Chicken Marbella(Crowd Pleaser)
A flavorful marinated chicken dish with dried prunes, olives, capers, and herbs, perfect for entertaining or family dinners with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 10 lb. chicken pieces ⓘ
- 1 head garlic, peeled and pureed ⓘ
- 1/4 c. dried oregano ⓘ
- coarse salt and fresh pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 c. red wine vinegar
- 1/2 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 c. pitted prunes ⓘ
- 1/2 c. pitted Spanish green olives ⓘ
- 1/2 c. capers with juice ⓘ
- 6 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 c. white wine ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Italian parsley or cilantro, finely chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, garlic, oregano, pepper, salt, vinegar, olive oil, prunes, olives, capers with juice, and bay leaves.
- Cover and marinate in refrigerator overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken for up to 24 hours. If you're short on time, use boneless chicken thighs instead of pieces for quicker cooking. You can also substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar, or use mixed olives for variety. Adding a splash of orange juice can enhance the sweetness of the prunes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Marbella with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or accompany it with garlic soup with greens for a comforting meal. A light salad or roasted vegetables would complement the dish well. This recipe pairs beautifully with paella salad (cold) for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish with a little of the marinade and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This dish can also be served cold, making it great for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Marbella(Crowd Pleaser) contains roughly 1571 calories, with 25g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 95g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (153% of the Daily Value), and calcium (107% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of olives in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any variety of olives you prefer, such as Kalamata or Castelvetrano. Each type will add its unique flavor profile to the dish, enhancing the overall taste. Just ensure they are pitted for ease of eating.
Is it necessary to use both red and white wine?
While the combination of red and white wine provides a complex flavor, you can simplify by using just one type. If you prefer a bolder flavor, stick with red wine. For a lighter taste, use white wine. Adjust the quantity to maintain the overall liquid balance in the recipe.
What can I serve with Chicken Marbella?
Chicken Marbella pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside couscous or rice to absorb the marinade, or a fresh green salad for a lighter option. You might also enjoy it with Mediterranean recipes, such as herbed lemon chicken, for a cohesive meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).