Chicken Marbella is a delicious and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken thighs with a mix of olives, capers, prunes, and herbs. The combination might sound a little unusual at first, but the sweet and salty flavors blend perfectly, creating a unique taste that’s both rich and inviting.
I love making Chicken Marbella when I want something that feels special but isn’t too complicated. The best part is that you can prepare everything in one pan, so cleanup is easy, and the chicken comes out juicy with a hint of tanginess from the wine and vinegar. I usually let it marinate for a few hours or overnight—it really brings out the flavors and makes the dish even better.
This dish is wonderful served with rice or crusty bread to soak up all the tasty sauce. It’s a great meal to make when friends or family are coming over because it looks impressive, but it’s actually pretty simple to throw together. Whenever I make Chicken Marbella, it’s always a hit, and I find myself craving those sweet little prunes mixed with briny olives every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Using bone-in, skin-on thighs gives great flavor and juicy meat. If you want something leaner, skinless chicken breasts work, but they’ll cook faster and might be less moist.
Prunes: These add a lovely sweetness that balances the savory olives. If you can’t find prunes, dried apricots or dates are good alternatives.
Olives: Kalamata and green olives create a salty, tangy punch. If you prefer milder olives, Manzanilla or Castelvetrano work well.
Red Wine Vinegar & White Wine: Red wine vinegar adds tanginess, while white wine brings a subtle depth. If you need non-alcoholic options, try white grape juice mixed with a bit of lemon juice for the wine.
Brown Sugar: This balances the acidity and saltiness with a gentle sweetness. Honey is a nice natural substitute if you prefer.
How Do I Marinate Chicken Marbella for Maximum Flavor?
The marinade is key to this dish’s amazing taste. To get the best flavor, follow these tips:
- Make sure the chicken is dry before seasoning; this helps the marinade stick better.
- Mix all marinade ingredients well so everything is evenly distributed.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to soak in deeply.
- Turn the chicken a few times during marinating to coat all sides.
- Use a covered dish or a sealable bag to keep everything fresh in the fridge.
Taking the time to marinate well results in juicy, flavorful chicken that’s tender and full of the sweet, salty, and tangy profile Chicken Marbella is known for.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – for combining the marinade ingredients and soaking the chicken evenly.
- Baking dish or roasting pan – big enough to hold all chicken pieces in one layer for even cooking.
- Tongs – handy for turning the chicken gently without tearing the skin.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep the marinade ingredients balanced and precise.
- Sharp knife – to mince garlic and slice any optional lemon or kumquat garnish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for bone-in pork chops for a different, rich flavor with similar cooking time.
- Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the marinade for a woodsy herbal note that pairs well with prunes and olives.
- Include sliced almonds or pine nuts for a bit of crunch and mild nuttiness on top before serving.
- Try using dried cherries instead of prunes for a slightly tart twist on the sweet component.
How to Make Chicken Marbella?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 to 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup pitted prunes
- ½ cup green olives
- ½ cup Kalamata olives (or other black olives)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 4 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons capers with a bit of juice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: slices of lemon or kumquat for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a marinating time of at least 4 hours (overnight is best for deep flavor). The baking takes about 50 to 60 minutes, so plan for around 1 hour and 15 minutes total including active prep.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Marinade:
Start by rinsing the chicken thighs and drying them well with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper. In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, white wine, brown sugar, prunes, green and Kalamata olives, dried oregano, bay leaves, and capers. Stir everything together until mixed well.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the seasoned chicken thighs into the marinade bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or use a sealable container. Place it in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight will give you the best flavors. Turn the chicken occasionally to make sure it soaks evenly.
3. Bake the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chicken thighs, skin side up, in a baking dish. Spread the prune, olive, and herb mixture evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin looks golden brown. Baste the chicken with pan juices a couple of times during cooking to keep it juicy.
4. Finish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and discard the bay leaves. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve the chicken warm, spooning the prunes, olives, and sauce from the pan on top. This dish goes wonderfully with rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Thighs for Chicken Marbella?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before marinating. This helps the flavors penetrate properly and ensures even cooking.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours to develop good flavor, but overnight is best for maximum tenderness and taste. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours, as the acidity can start to break down the meat too much.
Can I Make Chicken Marbella Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade and chicken a day ahead, marinate overnight, and bake just before serving. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
What Can I Serve with Chicken Marbella?
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad also complement it beautifully.
