Chicken Marbella is a classic dish that combines tender chicken with a mix of sweet and tangy flavors from prunes, olives, garlic, and a splash of vinegar. The result is a mouthwatering meal that’s both rich in taste and beautifully colorful on the plate. It’s one of those recipes where savory meets a little bit of sweetness in the best way.
I love making Chicken Marbella when I want something a little special but not complicated. The marinade full of garlic, herbs, and a bit of brown sugar gives the chicken so much flavor, and the prunes and olives add a fun contrast that keeps everyone guessing. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dish because the flavors get even better if you let it sit in the marinade for a few hours or overnight.
My favorite way to serve Chicken Marbella is with simple rice or roasted veggies to soak up all the delicious sauce. It’s a real crowd-pleaser whenever I bring it to a dinner or family gathering. This dish always reminds me of cozy meals that turn ordinary nights into something a bit more memorable and comforting.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken thighs and drumsticks: These cuts keep the meat juicy and tender during baking. You can substitute with boneless chicken thighs if you want less bone but expect a shorter cooking time.
Prunes: They add a lovely sweet note to balance the briny olives. If you can’t find prunes, dried apricots or dates work well too.
Olives and capers: These give the dish its bright, salty kick. Use a mix of green and black olives for color and flavor. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the capers slightly.
Red wine vinegar and brown sugar: This combo creates the signature tangy-sweet marinade. Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar are good substitutes.
How Do You Get Crispy, Tender Chicken in This Dish?
It’s key to keep the chicken skin dry before roasting. Here’s how:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before marinating.
- Roast skin side up so it crisps nicely.
- During baking, baste just enough with pan juices, but don’t soak the chicken, or the skin will stay soggy.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) to cook the meat through while getting that golden finish.
Marinate overnight if possible to deepen flavors and keep the chicken juicy inside. These small steps help you get the perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for marinating the chicken evenly with all the flavors.
- Baking dish or roasting pan – choose one roomy enough so chicken pieces aren’t crowded and roast evenly.
- Tongs – helpful for turning chicken and handling it without tearing the skin.
- Basting brush or spoon – lets you baste the chicken with pan juices easily during cooking.
- Sharp knife – for chopping garlic and parsley neatly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try adding sliced lemons or lemon zest for a bright citrus twist that lightens the dish.
- Swap prunes for dried apricots or cherries for a different kind of sweet note.
- Add fresh rosemary or thyme along with oregano for a woodsy herb boost.
- Mix in some toasted pine nuts just before serving for a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Chicken Marbella?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Marinade:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup capers with some juice
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
For The Fruit and Olive Mix:
- 1 cup pitted prunes
- 1 cup green olives, pitted
- 1 cup black olives, pitted
- Optional: 1 bay leaf
For Finishing Touches:
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes of active prep time. The chicken should marinate for at least 2 hours to soak in the flavors, but overnight is even better. Baking takes around 50-60 minutes. Overall, plan for about 3 hours if you marinate for 2 hours, or longer if marinating overnight.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade and Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, brown sugar, capers with juice, salt, and pepper until well blended. Add the chicken thighs and drumsticks, turning them to coat completely. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to let all the flavors get cozy with the chicken.
2. Prepare and Roast the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken pieces skin side up in a baking dish or roasting pan. Scatter prunes, green olives, and black olives evenly around and on top of the chicken. Add the optional bay leaf for extra aroma if you like. Pour the marinade over everything, then add the white wine or chicken broth for moisture during cooking. Place the dish in the oven and roast for 50-60 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices to keep the chicken moist and help the skin crisp up beautifully.
3. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is cooked through and has a lovely golden-brown skin, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley all over for a fresh, bright finish. Serve the Chicken Marbella warm, ideally on a bed of fluffy rice, couscous, or with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. Enjoy your flavorful, sweet-and-savory meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before marinating. Pat the pieces dry to remove excess moisture so the skin crisps up nicely during roasting.
Can I Make Chicken Marbella Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavors, then roast it when you’re ready to serve. You can also prepare the entire dish in advance and gently reheat it in the oven before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Chicken Marbella in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce from drying out.
What Can I Serve with Chicken Marbella?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad are also great sides to balance the meal.
