Description
Chicken Marbella
Ingredients:
For the marinade:
½ cup olive oil
1 shallot, thinly sliced
1½ tsp salt
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
3 tbsp pitted green olives, halved
1 tbsp olive brine
2 tbsp capers
1 tbsp caper brine
¼ cup pitted prunes
1 tbsp dried oregano
For the chicken:
2.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 large garlic cloves, quartered
2 bay leaves
3 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
3 tbsp light brown sugar
¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
¼ cup fresh orange juice
Directions:
Prepare Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, shallot, salt, black pepper, green olives, olive brine, capers, caper brine, prunes, oregano, and vinegar. Stir well.
Marinate Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the bowl, tossing to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C), positioning the rack at the bottom.
Arrange Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and place in a large baking dish. Season with salt and pepper. Pour in the marinade.
Add Aromatics and Liquid: Scatter sliced onion, quartered garlic, and bay leaves between the chicken pieces. Top with thinly sliced garlic and sprinkle brown sugar over the chicken. Pour chicken broth, and orange juice around the chicken.
Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes. Transfer to a platter, baste with cooking juices, and serve warm.
Prep Time: 15 mins (plus marinating)
Kcal: 450 per serving | Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Chicken Marbella every time. First, combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring each is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor penetration. When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) with the rack in the bottom position. This placement helps the chicken skin crisp while the fruit and olives braise.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it skin-side up in a single layer in a large baking dish. Season lightly with additional salt and pepper. Pour all of the remaining marinade over and around the chicken. Evenly scatter the sliced onion, quartered garlic, and bay leaves in the dish. Sprinkle the brown sugar directly over the chicken pieces. Finally, pour the chicken broth and orange juice into the dish, avoiding washing the sugar off the chicken. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for a full 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Marbella is a versatile centerpiece. For a classic presentation, serve it over a bed of fluffy couscous or orzo to soak up the magnificent savory-sweet pan juices. For a lighter option, pair it with roasted fingerling potatoes or simple steamed green beans. The dish’s bold flavors also pair beautifully with a crisp, green salad dressed with a lemony vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garnish with fresh parsley or oregano for a pop of color.
How-to Summary
In brief: Marinate chicken in a mix of olives, capers, prunes, and herbs for 1+ hours. Arrange in a dish with onions, garlic, and bay leaves. Top with brown sugar, add broth and orange juice, then bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until cooked through. Rest before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts? Yes, but reduce the baking time to 25-30 minutes to prevent drying out. The skin-on, bone-in cuts provide more flavor and juiciness.
What can I substitute for prunes? Dried apricots or figs make excellent substitutes, offering a similar sweet contrast to the salty olives and capers.
How long can I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld and improve the next day.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. Marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also fully assemble the dish in the baking dish and refrigerate it covered for several hours before baking.
Is the vinegar listed in the directions missing from the ingredients? A common oversight! Add 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar to the marinade for the essential tangy balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid skipping the marinating time; it’s crucial for flavor. Do not overcrowd the baking dish, as this will steam the chicken instead of roasting it. Ensure you use a low-sodium broth since the olives, capers, and brine are already salty. Finally, do not skip the resting period after baking, as this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Conclusion
Chicken Marbella is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dish that masterfully balances sweet, salty, and savory notes. Its impressive flavor comes from simple preparation and a mandatory marinating period. By following this enhanced guide, avoiding common pitfalls, and utilizing the serving suggestions, you can reliably create a spectacular meal perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The result is a uniquely delicious chicken dish that truly gets better with every bite.