Introduction

Chicken Marbella is a beloved dish from the Silver Palate Cookbook (1982) that became a dinner party icon in the ‘80s — and it has stood the test of time for good reason. The chicken is marinated overnight in a tangy-sweet mix of garlic, oregano, red wine vinegar, olive oil, green olives, capers, and prunes, then roasted until golden and glazed with white wine and brown sugar.

The magic here is in the contrast: the sweetness of prunes against the briny olives, the sharpness of vinegar mellowed by the richness of chicken, and the way the roasting juices turn into a luscious sauce.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something truly magical about Chicken Marbella, a dish that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite. What I love most about this recipe is how it combines tender, juicy chicken with the rich sweetness of prunes, the briny pop of olives, and a hint of tangy capers—all brought together with a garlic and herb marinade that infuses the meat with extraordinary flavor. Every forkful feels like a burst of Mediterranean-inspired indulgence.

The combination of sweet and savory is perfectly balanced, making this dish elegant enough for a dinner party yet comforting enough for a family meal. Roasting the chicken with prunes and olives creates a natural sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. The result is a dish that is both hearty and sophisticated, offering layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more.

For me, this recipe is a must-have because it’s more than just a chicken dish—it’s a celebration of bold, complementary flavors. The tender chicken, the sweetness of prunes, and the briny olives create a unique taste experience that is memorable and satisfying. It’s a dish that turns any meal into a special occasion, and it’s guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

Chicken Marbella with Olives and Prunes is a unique and flavorful dish that stands out for its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy elements. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

1. Bold, Complementary Flavors – The sweetness of prunes, briny olives, and tangy capers come together with tender chicken to create a flavor-packed experience.
2. Elegant Yet Accessible – Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it approachable for home cooks.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion – From a casual family dinner to an impressive dinner party, this dish feels special and delivers a memorable dining experience.
4. Juicy, Tender Chicken – Marinating and roasting the chicken ensures it stays moist, flavorful, and succulent in every bite.
5. A Crowd-Pleaser – The unique combination of sweet and savory flavors appeals to a wide range of tastes, making it a dish that guests and family members alike rave about.

Trying this recipe guarantees more than just a delicious meal—it offers a culinary experience that is rich, flavorful, and truly unforgettable.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight marinating)
• Cooking Time: 50–60 minutes
• Total Time: About 13–14 hours (including marinating)
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: ~480 kcal per serving

Ingredients

Marinade & Chicken

• 4 lbs (1.8 kg) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and/or legs
• 1 head garlic, peeled and finely minced
• 1/4 cup dried oregano
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup pitted prunes
• 1/2 cup pitted green olives
• 1/2 cup capers with a bit of juice
• 6 bay leaves

For Roasting

• 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl or container, combine garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, vinegar, olive oil, prunes, olives, capers (with juice), and bay leaves.
2. Add the chicken pieces and turn to coat well.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight (12–24 hours), turning chicken occasionally for even marination.

Step 2: Prepare for Roasting

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange chicken in a single layer in a large roasting pan, skin side up.
3. Spoon marinade evenly over chicken, distributing prunes, olives, and capers.

Step 3: Roast the Chicken

1. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over chicken.
2. Pour white wine around (not over) the chicken to keep the skin crisp.
3. Roast for 50–60 minutes, basting with pan juices once or twice, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature and skin is golden brown.

Step 4: Serve

1. Transfer chicken, prunes, olives, and capers to a serving platter.
2. Spoon pan juices over the top.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley.

How to Serve

• Serve hot or warm with crusty bread, couscous, or roasted potatoes to soak up the sauce.
• Also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or lemony green beans.

Additional Recipe Tips and Variations

• Make Ahead — The chicken can be marinated up to 48 hours before roasting.
• Skin-On vs. Skinless — Keep skin on for flavor, but skinless works for a lighter dish.
• Fruit Swap — Use dried apricots, figs, or dates in place of prunes for a twist.
• Herb Upgrade — Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the marinade for extra aroma.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (with sauce) in airtight containers up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently in oven at 300°F, covered, until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large non-reactive bowl or container (for marinating)
• Large roasting pan
• Meat thermometer

FAQ

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but they cook faster — check for doneness around 35–40 minutes.

Q2: Is it necessary to marinate overnight?
Overnight marinating gives the best flavor, but 4 hours minimum will still be good.

Q3: Can I make this in advance for a party?
Absolutely — it reheats beautifully and even tastes better the next day.

Q4: What wine works best?
A dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors perfectly.

Conclusion

Chicken Marbella with Olives and Prunes is a culinary time capsule that still shines today. The sweet-savory flavors, make-ahead convenience, and elegant presentation make it perfect for dinner parties, holiday feasts, or just a cozy weekend meal. It’s proof that some recipes truly are timeless — and once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s been beloved for over 40 years.