There’s nothing quite like the moment when you pull a dish from the oven and are met with an irresistible aroma that envelops your kitchen. Ina Garten’s Chicken Marbella captures that magic effortlessly, combining juicy, marinated chicken with a symphony of bold flavors. Picture succulent chicken thighs, kissed by the salty tang of olives and the sweetness of prunes, all brought to life with aromatic garlic and fragrant herbs.
This delightful recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather around the table, be it a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive dinner party. What makes it truly special is its ease—thanks to a simple marinade, you can set it and forget it. While the chicken bakes, you can unwind or prepare your favorite sides. The result is a beautifully golden dish that promises to wow your guests, or simply elevate your dinner routine. Join me as we dive into this Mediterranean classic that’s destined to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Why will you love Ina Garten’s Chicken Marbella?
Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to savor the moment as it bakes to perfection.
Bursting with Flavor: The marriage of olives, prunes, and garlic creates a rich, savory profile that elevates your dining experience.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight gathering or an elegant dinner party, this dish fits right in.
Versatile Pairings: Serve alongside couscous or a fresh salad for a complete meal that satisfies all palates.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: With its delightful balance of sweetness and savory notes, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ina Garten’s Chicken Marbella Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Whole Chicken – Use bone-in chicken thighs for juiciness; it retains flavor well.
• Pitted Prunes (1 cup) – These add a sweet touch; consider substituting with dried apricots for a different flavor.
For the Marinade
• Green Olives (2 cups) – These provide a briny depth; Castelvetrano are particularly delicious.
• Capers (¼ cup) – Adds a tangy, salty burst without substitutes.
• Red Wine Vinegar (½ cup) – For acidity; white wine vinegar is a suitable alternative.
• Dry White Wine (1 cup) – Enhances the overall flavor; Sauvignon Blanc works wonderfully.
• Olive Oil (½ cup) – Extra virgin is best for a rich taste.
For the Seasoning
• Garlic (6 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic infuses aromatic flavors; powdered garlic can work in a pinch.
• Dried Oregano (1 tablespoon) – Earthy herbal notes; fresh oregano can also fine-tune the flavor.
• Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon) – Contributes warmth; no substitutes recommended.
• Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons) – Caramelizes to create a lovely crust; honey can be used instead.
For Garnish
• Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped) – Brightens the dish; cilantro is a fun alternative if desired.
• Fresh Italian Parsley (¼ cup, chopped) – Optional for an extra touch of freshness and color.
Embrace the wonderful world of flavors with Ina Garten’s Chicken Marbella, where delightful ingredients come together to create a memorable dining experience!
How to Make Ina Garten’s Chicken Marbella
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Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine olives, prunes, capers, red wine vinegar, white wine, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and cumin. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re completely coated. Allow marinating in the fridge for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to infuse those wonderful flavors.
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish or roasting pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it for easy cleanup.
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Assemble & Roast: Place the marinated chicken in a single layer in the dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and sprinkle with brown sugar for a sweet crust. Roast for 45–55 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the skin is beautifully golden.
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Garnish & Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken. Serve each piece with a generous amount of the rich sauce spooned over it for an irresistibly flavorful dish.
Optional: Serve with a side of couscous or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Ina Garten’s Chicken Marbella is a fantastic choice for meal prep, making your busy weeknights feel effortless! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing those rich flavors to deepen. For prep, combine the olives, prunes, capers, red wine vinegar, white wine, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and cumin in your resealable bag, then add the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. When you’re set to serve, just preheat your oven and roast the chicken as directed—it’s just as delicious and rewarding with this planning. Enjoy perfectly tender and flavorful chicken with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Ina Garten’s Chicken Marbella
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Marinate Longer: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the ingredients to infuse thoroughly.
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Uniform Sizes: Ensure chicken pieces are of similar size for even cooking. This prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others remain underdone.
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Thermometer Check: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F for safe and juicy results.
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Preheat Thoroughly: Always preheat your oven before roasting. This helps achieve that perfect crispy skin on your chicken Marbella.
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Brown Sugar Magic: Don’t skip the brown sugar! It caramelizes during roasting, adding a delightful sweetness to the dish that perfectly balances the savory flavors.
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Serve with Style: Presentation matters! Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the chicken Marbella with couscous or a salad for a beautiful, inviting meal.
Storage Tips for Ina Garten’s Chicken Marbella
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain flavor and freshness. The rich sauce enhances the taste even more overnight!
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Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken Marbella in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave in short intervals to prevent drying out the chicken. Enjoy the delectable flavors of this chicken dish again!
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Avoid Room Temperature: Do not leave cooked chicken Marbella out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
What to Serve with Ina Garten’s Chicken Marbella?
Imagine a table adorned with vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas, perfectly complementing your stunning chicken dish.
- Couscous: Fluffy and light, couscous soaks up the delicious marinade, making it a perfect base to catch every drop of flavor. Pair it with a hint of lemon for a refreshing note.
- Roasted Veggies: A medley of seasonal vegetables adds a delightful crunch and a pop of color to your dish, contrasting beautifully with the tender chicken. Think bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots drizzled with olive oil.
- Quinoa Salad: Nutty and hearty, quinoa adds a wholesome touch while providing a lovely texture. Toss with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette to brighten the plate.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy, golden garlic bread is irresistible and perfect for mopping up the rich sauce from the chicken. The buttery, herb-infused crunch is a lovely contrast to the dish’s tender juiciness.
- Fresh Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, radishes, and a light vinaigrette brings a refreshing crunch to balance the savory chicken. It’s a quick and easy way to add freshness to your meal.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Pair with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or another crisp white wine to highlight the dish’s vibrant flavors. The acidity complements the sweetness of the prunes and balances the richness of the chicken.
- Chocolate Tart: For dessert, a silky chocolate tart with a hint of sea salt creates a luscious finish after enjoying the bold flavors of chicken Marbella. It lingers on the palate, ensuring your meal ends on a high note.
Ina Garten’s Chicken Marbella Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this delectable dish to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
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Dairy-Free: Swap any butter you might use in side dishes with olive oil or coconut oil for a full dairy-free experience.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a delightful heat that balances the sweetness of the prunes.
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Herb Immersion: Replace dried oregano with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist that’ll elevate the flavor profile.
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Fruitful Change: Consider using dried figs instead of prunes for a rich, fruity flavor that enhances the Mediterranean essence of the dish.
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Citrus Zing: A splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice can brighten the marinade and complement the savory ingredients beautifully.
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Grain Variation: Serve the chicken over quinoa or bulgur instead of traditional sides like couscous for a nutritious twist that packs even more flavor.
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Olive Medley: Mix up the olive variety by incorporating kalamata olives for their deep tangy flavor alongside green olives.
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Nutty Addition: Toss in some toasted almonds or pine nuts into your couscous or salad as a crunchy topping to add a delightful texture.
With these variations, you can easily adjust the recipe to fit your mood or dietary preferences while still enjoying the comforting essence of Ina Garten’s Chicken Marbella.
Ina Garten’s Chicken Marbella Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use?
Absolutely! You can use a whole chicken for a classic presentation, but if you prefer, substitute it with 8 bone-in chicken thighs for a similar texture and flavor. Thighs tend to remain juicy and flavorful, making them an excellent choice for this dish.
How should I store leftover Chicken Marbella?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rich sauce continues to infuse the chicken with flavor, so don’t worry—it just gets tastier with time! Just remember to gently reheat in the oven or microwave before enjoying.
Can I freeze Chicken Marbella?
Very! To freeze, let the chicken cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll be greeted with those delicious flavors all over again!
What if my chicken isn’t cooking evenly?
No worries! If you find that some pieces of chicken are cooking faster than others, try using uniform-sized pieces next time to ensure even cooking. Also, check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer—the chicken should reach 165°F for safe and delicious results.
Can my pets eat Chicken Marbella?
While Chicken Marbella contains a lot of healthy ingredients, be cautious with the olives, capers, and garlic which can be harmful to pets. When serving leftovers to your furry friends, remove the harmful ingredients and ensure they only consume plain, cooked chicken.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Feel free to make alternatives! Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of vinegar for a gluten-sensitive version or switch the brown sugar with honey if you prefer a different sweetness. This delicious dish is versatile enough to accommodate various dietary needs while still being enjoyable.
Ina Garten’s Chicken Marbella: A Simple Dinner Party Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine olives, prunes, capers, red wine vinegar, white wine, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and cumin. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re completely coated. Allow marinating in the fridge for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to infuse those wonderful flavors.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish or roasting pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it for easy cleanup.
- Place the marinated chicken in a single layer in the dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and sprinkle with brown sugar for a sweet crust. Roast for 45–55 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the skin is beautifully golden.
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken. Serve each piece with a generous amount of the rich sauce spooned over it for an irresistibly flavorful dish.