A Timeless Mediterranean Classic with a Sweet and Savory Twist

There are few dishes that effortlessly balance sweet, savory, tangy, and briny flavors the way Chicken Marbella does. Originally made famous by the Silver Palate Cookbook in the 1980s, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe has found its way into the hearts (and kitchens) of food lovers around the globe. Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party or meal prepping for a flavorful week ahead, Chicken Marbella is a standout recipe that delivers every time.

In this post, I’ll guide you through how to make this succulent dish, offer pro tips to elevate your results, suggest flavor variations and pairing ideas, and help you store any leftovers properly. If you’re new to cooking or looking to expand your recipe repertoire with something elegant yet accessible, this is one dish you’ll want to bookmark.

Who This Recipe Is For

Chicken Marbella is perfect for home cooks who appreciate complex flavor without complex prep. It’s great for those who:

Love Mediterranean or Spanish-inspired cuisine
Enjoy sweet and savory flavor combos
Want a dish that can be made ahead of time
Appreciate a show-stopping meal that’s low effort but high impact

Whether you’re cooking for a holiday gathering, romantic dinner, or a midweek treat, this dish scales easily and impresses effortlessly.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Marbella

This recipe is packed with layers of flavor. The dried prunes add sweetness, the green olives and capers bring a briny bite, and the red wine vinegar and white wine add a tangy depth. Garlic, oregano, and bay leaves infuse the dish with an herbaceous aroma while the brown sugar caramelizes the chicken skin beautifully. The result? A juicy, tender, sweet-savory chicken that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.

Plus, the chicken is marinated overnight, so most of the work is done in advance. That means less time in the kitchen on the day of your meal and more time enjoying it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

⅓ cup pitted prunes, halved
8 small green olives
2 tablespoons capers, with liquid
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 (3-pound) whole chicken, skin removed and cut into pieces
¼ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
10×15-inch baking dish
Sharp chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Foil or plastic wrap (for marinating)
Oven

How to Make Chicken Marbella – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Marinate Overnight

In a medium bowl, combine the prunes, green olives, capers (with liquid), olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well.

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and turn to coat evenly. Transfer everything to a 10×15-inch baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. This step allows the chicken to soak up the bold, vibrant flavors.

Pro Tip: For maximum flavor penetration, use bone-in chicken pieces and make small slits in the meat to let the marinade seep in.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chicken from the fridge and let it come to room temperature while the oven heats.

Sprinkle the packed brown sugar evenly over the top of the chicken. Pour the dry white wine around the chicken pieces in the dish—not directly on top—so it helps steam and tenderize the meat as it cooks.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 1 hour, spooning the juices over the chicken every 20 minutes to keep it moist and glossy.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a golden, slightly crispy finish, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes—but keep a close eye to avoid burning the sugars.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Spoon the juices, prunes, olives, and capers generously over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Marbella is a versatile main that pairs beautifully with:

Rice pilaf or couscous – to soak up all that flavorful sauce
Crusty bread – perfect for mopping up juices
Garlicky roasted potatoes
Steamed green beans or broccolini – for a light veggie side
White wine – opt for a dry Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement the briny-sweet balance

Recipe Variations and Swaps

Don’t have all the ingredients? No problem.
Here are some delicious tweaks you can try:

Chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole cut-up chicken
Dates or dried apricots instead of prunes for a different sweetness
Black olives if you don’t have green ones
Fresh oregano instead of dried—just triple the amount
Apple cider vinegar in place of red wine vinegar for a slightly sweeter tang

Want it vegetarian? Substitute the chicken with roasted cauliflower steaks or thick slices of tofu and marinate/bake the same way.

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Marbella stores exceptionally well. Here’s how to handle the leftovers:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or wine to rehydrate.
Meal Prep Tip: This dish actually tastes better the next day, making it ideal for batch cooking.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts will work, though bone-in pieces yield more flavor. Reduce the baking time by about 10–15 minutes if using boneless cuts.

Is it okay to skip the overnight marinade?

Technically yes, but you’ll lose a lot of flavor. If short on time, marinate for at least 2–3 hours.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely! You can marinate a day or two in advance, and even bake it early, then reheat gently before serving.

What can I use instead of white wine?

Chicken broth or apple juice make good substitutes. Just reduce the sugar slightly if using juice.

Is Chicken Marbella gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure any vinegar or wine used is certified gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with Celiac disease.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Marbella is more than just a retro classic—it’s a timeless recipe that continues to dazzle with its symphony of bold, contrasting flavors. The ease of preparation combined with its make-ahead nature makes it a favorite for modern kitchens, special gatherings, and weeknight dinners alike.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more gourmet yet approachable recipes that are big on flavor and light on stress. Bon appétit!