Everyone has a favorite recipe that often becomes their comfort food. I know I’m not alone in choosing The Silver Palate Cookbook’s Chicken Marbella because I have been to a number of friends’ dinner parties to happily discover the hosts love it, too. The authors’ say it’s great for a crowd, and it is – it’s easy, delicious, and feeds the multitudes. And it’s even better if made a day or two ahead!
Winter Comfort Food: Silver Palette’s Chicken Marbella
By Ellen Gutman ChenauxServings: 6 (double for 10-12)
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 8 chicken thighs
- 1/2 head of garlic (really1), peeled and pureed
- 1/8 cup oregano
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup pitted prunes
- 1/2 cup olives (a mix of Spanish and Italian, pitted)
- 1/4 cup capers (and a bit of caper juice)
- 3 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/8 cup finely chopped Italian parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Combine chicken, garlic, oregano, pepper, kosher salt, vinegar, olive oil, prunes, olives, capers and juice, and bay leaves in a large bowl or pan. Cover and chill overnight.
Preheat oven to 350F.
In a large, shallow pan (I use 9x12 inch brownie pan), arrange the chicken in a single layer and spoon the marinade over the chicken evenly. Sprinkle the chicken with brown sugar, and pour the white wine around the chicken.
At this point you can refrigerate the dish overnight or…
Bake for 50-60 minutes, basting chicken often. The chicken is done when thighs are pierced with a fork and clear yellow (not pink) juices run out.At this point you can refrigerate the cooked chicken. Reheat before serving.
Using a slotted spoon, arrange the chicken, prunes, olives, and capers to a serving plate. Moisten with a few spoonfuls of the pan juices and sprinkle generously with parsley. Pour the remaining juices in a gravy boat for guests to spoon onto their chicken.
This dish also works well cold, cool, to room temperature in the marinade before transferring to the serving platter.
With gratitude to Julie Russo and Sheila Lukins for sharing this incredible recipe with us!