Chicken Marbella is that rare dish that manages to taste both delightfully retro and absolutely timeless. With its glistening, golden chicken nestled among plump prunes, briny olives, and capers, every bite feels like a festive gathering—whether you’re making it for a crowd or just for a cozy night in. The marinade does the heavy lifting, infusing deep flavors overnight, then the oven finishes the job, yielding fork-tender chicken and a sauce so irresistible, you’ll want extra bread to soak it up. There’s a reason Chicken Marbella always gets raves!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This iconic dish comes together with a roster of ingredients that are simple, accessible, and each absolutely essential. No matter how classic the combination, every element in Chicken Marbella plays an irreplaceable role, contributing a burst of flavor, texture, or vibrant color to the final dish.
- Chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on): Choose thighs and drumsticks for maximum juiciness and flavor in every serving.
- Prunes: These lend subtle sweetness and melting texture that balances all the briny and savory notes.
- Green olives: Their salty tang offers perfect contrast to the sweetness and savory chicken juices.
- Capers: Don’t skip these—they bring big, punchy brightness that ties the whole marinade together.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is key for layering aromatic, mellow warmth throughout the dish.
- Dried oregano: This classic Mediterranean herb delivers earthy depth and herby aroma.
- Red wine vinegar: Works magic in the marinade, gently tenderizing the chicken and sharpening flavors.
- Olive oil: Provides richness and helps everything meld beautifully as it bakes.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of caramel sweetness that helps the chicken glaze and brown.
- Bay leaves: These add a subtle background perfume that signals something special is happening.
- White wine: Moistens the chicken and creates the most spoon-worthy pan sauce as it bubbles and reduces.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Because every great dish needs proper seasoning to let the ingredients shine.
- Flat-leaf parsley (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color to the final presentation.
How to Make Chicken Marbella
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Grab a big mixing bowl and nestle your chicken pieces in. Add the prunes, olives, capers (along with their brine), garlic, oregano, vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Massage it all together—every piece should be glossy and well-coated. Then let it chill in the fridge overnight (or at least 8 hours) so the flavors soak into every nook and cranny.
Step 2: Preheat and Arrange
When you’re ready to cook, take the chicken out of the fridge while your oven preheats to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken pieces skin-side up in a large, shallow baking dish. Make sure all the prunes, olives, and capers are tucked in among the chicken, and pour all the marinade over top.
Step 3: Sprinkle and Pour
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the chicken—trust me, this small touch makes a huge difference, giving the skin that beautiful, lacquered finish. Next, pour the white wine all around (not over the skin, so it stays crisp) to create a luscious pan sauce as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven and roast for about 45-55 minutes, occasionally spooning the juices over the chicken to baste. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is deeply golden, the juices run clear, and the sauce bubbles temptingly at the edges.
Step 5: Finish and Rest
Once it’s out of the oven, give the dish a quick scatter of chopped fresh parsley. Let the chicken rest 5-10 minutes before serving—this lets the flavors settle and makes serving even easier (and tastier!).
How to Serve Chicken Marbella
Garnishes
A generous shower of freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley brings a needed pop of color and freshness to Chicken Marbella. For a festive table, you can also add a few lemon wedges or a drizzle of fruity olive oil—the acid and herbal notes make everything on the plate sing.
Side Dishes
Chicken Marbella absolutely begs for something to mop up those magical pan juices: think crusty sourdough, creamy mashed potatoes, or even buttered couscous. A crisp green salad or roasted asparagus alongside helps round out the meal, offering balance and crunch next to the luscious chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, serve Chicken Marbella family-style in its baking dish, letting guests scoop up their own portion with plenty of sauce, prunes, and olives. For a fancy twist, plate individual servings atop a swirl of whipped potatoes or polenta, then artfully spoon some pan sauce and garnishes on top. Even leftovers can become lunchworthy—try slicing the chicken cold over a salad with a splash of leftover sauce as dressing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining Chicken Marbella in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to four days. The chicken actually gets even more flavorful as it sits, so you’ll love digging in for an encore lunch or dinner. Remember to save all the sauce, too!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Marbella! Once fully cooled, pack the chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container for up to three months. For the best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, which keeps the chicken moist and the sauce luscious.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange the chicken and sauce in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven until hot and bubbly—about 20 minutes. A splash of extra white wine or chicken broth will revive the sauce if it’s thickened up too much.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken for Chicken Marbella?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on pieces deliver maximum flavor and tenderness, boneless, skinless thighs or breasts work well for a lighter version. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—boneless cuts cook faster, so check for doneness early.
What’s the best way to marinate Chicken Marbella if I’m short on time?
If you’re in a pinch, marinate for at least two hours at room temperature. The flavors won’t be quite as deep as an overnight soak, but you’ll still get a delicious result. Try to flip the chicken in the marinade once or twice during this shorter window.
Can I substitute other dried fruits for prunes?
Definitely! Dried apricots, figs, or even cherries make a fun twist and provide their own unique sweetness. Stick to plump, moist dried fruits for the juiciest, most flavorful Chicken Marbella.
Is Chicken Marbella gluten-free?
Yes, as written, Chicken Marbella is naturally gluten-free. It’s always a good idea to double-check ingredient labels (especially on capers and olives) for any hidden additives, but this dish is perfect for gluten-free gatherings.
What wine pairs best with Chicken Marbella?
A zesty Sauvignon Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay works beautifully here—their crispness brightens up the rich flavors. If you’re more of a reds fan, try a Grenache or a lighter Pinot Noir, which can highlight the dish’s sweet-savory notes.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Chicken Marbella never goes out of style—it’s as easy as it is impressive, and every bite delivers a festival of flavors. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new signature dish whenever you want applause around the dinner table!
PrintChicken Marbella Recipe
Chicken Marbella is a classic Spanish dish that combines savory and sweet flavors, featuring tender chicken marinated with a unique blend of capers, olives, prunes, and herbs. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts, bone-in, skin-on
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup pitted prunes
- 1/4 cup pitted Spanish green olives
Marinade:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup capers with a bit of juice
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, prunes, olives, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, white wine, and capers. Add the chicken breasts and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chicken in a baking dish with the marinade. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the Chicken Marbella hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- This dish tastes even better when prepared a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other ingredients like dried apricots or different types of olives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg