If you are craving a hearty, flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you absolutely have to try the Cozy One-Pot Chicken Marengo: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. This dish brings together tender, golden chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato sauce bursting with herbs, olives, and vibrant bell peppers. It is the perfect combination of rustic comfort and elegant simplicity, making every bite a true delight that is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key, but don’t worry—this recipe keeps it wonderfully simple. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the juicy chicken thighs delivering rich protein or the fragrant herbs enhancing the sauce’s depth. Together, they create a harmonious balance of texture, color, and taste that’s totally irresistible.
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on: Skin adds crispness and flavor while bone keeps the meat juicy and tender.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For perfectly searing the chicken and softening the veggies with a lovely richness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that melts into the sauce beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a subtle pungency and warmth that elevates every spoonful.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or yellow): Brightens the dish visually and contributes a gentle crunch and sweetness.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice: Creates the luscious body of the sauce, perfectly tangy and rich.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Deepens flavor and helps in melding all ingredients into a unified stew.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato essence to keep the sauce robust and hearty.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Gives a classic Mediterranean herb note that pairs wonderfully with chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, herbaceous layer to the aroma and flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of all ingredients.
- ½ cup green olives, pitted and sliced: Introduces a salty, briny pop that perfectly contrasts the tomato base.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brings a burst of freshness and color just before serving.
How to Make Cozy One-Pot Chicken Marengo: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs skin-side down and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 to 7 minutes until that skin turns a gorgeous golden brown. Flip the thighs and cook for another 5 minutes to get even crispness all around. This step seals in the juices and builds incredible flavor right from the start. Once done, remove the chicken and keep it aside for the next steps.
Step 2: Soften the Veggies with Care
In the same pot where chicken was seared, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them gently for about 5 minutes until they become tender and sweet. Then, stir in minced garlic and cook for one more minute until your kitchen is filled with that unmistakable, fragrant aroma that just whets your appetite more.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base with Tomatoes and Broth
Now, pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, along with the chicken broth and rich tomato paste. Stir everything thoroughly so the tomato paste dissolves and integrates fully, creating a deep, luscious sauce. This will be the heart of your Cozy One-Pot Chicken Marengo: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe’s wonderful flavor profile.
Step 4: Season and Bring It All Together
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well so these herbs and spices infuse into the bubbling sauce, transforming it with classic Mediterranean goodness. Return the browned chicken thighs back to the pot, putting them skin-side up, and spoon some sauce lovingly over each piece. This ensures everything steams gently in a bath of flavor.
Step 5: Simmer for Tenderness
Cover your pot and reduce the heat to low. Let this magic simmer for about 30 to 35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, tender, and falling off the bone. This slow cooking melds all flavors into one harmonious dish that truly lives up to the title Cozy One-Pot Chicken Marengo: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the sliced green olives. This adds a delightful pop of briny flavor that cuts through the rich sauce, creating a sublime balance. Once the time is up, remove from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a refreshing color and herbaceous brightness.
How to Serve Cozy One-Pot Chicken Marengo: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is your best friend for finishing off this dish. Its slight peppery bite and vivid green color brighten the entire plate, making the meal not only taste delicious but look restaurant-worthy. You can also add a thin drizzle of good olive oil just before serving for added silkiness.
Side Dishes
This dish is so rich and saucy that simple sides are perfect companions. Serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up every drop of the sauce or a bed of fluffy couscous or creamy polenta to keep things cozy. A light green salad on the side can add a nice crisp balance to this hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over buttered egg noodles or even mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort. You can also plate it individually for guests, highlighting each chicken thigh smothered in sauce, with colorful peppers and olives artistically spread around. This makes your Cozy One-Pot Chicken Marengo: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe feel both special and inviting at any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the meal taste even better the next day. Consume within 3 to 4 days for the freshest experience.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Just transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. Label them with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawed, the sauce remains succulent and the chicken tender, ready for a quick and comforting meal whenever you want.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently over low heat on the stove or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can revive some of the sauce’s original silky texture, ensuring each bite of your Cozy One-Pot Chicken Marengo: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe stays deliciously moist.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will cook faster, so reduce the simmer time and watch closely to avoid drying them out. The dish will still be flavorful and comforting.
What can I substitute for green olives if I don’t like them?
If olives aren’t your favorite, capers offer a similar briny punch. Alternatively, you can omit them entirely and add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
Is this recipe suitable for a slow cooker?
Yes! After searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables on the stove, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender and flavors meld beautifully.
How spicy is the dish? Can I add heat?
The original Cozy One-Pot Chicken Marengo is mild and soothing, perfect for all palates. If you enjoy a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when seasoning or toss in a chopped fresh chili along with the garlic.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth. Double-check any labels to be sure, and you’re good to go for a cozy, comforting gluten-free meal.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give the Cozy One-Pot Chicken Marengo: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe a try because it’s one of those rare dishes that feel like a warm welcome every time. The combination of tender chicken, velvety tomato sauce, and bright herbs comes together effortlessly in one pot, making both cooking and clean-up a breeze. It’s a recipe that not only satisfies the belly but also warms the heart, perfect for any night you need a little extra comfort. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Cozy One-Pot Chicken Marengo: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Description
Cozy One-Pot Chicken Marengo is a comforting French-inspired dish featuring juicy, seared chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with olives, bell peppers, and aromatic herbs. This hearty and easy-to-make recipe combines rich Mediterranean flavors for a delicious family meal that requires just one pot and under an hour to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or yellow)
Liquids and Sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup green olives, pitted and sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes to brown the other side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Season the Sauce: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper into the pot. Stir to incorporate the spices evenly throughout the sauce.
- Return Chicken to Pot: Place the browned chicken thighs back into the pot, positioning them skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken for flavor infusion.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the chicken to simmer gently for 30-35 minutes, or until it is fully cooked through and tender.
- Add Olives: In the final 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the sliced green olives and let them heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving to add a burst of freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting one-pot Chicken Marengo.
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best flavor and moisture retention.
- Adjust the amount of olives according to your preference for briny flavor.
- You can substitute fresh herbs if available—use about 1 tablespoon each of fresh oregano and basil.
- Serve with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes to make a complete meal.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
