Classic Cooking: Chicken Marbella Recipe {delish!}

Chicken Marbella: a sweet-savory classic with prunes, olives, and wine. Easy, elegant, and perfect for any occasion.

Chicken Marbella is a classic recipe that truly transcends time. Originating from the iconic “Silver Palate Cookbook” of the 1980s, this recipe has become a staple at dinner parties and family gatherings, cherished for its perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Combining juicy chicken, briny olives, sweet prunes, and a touch of brown sugar, Chicken Marbella strikes a balance that’s both sophisticated and comforting. It is truly one of the best chicken recipes!

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, this iconic dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its robust flavor profile and straightforward preparation make it accessible for cooks of all levels. Here’s everything you need to know about crafting this culinary classic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and Balanced Flavors: The combination of sweet prunes, tangy capers, and briny olives creates a symphony of flavors that complement the tender chicken perfectly.
Easy Yet Elegant: Despite its sophisticated taste and complex flavors, this dish is surprisingly simple to make, making it ideal for both casual meals and special occasions.
Meal Prep Friendly: The overnight marination not only enhances the flavor but also allows you to prepare most of the dish ahead of time. If you’re ysed to boring baked chicken thighs, you’re in for a treat with this great dish.
Customizable: With both boneless thighs and breasts included, this recipe caters to diverse preferences. You can also adjust the sweetness or tanginess to suit your palate.

A Breakdown of the Ingredients in this Classic Dish

Olive Oil & Red Wine Vinegar: These form the base of the marinade, adding richness and tang to the dish.
Prunes: Their natural sweetness balances the savory and tangy elements, creating depth in flavor.
Spanish Green Olives & Capers: These bring a briny, salty punch that contrasts beautifully with the prunes.
Dried Oregano, Salt, and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
Boneless Chicken Thighs & Chicken Breasts: A mix of dark and white meat ensures everyone gets their preferred cut.
Dry White Wine: Adds a subtle acidity and depth to the dish during cooking.
Brown Sugar: Sprinkled on top before baking, it caramelizes to create a slightly sweet crust.
Fresh Parsley: A garnish that adds color and a fresh herbal note.
Garlic & Shallot: Essential aromatics that infuse the marinade with warmth and depth.

How to Make Chicken Marbella

Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dry white wine, capers and caper juice, prunes, olives, minced garlic and shallots, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and breasts, ensuring they’re fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 6-8 hours, or overnight for best results.
Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange the marinated chicken in a large baking dish, pouring the marinade ingredients over the top of the chicken.
Add Sweetness:
Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the chicken pieces. This step is key to achieving the dish’s signature sweet-savory flavor.

Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking pan in a preheated oven, and bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees f. Baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through cooking to keep it moist.
Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the chicken hot with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

How to Store Chicken Marbella

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to include some of the pan juices to keep the meat moist.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! Place the chicken and its juices in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the chicken in a baking dish covered with foil at 325°F until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Tips for Making Chicken Marbella

Marinate Overnight: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes. Aim for at least 8 hours, but overnight is ideal.
Baste Regularly: Spoon the pan juices over the chicken midway through baking to enhance the flavor and keep the meat moist.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar or prunes.
Experiment with Garnishes: In addition to parsley, try topping the finished dish with slivered almonds or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added flair.

Chicken Marbella is a testament to how a few simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. With its bold flavors, ease of preparation, and elegant presentation, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. So, gather your ingredients, set aside some marination time, and prepare to wow your taste buds—and your dinner guests!

FAQs

Can I use only skinless chicken thighs or breasts?

Absolutely! While the mix of boneless thigh pieces and breasts provides variety, you can use just one type of cut based on your preference.

What type of wine should I use?

Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. Avoid sweet wines, as they may overpower the dish’s balance.

Can I substitute the prunes?

If prunes aren’t your favorite, dried apricots or figs are excellent alternatives that provide a similar sweetness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Chicken Marbella is perfect for meal prep. Marinate the chicken the night before and bake it the next day just before serving. Leftovers also taste fantastic, as the flavors continue to develop over time.

What can I serve with Chicken Marbella?

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, couscous, or a fresh side salad. For a heartier meal, serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices. If you prefer lower carb sides, try cauliflower rice.