Chicken Marbella Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to amaze friends and family with a dish that’s as dazzling on the eyes as it is on the palate, look no further than Chicken Marbella. This classic recipe delivers juicy chicken roasted with prunes, olives, capers, and white wine, creating a mosaic of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Its Mediterranean charm and unique ingredient combination have made it a beloved dinner party staple—with just a hint of vintage, retro glamour. Trust me, you won’t believe how simple it is to bring this showstopper to your own table!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together Chicken Marbella is a breeze, thanks to an ingredient list that balances everyday items with just a few special touches. Every element plays a distinct role—whether it’s adding bold flavor, bringing tenderness, or creating that beautifully bronzed finish.

• Chicken pieces: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and/or drumsticks add the juiciest flavor, soaking up all the marinade magic.
• Prunes: Don’t be shy—prunes bring natural sweetness and richness, making the sauce sticky and irresistible.
• Green olives: Their briny snap perfectly balances the sweetness of the fruit.
• Capers: These tiny, flavor-packed pearls lend a tangy brightness that wakes up the whole dish.
• Garlic: Lots of minced garlic infuses every bite with bold, savory depth.
• Dried oregano: Earthy oregano ties together the Mediterranean flavors splendidly.
• Red wine vinegar: This splash of acidity keeps the marinade lively and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Olive oil: A good-quality olive oil adds fruitiness and luscious texture to the finished sauce.
• Brown sugar: Just a sprinkle over the top caramelizes as the chicken roasts, creating beautifully golden skin.
• White wine: The wine deglazes the pan and merges with pan juices for a silky, elegant sauce.
• Bay leaves: Tucked into the marinade, they steep into every corner of the dish, adding subtle herbal notes.
• Fresh parsley: A handful of chopped parsley sprinkled at the end wakes up the plate and adds a pop of color.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and pulling all the flavors together.

How to Make Chicken Marbella

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

To unlock the signature flavor of Chicken Marbella, you’ll want to give your chicken plenty of time to marinate. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, toss the chicken pieces with prunes, green olives, capers (and their brine!), lots of minced garlic, oregano, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and bay leaves. The marinade should coat every nook and cranny. Pop it in the fridge and let the chicken absorb all those complex flavors for at least a few hours, but preferably overnight. Patience pays off!

Step 2: Arrange and Season for Roasting

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven. Arrange the marinated chicken (with all its flavorful companions) in a single, even layer on a rimmed baking sheet or in a large baking dish. Make sure every piece gets some fruit and briny bits on top. Sprinkle with brown sugar, pour the white wine around—but not directly over—the chicken, and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Roast to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and let the magic happen. As the chicken bakes, the aroma will transform your kitchen into a Mediterranean paradise. The skin will crisp and caramelize, while the fruit and wine bubble into a shimmering sauce. Baste a few times during cooking to keep the chicken moist and bathed in that irresistible flavor.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken reaches a deep, golden brown (and registers at least 165°F internally), remove the pan from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness. Scatter fresh parsley on top, and dish up with plenty of those luscious pan juices, prunes, olives, and capers.

How to Serve Chicken Marbella

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley brightens up the finished Chicken Marbella beautifully. For a little extra pop, try ribbons of lemon zest or a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch. Those vibrant colors and textures will really sing on the plate.

Side Dishes

The luscious sauce from Chicken Marbella absolutely begs to be mopped up with something special. Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy couscous, herbed rice, or hunks of crusty bread all pair perfectly. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a simple salad dressed with olive oil and lemon.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dramatic dinner party presentation, arrange the chicken on a large platter and scatter the prunes, olives, and capers over the top. Spoon the winey sauce all around and garnish with fresh herbs. Or, serve family-style right from the baking dish for cozy comfort. You can also shred leftovers onto grain bowls or salads for an easy lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Marbella tastes just as wonderful the next day, if not better. Transfer leftovers (including all the flavorful fruit and sauce) to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making each bite even more irresistible.

Freezing

This dish freezes fantastically. To do so, cool completely and portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to include extra sauce and fruit with every serving. Chicken Marbella will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place Chicken Marbella (with plenty of sauce) in a covered baking dish and warm gently in a 325°F oven until heated through. You can also microwave single portions, but the oven helps maintain the best texture on the chicken skin.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that chicken breasts can dry out a bit faster, so reduce the bake time and be careful not to overcook. Bone-in, skin-on breasts deliver the juiciest results for Chicken Marbella.

Is it necessary to marinate overnight?

Marinating overnight gives the deepest flavor, but if you’re short on time, even a few hours in the marinade makes a big difference. The longer you wait, the more complex your Chicken Marbella will be!

Can I make Chicken Marbella ahead for entertaining?

Definitely! In fact, this dish is famous for being party-friendly. Marinate and assemble the night before, then simply pop it in the oven before guests arrive. It holds well and tastes fantastic at room temperature too.

What can I substitute for prunes?

If you’re not a fan of prunes, dried apricots or figs are wonderful alternatives. They bring their own distinct sweetness and still work harmoniously with the olives and capers.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine?

For a non-alcoholic version, swap the white wine for chicken broth plus a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. You’ll still get a bright, tangy sauce that’s perfect for Chicken Marbella.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never experienced the magic of Chicken Marbella, now’s the time to give it a try. It’s a dish that delivers both bold flavor and pure comfort in every bite. Gather your favorite people, serve up this showstopper, and get ready for a chorus of happy sighs around the table.

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