Mediterranean-Inspired Chicken with Apricots and Prunes
Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with this luscious chicken dish that perfectly blends the sweetness of dried apricots and prunes with savory olives and vibrant herbs. Ideal for a festive dinner or a cozy gathering, this recipe brings a touch of elegance to your dining table. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or your favorite sides for a wholesome meal that will impress family and friends. Enjoy the symphony of flavors in every bite, making it a delightful addition to your recipe repertoire!
8
Servings
400
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
red wine vinegar
2/3 cup (none)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
fresh oregano
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
to taste (sprinkle generously)
black pepper
to taste (sprinkle generously)
olive oil
2/3 cup (none)
dried prunes
6 ounces (quartered)
dried apricots
6 ounces (quartered)
green olives
4 ounces (pitted)
capers
2 ounces (none)
bay leaf
1 (none)
whole chicken breasts
4 large (none)
brown sugar
3 tablespoons (none)
white wine
3/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine red wine vinegar, crushed garlic, fresh oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, quartered prunes, quartered apricots, green olives, capers, and bay leaf to create a delicious marinade.
2
Place the chicken breasts in a ziplock bag or a tightly sealed baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring they are well-coated. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor infusion.
3
One hour before you’re ready to bake, take the chicken out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature.
4
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking pan. Do not discard the marinade; pour it over the chicken along with all the accompanying ingredients.
5
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the chicken breasts and pour the white wine around them in the pan.
6
Bake the chicken uncovered for approximately 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
7
Once cooked, arrange the chicken breasts on a serving platter, drizzling them with the rich sauce and garnishing with the added ingredients from the marinade.
8
Serve warm and enjoy the delightful flavors of this Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Nutrition Information
19
Fat
17.5
Carbs
32.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean-Inspired Chicken with Apricots and Prunes?
It is a luscious chicken dish that blends the sweetness of dried apricots and prunes with savory olives, capers, and vibrant herbs.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What are the primary ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of red wine vinegar, crushed garlic, fresh oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, prunes, apricots, green olives, capers, and a bay leaf.
How long should the chicken marinate for the best flavor?
The chicken should marinate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is recommended for the best flavor infusion.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) before baking the chicken.
How long does it take to bake the chicken?
The chicken typically takes approximately 50 minutes to bake, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Should the chicken be at room temperature before baking?
Yes, you should take the chicken out of the refrigerator one hour before baking to allow it to come to room temperature.
Do I need to discard the marinade before putting the chicken in the oven?
No, do not discard the marinade. Pour it over the chicken along with all the fruit and olives before baking.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 400 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of this dish?
There are 32.5 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 19 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 17.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of vinegar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of red wine vinegar.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 2 garlic cloves, which should be crushed.
What kind of wine is used for baking?
3/4 cup of white wine is poured around the chicken in the pan before baking.
Should the chicken be covered or uncovered while baking?
The chicken should be baked uncovered.
What role does brown sugar play in the recipe?
Three tablespoons of brown sugar are sprinkled evenly over the chicken breasts to add a touch of sweetness and caramelization.
What are the recommended sides for this dish?
It is recommended to serve this dish alongside a fresh salad or your favorite sides for a wholesome meal.
How many dried apricots and prunes are needed?
The recipe uses 6 ounces of dried prunes and 6 ounces of dried apricots, both quartered.
What type of olives should I use?
Use 4 ounces of pitted green olives.
Is the chicken breast used whole or sliced?
The recipe uses 4 large whole chicken breasts.
How much olive oil is in the marinade?
The marinade requires 2/3 cup of olive oil.
Are the capers prepared in any specific way?
No special preparation is needed for the 2 ounces of capers.
What tags define this recipe's style?
Tags include mediterranean, chicken, one dish meal, dried fruits, savory, elegant dinner, and easy recipe.
How should the chicken be arranged in the baking pan?
Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer.
What should I look for to know the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
How do I serve the finished dish?
Arrange the chicken on a platter, drizzle with the rich sauce, and garnish with the fruit and olives from the marinade.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh oregano?
While the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano, you can use dried, though fresh provides more vibrant flavor.
Does the recipe include nutritional information for fiber or sugar?
Specific values for fiber, sugar, sodium, and cholesterol are not provided in the raw data.
Is this recipe considered difficult?
No, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family gatherings or festive dinners.