Easy and Delicious Chicken Marbella Recipe

Indulge your senses in a symphony of flavors with our mouthwatering recipe, "Exquisite Mediterranean Fusion: Chicken Marbella Delight." Picture succulent prunes, flavorful olives, and tender chicken, all dancing in a rich marinade of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and aromatic herbs. This culinary masterpiece promises an unforgettable journey for your taste buds, where each bite unveils a perfect blend of savory and sweet notes. Get ready to embark on a delightful adventure as we guide you through the steps of creating this culinary masterpiece that will leave you craving more. Welcome to a world where every ingredient harmonizes to create a truly extraordinary dining experience.

Origins of Chicken Marbella: Chicken Marbella is a dish that originated from "The Silver Palate Cookbook," a popular cookbook published in the 1980s by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins. The recipe gained fame for its unique combination of sweet and savory flavors, with prunes, olives, and capers contributing to its distinctive taste.

Influence of Mediterranean Cuisine: The ingredients used in Chicken Marbella reflect the influence of Mediterranean cuisine. The combination of olives, olive oil, garlic, and herbs is characteristic of the flavors found in dishes from the Mediterranean region. This fusion of flavors creates a culinary experience that has become a classic and beloved recipe over the years.

15 Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Marbella

1. What is Chicken Marbella?

Chicken Marbella is a classic Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender roasted chicken marinated in a mix of olives, capers, prunes, garlic, and herbs, then baked to perfection with white wine and brown sugar for a sweet and savory balance.

2. Where does Chicken Marbella originate from?

The dish was popularized in the 1980s by The Silver Palate Cookbook, giving it a New York gourmet twist while being inspired by Spanish and Mediterranean flavors.

3. Can I make Chicken Marbella ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor, making this an ideal make-ahead dish for dinner parties and meal prep.

4. What type of chicken should I use for Chicken Marbella?

You can use a whole chicken cut into pieces, bone-in chicken thighs, or drumsticks. Bone-in cuts are recommended for extra juiciness and flavor.

5. How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight (12–24 hours) will give the most deeply infused flavors.

6. Can I substitute prunes in Chicken Marbella?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of prunes, you can use dates, dried apricots, or raisins for a similar sweet contrast.

7. What can I serve with Chicken Marbella?

Chicken Marbella pairs perfectly with rice, roasted potatoes, couscous, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices.

8. Can I make Chicken Marbella in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

9. How do I make Chicken Marbella crispy?

For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after roasting. This helps caramelize the brown sugar topping.

10. Can I freeze Chicken Marbella?

Yes! Store cooked Chicken Marbella in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.

11. Is Chicken Marbella gluten-free?

Yes! As long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari (if applicable), this dish is naturally gluten-free.

12. Can I make this dish with boneless chicken?

Yes, but bone-in chicken retains more flavor. If using boneless chicken breasts or thighs, reduce the roasting time to 25-30 minutes.

13. What type of wine should I use for Chicken Marbella?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works best. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, substitute with chicken stock.

14. Can I make Chicken Marbella in an air fryer?

Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F.

15. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use a microwave for quick reheating.

Make it

Mediterranean Elegance: Chicken Marbella Recipe

A Classic Dish with a Burst of Savory and Sweet Flavors

Ingredients

1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup high-quality olive oil
1 cup large pitted green olives
1/2 cup capers (with juices)
1 1/2 cups large pitted prunes
1 1/2 heads garlic, minced
5 bay leaves
2 tablespoons dried oregano
5 teaspoons kosher salt (1 teaspoon per pound of chicken)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
5 lbs chicken pieces

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken (Overnight for Best Flavor)

In a large mixing bowl, combine red wine vinegar, olive oil, green olives, capers, prunes, minced garlic, bay leaves, oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a rich marinade.
Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to develop.

2. Prepare for Roasting

The next day, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer in a roasting pan, skin-side up.
Pour 1 cup dry white wine (or chicken stock) around the chicken.
Sprinkle brown sugar over the skin to enhance caramelization.

3. Roast to Perfection

Roast the chicken for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
For crispy, golden skin, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.

4. Prepare the Rice & Noodles

In a large pot, sauté fidelini pasta until brown and crispy.
Add sofrito, water, Adobo seasoning, chicken bouillon cube, and sazon, bringing the mixture to a boil.
Stir in rinsed jasmine rice and cook until tender.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Let the roasted chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Plate with the aromatic rice and enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired feast!

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ Overnight Marination)
Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
Total Time: ~1 Hour

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of recipe)

Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: ~38g
Carbohydrates: ~12g
Fat: ~28g
Sodium: ~850mg
Sugar: ~6g

Final Thoughts

Indulge in the Mediterranean elegance of Chicken Marbella, a savory and sweet masterpiece that will elevate any dinner table.