Mediterranean Roasted Chicken with Olives and Apricots
This Mediterranean Roasted Chicken with Olives and Apricots brings together the rich flavors of a classic Chicken Marbella, reimagined for ease without sacrificing flavor. This dish features a juicy whole chicken that is marinated in a flavorful blend of green olives, sweet prunes, and tangy capers. The addition of apple cider vinegar and a hint of agave nectar gives it a delightful balance of sweet and savory. Perfect for festive occasions like Passover Seder, this dish not only dazzles with its complex taste but also serves as a beautiful centerpiece for your dining table. Paired with Gluten-Free Matzoh Ball Soup, it's sure to impress your guests and create memorable moments around the table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole chicken
1 (rinsed and patted dry)
Celtic sea salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
pitted green olives
1 cup (whole)
pitted prunes
1 cup (whole)
dried oregano
1 tablespoon (for flavoring)
capers
1 tablespoon (rinsed before use)
bay leaves
2 (for infusing flavor)
garlic
1 clove (pressed)
olive oil
1/4 cup (for marinating)
agave nectar
1/4 tablespoon (for sweetness)
apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup (for acidity)
water
1/4 cup (for moisture)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels.
3
Place the chicken breast side up in a large Pyrex baking dish and generously sprinkle the Celtic sea salt all over the chicken.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pitted green olives, prunes, dried oregano, capers, bay leaves, pressed garlic, olive oil, agave nectar, apple cider vinegar, and water. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
5
Carefully pour the olive and prune mixture around the chicken in the baking dish, ensuring the ingredients sit underneath and around the bird.
6
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
7
After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue to roast the chicken for an additional 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before carving. Serve alongside the olive and prune mixture for a flavorful accent.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Roasted Chicken with Olives and Apricots?
It is a flavorful dish that reimagines the classic Chicken Marbella for ease, featuring a whole chicken roasted with green olives, prunes, and capers.
Is this recipe suitable for Passover?
Yes, this dish is perfect for festive occasions like Passover Seder and serves as a beautiful centerpiece.
What are the primary flavors in this chicken dish?
The dish offers a complex balance of sweet and savory flavors from ingredients like agave nectar, apple cider vinegar, prunes, and green olives.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
You should preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to start the roasting process.
How should I prepare the chicken before cooking?
Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and thoroughly pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning.
How do I season the chicken?
Place the chicken breast side up in a large Pyrex baking dish and generously sprinkle Celtic sea salt all over it.
What ingredients are in the marinade mixture?
The mixture includes pitted green olives, prunes, dried oregano, capers, bay leaves, pressed garlic, olive oil, agave nectar, apple cider vinegar, and water.
How should the olive and prune mixture be placed in the dish?
Carefully pour the mixture around the chicken, ensuring the ingredients sit underneath and around the bird.
How long do I roast the chicken at 425°F?
Roast the chicken at 425°F (220°C) for the first 20 minutes.
What is the second roasting temperature?
After the initial 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the chicken cook at 375°F?
Continue roasting at 375°F for an additional 40 minutes or until fully cooked.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Should the chicken rest after roasting?
Yes, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before carving to ensure it remains juicy.
What kind of olives should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of pitted green olives.
Can I use prunes in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 cup of whole pitted prunes for sweetness and texture.
How much garlic is needed?
One clove of pressed garlic is used to flavor the marinade.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using 1 teaspoon of Celtic sea salt.
What provides the acidity in the sauce?
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar provides the necessary tang and acidity.
How many bay leaves are required?
Two bay leaves are added to the mixture to infuse the dish with herbal flavor.
Is agave nectar used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 tablespoon of agave nectar is added to provide a hint of sweetness.
Do I need to rinse the capers?
Yes, it is recommended to rinse the tablespoon of capers before adding them to the mixture.
What kind of oil is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of olive oil for the marinade.
What is a recommended side dish?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with Gluten-Free Matzoh Ball Soup.
How do I serve this dish?
Carve the chicken and serve it alongside the flavorful olive and prune mixture.
How much water is added to the baking dish?
1/4 cup of water is mixed into the marinade to help provide moisture during roasting.
What size chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for one whole chicken, prepared by rinsing and drying.
How much oregano is in the recipe?
One tablespoon of dried oregano is used for flavoring.
What is the preparation for the capers?
The capers should be rinsed and then used as a whole measurement.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is designed for ease by using a single roasting dish for the chicken and its flavoring components.
What kind of baking dish is best?
A large Pyrex baking dish is recommended to fit the whole chicken and the surrounding fruit and olive mixture.