Ina Garten Chicken Marbella Recipe is a classic dish loved by many. It is flavorful, sweet and tangy all at once. Making this recipe at home is easier than you think.
The chicken is marinated with olives, capers, garlic and prunes, giving it a unique and rich flavor. You can serve it at dinner parties or family meals.
This Ina Garten Chicken Marbella Recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your home.
My Experience With This Recipe
I made Ina Garten Chicken Marbella last weekend and it was amazing. The chicken was juicy and tender. The prunes added a perfect sweetness, and the olives gave a salty kick.
My family loved it, especially served with roasted potatoes. The aroma while it cooked was irresistible.
I enjoyed preparing it because the steps were simple and the flavors were bold. This recipe is now one of my go-to dishes for special meals.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Chicken Marbella
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon for stirring
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- Small bowl for marinade
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Chicken Marbella
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pitted prunes
- 1/2 cup green olives
- 1/4 cup capers with juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. - Add Chicken
Place chicken thighs into the bowl with marinade. Toss until fully coated with the mixture. - Add Fruits and Olives
Add prunes, olives, and capers with juice. Mix gently to combine evenly with chicken. - Marinate the Chicken
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for better flavor. - Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the chicken. - Transfer to Baking Dish
Place the marinated chicken, prunes, olives and capers into a 9×13 inch baking dish. - Bake the Chicken
Bake in preheated oven for 50-60 minutes until chicken is cooked and golden brown. - Baste Occasionally
Spoon some marinade over chicken every 20 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful. - Check Doneness
Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature for safe eating. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve warm with sides like roasted potatoes or rice.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Chicken Marbella
- Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for juicier results.
- Stir gently to avoid breaking prunes.
- Baste occasionally while baking for moist chicken.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or rice for a full meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the marinating step; chicken will be less flavorful.
- Using too much sugar; it may burn during baking.
- Overcooking chicken; it will become dry.
- Not basting occasionally; chicken may dry out.
- Forgetting to remove pits from prunes if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ina Garten Chicken Marbella with roasted potatoes, couscous or a fresh green salad. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or sparkling water.
The dish works perfectly for dinner parties, family gatherings or a cozy weekend meal. Leftovers taste even better the next day after flavors meld.
Variations You Can Try
- Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a lighter dish.
- Add sliced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Substitute dried apricots for prunes.
- Use Kalamata olives for a stronger, richer taste.
- Add a splash of white wine while baking for more depth.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheating is fine, but may slightly dry the chicken.
- You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
Health Benefits
Chicken Marbella is rich in protein and healthy fats from olive oil. Prunes provide natural sweetness and fiber. Olives and capers add antioxidants and essential minerals.
Using fresh herbs enhances flavor without extra calories. This recipe is a balanced, nutrient-rich dish that is satisfying and delicious.
Ina Garten Chicken Marbella Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pitted prunes
- 1/2 cup green olives
- 1/4 cup capers with juice
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper.
Add Chicken
- Place chicken thighs into the bowl with marinade. Toss until fully coated with the mixture.
Add Fruits and Olives
- Add prunes, olives, and capers with juice. Mix gently to combine evenly with chicken.
Marinate the Chicken
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for better flavor.
Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the chicken.
Transfer to Baking Dish
- Place the marinated chicken, prunes, olives and capers into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Bake the Chicken
- Bake in preheated oven for 50-60 minutes until chicken is cooked and golden brown.
Baste Occasionally
- Spoon some marinade over chicken every 20 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
Check Doneness
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature for safe eating.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve warm with sides like roasted potatoes or rice.
Notes
- Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for juicier results.
- Stir gently to avoid breaking prunes.
- Baste occasionally while baking for moist chicken.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or rice for a full meal.
FAQs about Ina Garten Chicken Marbella
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the chicken overnight. Bake it the next day for better flavor and convenience.
Q2: Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but cook time will be shorter. Boneless chicken may be less juicy than bone-in.
Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe naturally contains no gluten. Serve with gluten-free sides for a safe meal.
Q4: Can I use dried cherries instead of prunes?
Yes, dried cherries are a great alternative. They add a slightly tart flavor to the dish.
Q5: How long can leftovers last?
Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten Chicken Marbella Recipe is easy, flavorful and impressive. It is perfect for family meals and dinner parties. With simple ingredients and clear steps, anyone can make this classic dish at home.
Try it for your next special meal and enjoy the combination of sweet, tangy and savory flavors in every bite. Making this recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!