๐Ÿ— Chicken Marbella ๐Ÿ‡๐ŸŒฟ

Chicken Marbella is a classic dish from the famous Silver Palate cookbook. This dish combines savory chicken with sweet prunes, tangy capers, olives, and a marinade of garlic, vinegar, and herbs. The combination of flavors is unique and utterly delicious, making it a fantastic choice for a special dinner or family gathering.

๐Ÿ“‹ Ingredients:

  • 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces) ๐Ÿ—
  • 1/4 cup olive oil ๐Ÿซ’
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar ๐Ÿท
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced ๐Ÿง„
  • 1/2 cup pitted prunes ๐Ÿ‡
  • 1/4 cup green olives, pitted ๐Ÿซ’
  • 1/4 cup capers with a bit of juice ๐ŸŒฟ
  • 3 bay leaves ๐ŸŒฟ
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar ๐Ÿฌ
  • 1/2 cup white wine ๐Ÿท
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano (or 1 tablespoon dried) ๐ŸŒฟ
  • Salt and pepper to taste ๐Ÿง‚

๐Ÿ“ Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

  1. Prepare the marinade:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, prunes, olives, capers, bay leaves, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  1. Add the chicken:
  • Place the chicken pieces in the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.

2. Preheat the Oven:

  1. Set the oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).

3. Bake the Chicken:

  1. Arrange in a baking dish:
  • Place the marinated chicken pieces in a large baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, spreading the prunes, olives, and capers evenly around the dish.
  1. Add wine and sugar:
  • Sprinkle the brown sugar over the chicken and pour the white wine around the pieces.
  1. Bake:
  • Bake the chicken for 50-60 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC) and is golden brown on top.

4. Serve:

  1. Plate the chicken:
  • Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Spoon the prunes, olives, and capers over the chicken, and drizzle with some of the pan juices.
  1. Garnish:
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh oregano or parsley, if desired.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Tips:

  • Advance prep: The chicken can be marinated up to two days in advance for even better flavor.
  • Side dishes: Serve with rice, couscous, or roasted potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

โฑ๏ธ Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
โฑ๏ธ Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Servings: 4
๐Ÿ”ฅ Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving

Chicken Marbella is an exquisite blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors that will impress everyone at the table. Enjoy this delicious, sophisticated dish with a glass of wine! ๐Ÿ—๐Ÿ‡๐ŸŒฟ