Description
Chicken Marbella, a dish synonymous with elegance and flavor, first graced dinner tables in the 1980s. Originating from the iconic cookbook The Silver Palate by Sheila Lukins and Julee Rosso, it became a symbol of upscale dining and entertaining. This recipe effortlessly combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, creating a memorable experience for those lucky enough to enjoy it.
In this article, we’ll dive into the history, ingredients, and cooking techniques that make Chicken Marbella a timeless dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or substitute with drumsticks)
- Marinade
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives, halved
- 1/2 cup prunes, chopped
- 1/4 cup capers with a bit of brine
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano (or 1 tbsp dried)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl or resealable bag, mix all the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken thighs and ensure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare for Baking
- Transfer the marinated chicken and all its juices to a baking dish. Arrange the chicken skin-side up. Scatter the olives, prunes, and capers around the chicken for even cooking.
- Bake to Perfection
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the chicken. Bake for 40–50 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Serve & Enjoy
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh oregano or parsley and serve with rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
💡 Pro Tips
- Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of fresh orange juice to the marinade for a zesty twist!
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinate Time: 4+ hours (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: ~420
- Fat: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~32g