Chicken Marbella is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken with a unique mix of flavors like olives, prunes, capers, and a splash of red wine vinegar. The result is a lovely balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes that make it stand out from your usual chicken dinner. The chicken cooks until juicy and flavorful, with a slightly caramelized sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
I’ve always loved making Chicken Marbella when I want something that feels a bit special but is still super easy to prepare. One of my favorite things about it is how the prunes and olives add such an unexpected twist—if you’ve never tried them together, this is a great way to see how well they play off each other. I also like to prepare it the night before and let the chicken marinate so all those flavors really soak in.
When I serve Chicken Marbella, I usually pair it with simple sides like rice or crusty bread to soak up the yummy sauce. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress when friends come over or for a cozy dinner at home. This recipe has been a favorite in my house because it feels fancy but isn’t complicated, making weekday dinners a bit more exciting without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Using bone-in, skin-on thighs gives the best flavor and juicy texture. If you prefer leaner meat, you can try chicken breasts but watch the cooking time so they don’t dry out.
Green Olives: Castelvetrano olives are great for their mild, buttery flavor and firm texture. If you can’t find these, any pitted green olives work well. Avoid overly briny olives to keep the flavor balanced.
Prunes: These add natural sweetness and a soft texture. You can substitute with dried apricots or cherries if prunes aren’t your favorite or hard to find. They all add a nice fruity contrast.
Capers: Capers bring a tangy, salty punch. If you don’t have capers, chopped green olives can add a similar briny note, though a bit milder.
Red Wine Vinegar & Brown Sugar: These ingredients create the unique tangy-sweet sauce. Apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute for red wine vinegar, and maple syrup or honey can replace brown sugar in a pinch.
How Do You Get Crispy Skin While Keeping the Chicken Juicy?
Searing the chicken thighs skin-side down is crucial. Here’s what I do:
- Heat the oil in a heavy skillet until hot but not smoking.
- Place the chicken skin-side down and leave it undisturbed for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
- Flip and sear the other side for a few minutes just to develop color, then remove from heat.
- Finish cooking in the oven, which keeps the chicken juicy while letting the sauce thicken around it.
Patting the skin dry before seasoning helps the oil crisp it up better. This simple step makes a big difference in texture and flavor throughout the dish.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven – perfect for searing the chicken and baking it all in one pan.
- Tongs – help you turn the chicken pieces easily without tearing the skin.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the vinegar, sugar, and spices just right.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping garlic and preparing prunes and olives.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for bone-in pork chops for a richer, hearty twist that cooks similarly.
- Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the marinade for extra herbal notes that brighten the dish.
- Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with prunes for a tangy, sweet pop of color and flavor.
- Use dried apricots instead of prunes if you want a slightly lighter and fruitier sweetness.
Chicken Marbella
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted (like Castelvetrano)
- 1/2 cup prunes, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Marbella recipe will take around 10 minutes to prepare, plus about 45 minutes of cooking time in the oven. If you want extra flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This way, the whole process could take a bit longer but is mostly hands-off.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Season the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Season the chicken thighs well with salt and freshly ground pepper on all sides. This will help bring out the flavors and give the chicken a nice crust when searing.
2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook without moving them for about 5 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the green olives, prunes, capers, white wine (or chicken broth), red wine vinegar, brown sugar, dried oregano, and bay leaves. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer.
4. Bake the Chicken with Sauce:
Place the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin side up, arranging them among the sauce and fruits. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the sauce thickens slightly around it.
5. Finish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove and discard the bay leaves. Spoon the delicious sauce over each piece of chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the Chicken Marbella warm alongside rice, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables to enjoy every last bit of the flavorful sauce.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Thighs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that crispy skin.
Can I Make Chicken Marbella Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! In fact, marinating the chicken with the olives, prunes, capers, and seasonings for a few hours or overnight really enhances the flavor. You can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken ahead, then bake just before serving.
What Are Good Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Marbella?
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad also complement the flavors nicely.
Can I Substitute the Prunes with Other Dried Fruits?
Yes! Dried apricots or dried cherries are great alternatives and will add a slightly different sweetness and texture but still keep the balance of flavors in the dish.
