Chicken Marbella is a legendary dish for a reason. First made famous by The Silver Palate Cookbook, this sweet-and-savory baked chicken combines prunes, olives, capers, garlic, and red wine vinegar into a bold, unforgettable flavor profile. Best of all, it’s mostly hands-off, making it ideal for entertaining.
You marinate the chicken overnight, then bake it while the oven does the work — guests will think you cooked all day.
Why Chicken Marbella Is So Popular
- Perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy
- Make-ahead friendly (even better the next day)
- Elegant enough for holidays or dinner parties
- Minimal prep — no chopping required
- Reheats beautifully without drying out
This is one of those rare recipes that’s both impressive and effortless.
Ingredients Overview
Here’s what gives Chicken Marbella its signature flavor:
- Whole chicken, cut into pieces – Skin removed for a cleaner sauce
- Prunes – Add gentle sweetness and depth
- Green olives – Salty contrast to the prunes
- Capers (with liquid) – Bright, briny punch
- Garlic – Savory backbone
- Red wine vinegar – Tangy acidity that balances the dish
- Olive oil – Carries flavor through the marinade
- Dried oregano & bay leaves – Herbal warmth
- Brown sugar – Caramelizes during baking
- Dry white wine – Adds aroma and richness
- Fresh parsley – For garnish and freshness
Tip: Use a dry white wine you’d actually drink, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
How to Make Chicken Marbella
1. Marinate (The Magic Step)
In a bowl, mix prunes, olives, capers (with liquid), olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Spread the mixture in a baking dish, add chicken pieces, and turn to coat well.
Cover and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
2. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the chicken and pour white wine around (not over) the pieces.
Bake uncovered for 1 hour, basting with pan juices several times.
3. Serve
Transfer chicken to a platter, spoon the glossy sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley.
What to Serve with Chicken Marbella
This dish shines with simple sides that soak up the sauce:
- Steamed white rice (classic choice)
- Crusty artisan bread
- Roasted potatoes
- Couscous or orzo
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheating: Gently reheat in the oven or on the stovetop with pan juices
- Entertaining tip: You can fully bake this dish a day ahead — flavors deepen overnight
Why This Recipe Always Impresses
Chicken Marbella looks sophisticated, tastes complex, and yet requires almost no technical skill. It’s the ultimate “secret weapon” dinner perfect when you want something memorable without stress.
Chicken Marbella Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Mix prunes, olives, capers, oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Sprinkle chicken with brown sugar and pour wine around it.
- Bake for 1 hour, basting several times.
- Transfer to a platter, spoon juices over, and garnish with parsley.
