Easy Vintage Crockpot Chicken Marengo Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To deepen the flavor of the sauce, you can briefly sear the chicken thighs in a pan before placing them in the slow cooker, although this adds an extra step. If you decide to do this, ensure the chicken is browned on all sides to develop a crust.

This step is optional but adds a layer of complexity to the dish that some cooks prefer. Regardless, ensure you place the chicken in the cooker while it is still warm from the searing process for safety.

If you find the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can remove the chicken and vegetables with a slotted spoon and simmer the sauce in a saucepan on the stove for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

This can help concentrate the flavors of the tomatoes and wine. Always be gentle when handling the cooked chicken, as it will be very tender and prone to falling apart when handled with tongs.

Variations

• Herbed Chicken Marengo: Add a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley and a pinch of dried oregano along with the thyme to enhance the aromatic profile of the dish.
• Vegetable-Rich Version: Increase the volume of mushrooms and add sliced carrots to the mix for a more substantial vegetable component that absorbs the sauce beautifully.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until the chicken is hot throughout, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the food cools down to room temperature within two hours of cooking before placing it in the fridge.

When reheating, do so slowly on the stove or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. The flavors often improve the next day as they continue to meld, making this an excellent dish for meal preparation throughout the week.

You can prepare the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and keep it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking process.

Do not add the ingredients to the cooker while the base is already hot, as this can cause uneven cooking. This method is perfect for busy mornings, allowing you to have a warm, delicious dinner waiting for you when you return home.

Serving ideas

Serve this Chicken Marengo hot, directly from the slow cooker or transferred to a deep platter. The sauce is the highlight of the dish, so be sure to ladle plenty of it over the chicken when plating. It pairs exceptionally well with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or crusty French bread, which is perfect for mopping up every last drop of the savory tomato and wine sauce.

For a complete meal, consider serving a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette on the side to balance the richness of the stew. The acidity of the salad dressing complements the deep, savory notes of the chicken and mushrooms. If you have extra fresh herbs, a light sprinkle of chopped parsley over the final dish adds a nice touch of color and brightness before serving it to your guests or family.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Vintage Crockpot Chicken Marengo

Prep 10 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup pearl onions
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 28 oz chunky diced tomatoes in white wine

Instructions

1. Place the bone-in skin-on chicken thighs into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Scatter the sliced mushrooms and pearl onions evenly over the chicken pieces.
2. Sprinkle the dried thyme over the chicken and vegetables. Spoon the chunky diced tomatoes in white wine over the top to cover the ingredients completely.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving with the sauce.

Contains: sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

350

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.