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.
📋 Ingredients:
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces) 🍗
- 1/4 cup olive oil 🫒
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 🍷
- 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1/2 cup pitted prunes 🍇
- 1/4 cup green olives, pitted 🫒
- 1/4 cup capers with a bit of juice 🌿
- 3 bay leaves 🌿
- 1/4 cup brown sugar 🍬
- 1/2 cup white wine 🍷
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano (or 1 tablespoon dried) 🌿
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
📝 Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- 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.
- 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:
- Set the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Bake the Chicken:
- 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.
- Add wine and sugar:
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the chicken and pour the white wine around the pieces.
- 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 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown on top.
4. Serve:
- 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.
- Garnish:
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh oregano or parsley, if desired.
🍽️ 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.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
⏱️ Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
🔥 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! 🍗🍇🌿