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Chicken Marbella Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 102 reviews

Chicken Marbella is a classic savory and sweet dish featuring tender, marinated chicken thighs baked with prunes, olives, capers, and a fragrant blend of garlic, oregano, and vinegar. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines rich flavors and a delightful balance of salty, tangy, and sweet elements, perfect for an impressive yet effortless dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade and Chicken

  • 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

  1. Marinate chicken: In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, red wine vinegar, olive oil, prunes, olives, capers with juice, and bay leaves. Add the chicken thighs and massage the marinade under the skin to ensure deep flavor penetration. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld thoroughly.
  2. Arrange chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and place them in a single layer in a baking dish. Spoon the remaining marinade evenly over the chicken pieces. Sprinkle the light brown sugar uniformly on top of the chicken to add a subtle sweetness and help caramelize during baking.
  3. Bake: Pour the dry white wine carefully around the chicken in the dish, avoiding washing away the marinade on top. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, basting occasionally with pan juices to keep the meat moist and enhance flavor. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown.
  4. Garnish and serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken pieces along with some prunes, olives, and capers from the dish to a serving platter. Discard the bay leaves. Drizzle extra pan juices over the chicken, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot or at room temperature for a delicious Mediterranean meal.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the meat, but if short on time, marinate for at least 2 hours.
  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best flavor and juiciness for this recipe; you can use chicken breasts if preferred, but cooking time may vary.
  • Use dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio; if you prefer non-alcoholic, replace it with chicken broth for a different but still tasty result.
  • Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  • This dish tastes great served warm, room temperature, or cold, making it perfect for leftovers or entertaining.

Keywords: Chicken Marbella, Mediterranean chicken recipe, baked chicken thighs, prunes and olives chicken, savory and sweet chicken dish

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/chicken-marbella-recipe/