Iron: 4mg (23% DV)
Potassium: 787mg (17% DV)

A Rustic Yet Refined Skillet Meal

This modern take on Chicken Marengo is a true comfort food. It brings together tender, lightly floured chicken breasts with a rich tomato base and earthy mushrooms, all simmered gently in a white wine sauce that draws out every nuance of flavor. The garlic and herbs layer in warmth and aroma, while the lemon juice adds just enough acidity to balance the richness. The result is a one-pan meal that feels hearty yet elegant, making it perfect for both casual family dinners and more formal occasions.

The Signature Tomato-Wine Sauce

What defines Chicken Marengo is its deeply flavorful sauce. Tomatoes form the heart of the dish, giving it body and color. White wine or dry sherry adds a refined sharpness that complements the acidity of the tomatoes while adding complexity. Tomato paste concentrates the richness of the base, and chicken stock rounds it all out with depth and umami. As the sauce simmers with the chicken and aromatics, it becomes a luxurious, glossy blend that clings to every bite.

Aromatic Additions That Elevate the Flavor

Onions and mushrooms are essential in this dish, contributing sweetness and umami that meld seamlessly with the tomato base. Garlic brings pungency, while bay leaf and parsley add subtle herbal notes that make the dish taste complete. A touch of lemon juice at the end is a classic French technique — it brightens the dish and cuts through the richness, preventing it from feeling too heavy. These layers of flavor come together naturally, building a profile that is simultaneously homey and complex.

A Simplified Version with Everyday Ingredients

While the original version of Chicken Marengo might have included crayfish and a fried egg on top, this streamlined recipe focuses on the most important components — chicken, tomatoes, mushrooms, and wine. By omitting seafood and eggs, it becomes more approachable for the everyday cook without sacrificing its signature flavors. All the ingredients are pantry staples or easily available, making this dish as practical as it is delicious. Despite its simplicity, the end result tastes like something much more elaborate.

Perfect Pairings to Complete the Meal

Chicken Marengo pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. It’s commonly served with pasta, egg noodles, or rice — each of which absorbs the sauce and complements the tender chicken. Creamy mashed potatoes or a warm loaf of crusty bread would also be ideal accompaniments. For a lighter option, a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and contrast. If you’re serving wine alongside, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Chardonnay will mirror the brightness of the dish and enhance its more delicate notes.

Nutritional Balance in a Satisfying Package

This dish delivers a strong nutritional profile while still feeling indulgent. With approximately 452 calories per serving, it offers a generous amount of protein from the chicken, moderate carbohydrates from accompanying starches, and healthy fats from olive oil and butter. Mushrooms and tomatoes contribute dietary fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, while lemon juice adds a boost of vitamin C. It’s a dish that fills you up without weighing you down, making it ideal for balanced weeknight meals.

A Versatile Recipe for All Seasons

One of the greatest advantages of Chicken Marengo is its year-round appeal. In colder months, it’s the kind of warming dish that brings comfort and coziness to the table. In warmer weather, the bright, lemony tomato sauce keeps it light and fresh. You can also adapt the recipe depending on the season — swap in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or peas in spring, or root vegetables in autumn. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy night in or an elegant gathering, it never feels out of place.

Tips for Cooking Success

Getting the perfect Chicken Marengo relies on a few key techniques. Start by lightly dredging the chicken in flour — this not only helps develop a golden crust during searing but also subtly thickens the sauce as it simmers. Don’t rush the browning step; proper caramelization builds flavor that carries throughout the dish. Deglazing the pan with wine is essential — be sure to scrape up all the browned bits, as they’re packed with savory goodness. When simmering, keep the heat low and slow to allow the flavors to develop fully while keeping the chicken moist and tender.

A Dish That Tells a Story

More than just a meal, Chicken Marengo is a dish with a tale. Its origin story adds a layer of historical intrigue, and its name alone evokes images of French battlefields, rustic kitchens, and resourceful cooks. Though modern versions have moved away from the original battlefield improvisation, the spirit of invention and adaptability remains. It’s a dish that reminds us food can be both nourishing and narrative — an edible link to the past that continues to evolve in home kitchens around the world.

Conclusion

Chicken Marengo is a timeless French classic that effortlessly blends rustic tradition with refined flavor. With its juicy chicken, aromatic vegetables, and rich tomato-wine sauce, it offers a hearty, deeply satisfying experience in every bite. Simple enough for everyday cooking yet elegant enough for entertaining, it’s a recipe that’s stood the test of time — and for good reason. This simplified version keeps the essence of the original while making it accessible to modern cooks. Whether you’re exploring French cuisine or just looking for your next go-to skillet dinner, Chicken Marengo is a delicious piece of history worth savoring.