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Chicken Marbella

Tender chicken baked with prunes, olives, capers, and a bold wine vinegar sauce for a classic dish that always impresses.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 7 Servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marbella:
  • 4 pounds chicken pieces
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup red wine vinegar
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 cup pitted prunes
  • ½ cup pitted green olives
  • ½ cup capers with a little juice
  • 6 bay leaves
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup white wine
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken pieces in a large bowl or baking dish. Add the garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in the red wine vinegar and olive oil, then toss everything well so each piece gets coated. Add the prunes, olives, capers, bay leaves, and brown sugar. Mix gently until evenly spread. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Prepare for Baking: When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit for about 20 minutes so it cooks evenly. Lightly oil a large baking dish or roasting pan. Arrange the chicken skin side up in a single layer, then spoon the marinade and solids evenly over the top.
  3. Add the Wine: Pour the white wine slowly around the chicken, not directly over the skin. This helps keep the top from washing out while still building a rich sauce underneath. Use a spoon to spread the prunes, olives, and capers so every piece gets some love.
  4. Bake Until Golden: Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for about 50 to 60 minutes. Halfway through, spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken. The skin should turn golden, the sauce should bubble, and the chicken should feel tender when pierced.
  5. Finish and Rest: Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top just before serving. This short rest helps the juices settle and deepens the flavor.