Savory Slow Cooker Chicken Marbella with Olives and Prunes
Experience the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this Savory Slow Cooker Chicken Marbella, inspired by the classic recipe from Manhattan's renowned Silver Palate. This dish combines tender chicken legs with a tangy marinade of white wine, brown sugar, and aromatic herbs, perfectly complemented by the sweetness of prunes and the briny kick of green olives. The slow cooking process melds the ingredients into an exquisite symphony of flavors, making it ideal for special occasions or a casual dinner gathering. Served over fluffy long-grain white rice, this meal not only delights the palate but also simplifies your cooking process, giving you more time to enjoy with your guests.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
white wine
1/3 cup (none)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons (divided)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
garlic cloves
6 (smashed)
capers
1 tablespoon (none)
prunes
1/2 cup (none)
green olives
1/3 cup (sliced)
chicken legs
2 1/2 lbs (skinless and split (about 4 drumsticks and 4 thighs))
fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
long-grain white rice
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the white wine, brown sugar, dried oregano, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper until the mixture is well combined.
2
Add the smashed garlic cloves, capers, prunes, and sliced green olives to the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
3
Carefully place the chicken legs into the slow cooker, ensuring that they are nestled among the olives and prunes. This will allow the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavors.
4
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
5
About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the long-grain white rice according to the package instructions, allowing it to steam and fluff up.
6
Once the chicken is done, gently stir in the remaining tablespoon of red wine vinegar and the chopped parsley just before serving.
7
Serve the chicken, olives, prunes, and luscious cooking liquid over the fluffy rice for a complete meal that bursts with flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Marbella?
Chicken Marbella is a classic Mediterranean-inspired dish popularized by Manhattan's Silver Palate, known for its unique blend of sweet prunes, briny olives, and savory chicken.
What ingredients are in the marinade for this slow cooker version?
The marinade consists of white wine, brown sugar, dried oregano, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
How long does it take to cook on the low setting?
When using the low setting, the chicken should cook for 5 to 6 hours until tender.
How long does it take to cook on the high setting?
On the high setting, the chicken will be fully cooked in 3 to 4 hours.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2.5 lbs of skinless, split chicken legs, which includes about 4 drumsticks and 4 thighs.
What kind of wine should I use?
A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is typically recommended for this dish.
Can I substitute the white wine?
Yes, you can substitute white wine with chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
Why are the garlic cloves smashed?
Smashing the garlic cloves releases their aromatic oils more effectively into the sauce during the slow cooking process.
Do I need to peel the chicken?
The recipe specifies skinless chicken legs to ensure the flavors penetrate the meat and the sauce doesn't become too oily.
What kind of olives are used in Chicken Marbella?
Sliced green olives are used to provide a sharp, briny kick that balances the sweetness of the prunes.
Can I use black olives instead of green?
While you can use black olives, green olives are traditional for this recipe because they offer a specific tanginess that defines the dish.
What purpose do the prunes serve?
Prunes provide a deep sweetness and chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the salty olives and capers.
When do I add the fresh parsley?
Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley is stirred in just before serving to add a fresh, herbaceous finish.
How is the red wine vinegar used in this recipe?
The vinegar is divided; 2 tablespoons are used in the initial marinade, and the final tablespoon is added just before serving to brighten the flavor.
What should I serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Marbella?
It is best served over fluffy long-grain white rice, which helps soak up the luscious cooking liquid.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of legs?
Yes, but be aware that chicken breasts cook faster and may become dry if left in the slow cooker for the full duration recommended for dark meat.
What size slow cooker is needed?
A 5- to 6-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this amount of chicken and liquid.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but always double-check your labels for the wine, vinegar, and capers to ensure they were processed in a gluten-free facility.
How many capers are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of capers.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, Chicken Marbella often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld in the refrigerator.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?
No, this recipe is designed for ease and does not require browning the chicken beforehand.
What if I don't have brown sugar?
You can substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a similar sweet component.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
You can, but use only about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley since it is more concentrated than fresh.
How much rice should I prepare?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice, prepared according to package instructions.
Can I add more vegetables to this?
While not traditional, you could add carrots or shallots to the slow cooker for extra texture and nutrition.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor profile is a complex mix of sweet, salty, tangy, and savory with a distinct Mediterranean influence.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Many children enjoy the sweetness from the prunes and brown sugar, though some may find the olives or capers a bit strong.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Yes, if using fresh oregano, use about 1.5 tablespoons to replace the 1.5 teaspoons of dried oregano.