Chicken Marbella: Weeknight Wonder

Sweet, Savory, and Weeknight-Worthy

There’s something so comforting about a dish that feels fancy, but comes together effortlessly—and that’s exactly what Chicken Marbella delivers. This recipe is a twist on a classic from the Silver Palate Cookbook, and it's become a go-to in our home for special dinners, Sunday meals, and yes—even weeknights.

It’s sweet. It’s savory. It’s full of flavor from simple pantry ingredients like prunes, olives, capers, and a splash of vinegar. The result is perfectly marinated chicken that roasts up juicy and golden, with a glossy, caramelized sauce that practically begs to be spooned over mashed potatoes or rice.

💡 Why You’ll Love It

• It marinates overnight (or even just a few hours), so you can prep it ahead and just bake.

• It feels like something you’d order at a restaurant—but it’s humble, budget-friendly, and made with whole ingredients.

• It makes enough to feed a crowd or give you delicious leftovers.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 ½ to 3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs or breasts

• ½ cup red wine vinegar

• ½ cup olive oil

• ½ cup (or more) pitted prunes

• ½ cup green olives (like Castelvetrano or Spanish)

• ¼ cup capers with a bit of juice

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano

• 2 bay leaves

• Salt + pepper to taste

• 1-2 cups of white wine

🍽️ Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken In a large bowl or gallon zip-top bag, combine all ingredients except the brown sugar and white wine. Mix well and add chicken, making sure it’s coated. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

2. Bake:. Combine Preheat oven to 375°F. Transfer the chicken and marinade to a baking dish. Sprinkle brown sugar over the top and pour white wine, or if you do not cook with wine, then use chicken broth.

3. Roast: Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until chicken is golden and fully cooked (165°F internal temp). Baste with pan juices halfway through.

4. Serve: Spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve with rice, couscous, or mashed potatoes. A crisp green salad on the side balances everything beautifully.

🥄 Make It Weeknight-Friendly

If you're tight on time:

• Mix the marinade the night before.

• Bake on a sheet pan with baby potatoes for a one-pan meal.

✨ Final Thoughts

Chicken Marbella is proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or expensive ingredients to make a meal that feels like a moment. It’s cozy, elevated, and made for slow evenings at home—even when your day’s been anything but.

Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear how you serve it in your own kitchen!

— Lauren

@weeknight_homemaker 🤍