Dinner

Chicken Marbella Recipe

Name: Chicken Marbella Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 12 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/2 cup pitted prunes, quartered; 1/3 cup pitted green olives, halved; 1/4 cup capers, with 1 tablespoon juice; 3 bay leaves; 12 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 5 tablespoons light brown sugar, lightly packed; 1/2 cup dry white wine; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

ByMaya Arden September 11, 2026September 11, 2026

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Introduction

Chicken Marbella is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines savory, sweet, and tangy ingredients for a deliciously unique taste. This classic recipe is perfect for dinner parties or a special family meal, offering tender chicken with a rich Mediterranean-inspired sauce.

A white bowl holds three well-cooked chicken thighs with crispy, golden-brown skin and dark charred spots on top, creating a rich texture. Around and under the chicken are green olives, browned mushrooms, and dark prunes mixed in a light sauce. The dish is sprinkled with chopped fresh green herbs, adding a pop of color on top. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 cloves garlic (minced)
1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 cup pitted prunes (quartered)
1/3 cup pitted green olives (halved)
1/4 cup capers (with 1 tablespoon juice)

3 bay leaves
12 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
5 tablespoons light brown sugar (lightly packed)

1/2 cup dry white wine
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, red wine vinegar, olive oil, prunes, olives, capers, and bay leaves. Add the chicken thighs, and massage the marinade under the skin. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer in a baking dish. Spoon the remaining marinade over the chicken, then sprinkle the light brown sugar evenly on top.
Step 3: Pour the white wine around the chicken, being careful not to wash off the marinade. Bake for about 40-50 minutes, basting occasionally with pan juices, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 4: Transfer the chicken along with some of the prunes, olives, and capers to a serving platter. Discard the bay leaves and drizzle extra pan juices over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 12 hours or overnight.
Substitute prunes with dried apricots or cherries for a different sweetness.
If you prefer less saltiness, rinse the capers before adding them to the marinade.

Serve with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store any leftover Chicken Marbella in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.