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Chicken Marbella

A classic Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken marinated with olives, prunes, and aromatic spices, perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the marinade and chicken
  • 1 whole chicken (about 3½ lbs) 1 whole chicken (about 3 ½ lbs), cut into 8 pieces or opt for 8 bone-in chicken thighs
  • 2 cups 2 cups pitted green olives, chopped e.g., Castelvetrano
  • 1 cup 1 cup pitted prunes, chopped for a sweet kick
  • ¼ cup ¼ cup capers, drained for that tangy punch
  • ½ cup ½ cup red wine vinegar the acidic element that balances flavors
  • 1 cup 1 cup dry white wine Sauvignon Blanc or similar
  • ½ cup ½ cup olive oil high-quality extra virgin olive oil is preferred
  • 6 cloves 6 cloves garlic, minced more veggies, more flavor!
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon dried oregano a Mediterranean staple
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon ground cumin for a hint of earthiness
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons brown sugar to enhance sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • ¼ cup ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped for a pop of color

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine olives, prunes, capers, red wine vinegar, white wine, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and cumin. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but it's recommended to marinate overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Cooking
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking dish or roasting pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Arrange chicken pieces skin-side up in the dish in a single layer. Pour the marinade over the top, ensuring all pieces are covered. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly across the chicken.
  3. Roast for 45-55 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the skin looks golden and crispy.
  4. Remove from the oven and sprinkle generously with fresh parsley. Spoon the sauce over each serving.

Notes

For optimal results, let the chicken marinate overnight. Ensure the chicken is at room temperature before marinating for even cooking. Leftovers can be stored for up to 4 days in the fridge or frozen for up to 3 months.