Ina Garten’s Updated Chicken Marbella: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Introduction

Ina Garten’s Chicken Marbella is one of the most iconic dishes in her cookbook, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. With its complex yet approachable flavor profile, it has remained a favorite for decades. The recipe combines tender chicken with a tangy, sweet, and savory marinade made from prunes, olives, capers, garlic, and white wine. This classic dish is known for its delicious balance of flavors and its ability to please even the most discerning palates.

However, Ina Garten’s updated version of Chicken Marbella makes a few simple tweaks to improve flavor while making it easier to prepare, all without compromising the dish’s signature appeal. The result is an even more flavorful and tender chicken with minimal prep time, making it a perfect choice for both weekday dinners and special occasions.

This version of Chicken Marbella stays true to the traditional combination of flavors that made it famous, with a few updates to streamline the process, making it suitable for today’s home cooks. Whether you’re a longtime fan of this dish or trying it for the first time, Ina’s updated Chicken Marbella will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple, Yet Elegant: Despite its elegant flavor profile, Chicken Marbella is surprisingly simple to prepare. The long marinade does most of the work, leaving you with tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfectly cooked every time.
• Flavor Balance: The key to Chicken Marbella’s appeal is the perfect balance between salty, sweet, and tangy elements. The olives and capers add a savory depth, while the prunes provide a touch of sweetness, and the vinegar and wine give it a satisfying tang.
• Ideal for Entertaining: With its vibrant colors and complex flavor, Chicken Marbella makes an excellent dish for dinner parties or family gatherings. It looks beautiful on the plate and is sure to impress your guests.
• Versatile and Customizable: The recipe is adaptable to your tastes. You can experiment with different dried fruits, herbs, or even adjust the sweetness by modifying the brown sugar, making this dish uniquely your own.
• Minimal Hands-On Time: The majority of the work comes in the marinade stage. After that, the chicken practically cooks itself, making this recipe perfect for busy cooks who want to spend less time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)
• Servings: 6 servings
• Nutrition (per serving):
  Calories: 450
  Protein: 45g
  Carbs: 25g
  Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For Marinade & Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3 ½ lbs), cut into 8 pieces (or you can use 8 bone-in chicken thighs for a richer flavor)
• 2 cups pitted green olives (Castelvetrano or similar), roughly chopped
• 1 cup pitted prunes, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup capers, drained
• ½ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• ½ cup olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For Topping:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by preparing the marinade. Combine all of the marinade ingredients in a large mixing bowl or a resealable plastic bag. This includes the green olives, prunes, capers, red wine vinegar, white wine, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, and cumin. These ingredients create a rich, tangy, sweet, and savory base that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor as it marinates.

Add your chicken pieces into the bowl or bag, making sure the chicken is submerged in the marinade. Toss the chicken pieces to ensure that each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though for the best results, let it marinate for 4 hours or overnight. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it becomes, so plan ahead to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). The middle rack is ideal for even cooking. Prepare a large baking dish or roasting pan—something big enough to hold all the chicken pieces in a single layer. If you don’t have a roasting pan, a large glass baking dish or even a cast-iron skillet will work. Be sure to line the pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Roast the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the refrigerator and arrange the pieces in the prepared baking dish. Pour the entire marinade, including the olives, prunes, and liquid, over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated.

Now, sprinkle the chicken with brown sugar. This adds a subtle sweetness and helps create a lovely caramelized crust on the chicken as it roasts. The sugar balances out the salty olives and tangy capers, making the dish even more flavorful.

Place the baking dish in the oven and roast for about 45-55 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (75°C). The skin will crisp up beautifully while the chicken remains tender and juicy. During roasting, the marinade transforms into a flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the chicken.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is roasted to perfection, remove the dish from the oven. To finish, sprinkle the chicken with fresh chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Serve each piece of chicken with a spoonful of the olives, prunes, and caper sauce that’s collected in the pan.

Chicken Marbella is an incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement its bold flavors.

How to Serve Chicken Marbella

Chicken Marbella is a versatile dish that works well with many different sides. Here are some excellent pairing options:

1. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or parsnips, provide a hearty, earthy balance to the bright, tangy flavors of the chicken. The sweetness of roasted vegetables pairs beautifully with the prunes in the dish.

2. Rice or Couscous: Light, fluffy couscous or a bowl of steamed rice works perfectly to absorb the sauce from the chicken. You can add a bit of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the rice for added freshness.

3. Green Salad: A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken. Consider mixing arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with a mustard-based vinaigrette for a perfect counterpoint.

4. Crusty Bread: A great crusty baguette or ciabatta bread is perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce left in the baking dish. The bread helps balance out the rich, savory flavors and makes every bite even better.

5. Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay is an excellent choice to pair with Chicken Marbella. The acidity of the wine balances the richness of the dish, making for a harmonious pairing.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: While boneless, skinless chicken can be used, bone-in, skin-on chicken works best for this recipe. The bone helps the chicken retain moisture during cooking, and the skin crisps up beautifully in the oven, adding texture and flavor.

2. Customize the Marinade: Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits or herbs in the marinade. Dried apricots or figs can be used in place of prunes for a slightly different flavor profile. You could also add fresh rosemary or thyme for a more aromatic touch.

3. Adjust the Sweetness: The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, but you can adjust the amount depending on your preference. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the sugar slightly or omit it entirely. For more sweetness, feel free to increase it a bit.

4. Marinate Longer for More Flavor: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Plan to marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the marinade to deeply penetrate the chicken and infuse it with all the wonderful flavors.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store the chicken and marinade together to maintain the flavor.

Freezing: This dish also freezes well. Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion

Ina Garten’s Updated Chicken Marbella is an ideal dish for anyone looking to create a flavorful, elegant meal with minimal effort. Its combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors will impress both family and guests alike. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal or a special gathering, this dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

The best part of this updated version is its simplicity—Ina Garten has managed to preserve all the beloved elements of the classic recipe while making it even easier to prepare. With its balanced flavors, minimal prep time, and impressive presentation, Chicken Marbella is the perfect addition to your meal rotation. Bon appétit!

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