Chicken Marbella
What makes Chicken Marbella a timeless classic? Discover the surprising origins and enduring appeal of this Mediterranean-inspired dish that's more than just prunes and olives.
Equipment
- Baking Pans
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Oven
- Serving Platter
- Basting Brush
Ingredients
- 4 lbs chicken (thighs and breasts, bone-in and skin-on)
- 1 head garlic (peeled and finely pureed)
- 1/4 cup oregano (dried)
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 cup prunes (pitted)
- 1/2 cup Spanish green olives (pitted)
- 1/2 cup capers (with a bit of juice)
- 6 bay leaves
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup white wine
- salt (coarse, to taste)
- ground pepper (fresh, to taste)
- 1/4 cup Italian parsley (fresh, finely chopped)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken OvernightTo begin the marination process, you'll need to gather all the ingredients for the marinade. Combining garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, vinegar, and olive oil creates a flavorful base that'll infuse your chicken with Mediterranean essence.Don't forget the prunes, olives, capers, and bay leaves - they're essential for that signature Marbella taste.Once you've mixed these components, it's time to add your chicken. Make certain each piece is well-coated with the marinade.Why marinate overnight? The benefits are twofold: tenderizing the meat and deepening the flavors. As the chicken rests in this aromatic bath, it'll absorb the complex blend of sweet, salty, and tangy notes.Are you wondering how to guarantee maximum flavor penetration? Try gently massaging the marinade into the chicken before refrigerating.Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a large zip-top bag, squeezing out excess air.
- Preheat Oven to 350°FAfter your chicken has marinated overnight, it's time to start the cooking process. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is essential for achieving that perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat.While the oven's warming up, why not take a moment to appreciate the amazing aromas wafting from your marinated chicken?Now, let's talk baking tips. You'll want to confirm your oven rack is positioned in the center for even heat distribution. Have you ever wondered why this matters? It's all about creating that ideal environment for your Chicken Marbella to cook evenly.As you wait for the oven to reach temperature, gather your baking dishes. Remember, you'll need one or two large, shallow pans to accommodate the chicken in a single layer. This arrangement allows the heat to circulate properly, making sure each piece cooks to perfection.Don't forget to check your oven temperature with a separate thermometer if you have one – it's a pro move that'll guarantee accuracy. Ready to take your Chicken Marbella to the next level?
- Arrange Chicken in Baking PansWith the oven preheating, it's time to arrange your marinated chicken in the baking pans. Remember that proper chicken arrangement is vital for even cooking and ideal flavor absorption. You'll want to use one or two large, shallow baking pans, depending on the quantity of chicken you're preparing.Start by removing the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Place them in a single layer in the baking pans, making sure they're not overcrowded. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece, promoting even browning and cooking.Are you tempted to stack the chicken? Don't! It'll result in unevenly cooked meat.Next, spoon the marinade, including the prunes, olives, and capers, over the chicken pieces. This step guarantees that every bite is infused with the delicious Mediterranean flavors you've been developing overnight.Have you considered how the arrangement affects presentation? By thoughtfully placing the colorful ingredients, you're not just cooking; you're creating a visually appealing dish. Remember, we eat with our eyes first!
- Bake, Basting FrequentlyOnce your chicken is arranged in the baking pans, it's time to start the cooking process. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get ready to master some key bake techniques.First, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the chicken pieces. Then, pour the white wine around the chicken, not directly on top. This creates a flavorful bath for the chicken to cook in.Now, let's talk basting methods. You'll want to baste the chicken frequently during the cooking process. Every 15 minutes or so, open the oven and carefully spoon the pan juices over the chicken. This keeps the meat moist and helps develop a rich, glossy finish.Don't forget to rotate the pans halfway through cooking for even browning. You'll know the chicken is done when the thickest part of the thigh yields clear yellow juice when pricked with a fork. This usually takes about 50 to 60 minutes.
- Garnish With Chopped ParsleyThe final touch to your Chicken Marbella is a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This vibrant green herb not only adds a pop of color to your dish but also brings a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that complements the rich, savory notes of the chicken.As you grab your knife to chop the parsley, consider the numerous garnish ideas that could elevate your presentation. Why not try a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil alongside the parsley?Did you know that parsley isn't just for looks? It's packed with health benefits, including vitamins A, C, and K. As you're chopping, take a moment to inhale its fresh scent – isn't it invigorating?When you're ready to serve, transfer the chicken to a platter and spoon some of those delicious pan juices over it. Then, generously sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top. The contrast between the green herb and the golden-brown chicken will make your dish Instagram-worthy.
Nutrition
Calories: 873kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 43gFat: 48gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 251mgSodium: 794mgPotassium: 894mgFiber: 3gSugar: 47gVitamin A: 743IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 125mgIron: 3mg