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5.0 from 225 votes

Chicken Marbella

Chicken Marbella is a classic recipe from the famous 1982 Silver Palate Cookbook. The original recipe is made to serve a crowd but one chicken is enough for my family. I also reduced the sugar in the recipe from 1 cup to 1/4 cup. The prunes add most of the sweetness in this recipe and it’s perfection!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Marinating time
8 hrs
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 4593 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American-Mediterranean Fusion

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, cut up
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 head garlic, peeled
  • 1/2 cup pitted prunes
  • 1/2 cup pitted Spanish green olives
  • 1/4 cup capers, with a little bit of juice
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Early Harvest Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • kosher salt
  • pepper
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cut the chicken: Take a whole chicken and using sharp kitchen scissors cut the backbone out. Then press down on top to separate the rest of the bones. Remove the legs and thighs, then remove the wings and tips.
  2. Make the marinade: In a large bowl combine bay leaves, garlic cloves, prunes, olives, capers, red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir it together then add the chicken. And smoosh it around. Make sure you lift up the skin a little bit so the marinade clings to the flesh of the chicken as well.
  3. Let the chicken sit: Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge overnight. (If you don’t have enough time, allow at least 30 minutes of marinating time.)
  4. Roast the chicken: The next day preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer the chicken and the marinade, including the prunes, olives, etc., into a large oven safe skillet or baking dish and spread it out a bit so the chicken pieces don’t overlap. Pour the wine into the baking dish. Sprinkle the top of the chicken with brown sugar and place in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Baste with the pan juices a couple of times while the chicken cooks.
  5. Remove from the oven: The chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin has turned a golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a large serving platter and spoon the prunes, olives, and capers on top.
  6. Make the sauce and serve. Bring the juices in the roasting pan to a boil over medium heat and reduce until you are left with about 1/2 cup of sauce. Strain the sauce into a bowl, then pour it over the chicken. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Leftovers will keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • Place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat to reheat.
  • Red wine vinegar substitutes: You can use apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or lemon juice. The flavor will differ slightly.
  • Marinating time: If you do not have time to marinate the chicken overnight, even 30 minutes will make a difference!
  • Serve chicken marbella with: Plain rice or rice pilaf, boiled potatoes, or crusty bread. 
  • How to store and reheat leftovers: Leftovers will keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat to reheat.
  • Visit Our Shop for quality Mediterranean ingredients including extra virgin olive oils, spices, and grains.

Nutrition Information

Calories 459.3kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 19.8g (7%) Protein 24.3g (49%) Fat 30g (46%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Polyunsaturated Fat 5.2g Monounsaturated Fat 15.8g Trans Fat 0.1g Cholesterol 95.2mg (32%) Sodium 471.9mg (20%) Potassium 392.4mg (11%) Fiber 1.7g (7%) Sugar 14.7g (29%) Vitamin A 460.7IU (9%) Vitamin C 4.3mg (5%) Calcium 41.6mg (4%) Iron 1.8mg (10%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 4593

% Daily Value*

Calories 459.3kcal 23%
Carbohydrates 19.8g 7%
Protein 24.3g 49%
Fat 30g 46%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.2g 31%
Monounsaturated Fat 15.8g 79%
Trans Fat 0.1g 5%
Cholesterol 95.2mg 32%
Sodium 471.9mg 20%
Potassium 392.4mg 8%
Fiber 1.7g 7%
Sugar 14.7g 29%
Vitamin A 460.7IU 9%
Vitamin C 4.3mg 5%
Calcium 41.6mg 4%
Iron 1.8mg 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.