Mary Berry Chicken Marbella Recipe

The Mary Berry Chicken Marbella is a stunning combination of Mediterranean flavours — sweet, savoury, and tangy — all in one dish. Originating from the classic Silver Palate Cookbook, this recipe gets Mary Berry’s signature touch of simplicity and balance. Tender chicken is baked with prunes, olives, capers, garlic, and herbs in a light marinade that caramelises beautifully in the oven. It’s an elegant yet easy dish, perfect for both family dinners and festive occasions.

What Is Mary Berry Chicken Marbella?

Mary Berry’s Chicken Marbella is a baked chicken dish featuring a flavourful blend of Mediterranean ingredients such as prunes, green olives, capers, garlic, and herbs. The chicken is marinated overnight, then baked with a sweet and tangy mixture of brown sugar and white wine, creating a deeply aromatic glaze that’s rich, balanced, and utterly satisfying.

• Also Try: Mary Berry Chicken Recipes For Dinner Party

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Make-ahead friendly – Marinate overnight for enhanced flavour.
• Simple but impressive – Perfect for dinner parties or Sunday meals.
• Balanced flavours – A mix of sweet prunes, briny olives, and zesty capers.
• One-pan recipe – Easy to bake and serve with minimal cleanup.
• Pairs well with many sides – From couscous to mashed potatoes.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Chicken Marbella

• Chicken thighs or drumsticks – 8 pieces, skin-on and bone-in
• Garlic cloves – 4, finely chopped
• Pitted prunes – 150g
• Green olives – 100g
• Capers (with a little juice) – 2 tbsp
• Dried oregano – 2 tsp
• Olive oil – 4 tbsp
• Red wine vinegar – 2 tbsp
• Brown sugar – 2 tbsp
• White wine – 150ml
• Fresh parsley – for garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking dish or roasting pan
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Aluminium foil
• Serving platter

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Chicken Marbella

Step 1: Prepare the marinade

In a large bowl, combine garlic, prunes, olives, capers with their juice, oregano, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix the flavours evenly.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 3: Preheat the oven

When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the marinated chicken and all its juices into a large baking dish.

Step 4: Add sugar and wine

Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the chicken and pour white wine around (not over) the pieces to keep the topping crisp.

Step 5: Bake the chicken

Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, occasionally spooning the pan juices over the chicken. The skin should turn golden and slightly caramelised while the sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 6: Serve hot

Transfer the chicken pieces to a serving platter and spoon over the luscious pan juices with prunes and olives. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Sauce too salty – Used fewer capers or rinsed them before adding.
• Overly sweet flavour – Reduced brown sugar and added more vinegar.
• Chicken not crispy – Baked uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
• Marinade too thin – Used less oil and let it thicken in the oven.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry’s Chicken Marbella

• Use skinless chicken thighs to reduce fat.
• Replace brown sugar with a touch of honey or omit completely.
• Swap white wine with chicken stock for a lighter, alcohol-free version.
• Reduce olive oil by half and add a splash of lemon juice for freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Chicken Marbella

• Prunes – Substitute with dried apricots or figs.
• Green olives – Use black olives for a milder flavour.
• White wine – Replace with chicken stock or apple juice.
• Brown sugar – Try honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
• Oregano – Swap with thyme or rosemary for a herbal twist.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Chicken Marbella

• Fluffy couscous – Absorbs the rich pan sauce perfectly.
• Mashed potatoes – Creamy and comforting complement.
• Steamed rice – Keeps the meal light and balanced.
• Garlic bread – Ideal for soaking up the sauce.
• Roasted vegetables – Add colour and texture to the plate.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Chicken Marbella

• Marinate overnight – Deepens the flavour and tenderness.
• Bake uncovered – Helps achieve a crisp, caramelised top.
• Don’t overbake – Prevents the chicken from drying out.
• Use bone-in chicken – Keeps the meat juicy and full of flavour.
• Baste occasionally – Enhances the glaze and shine.
• Balance sweetness and tang – Adjust vinegar and sugar to taste.
• Serve warm or cold – It tastes great either way.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Chicken Marbella

• Add citrus zest – Lemon or orange zest brightens the flavours.
• Make it spicy – Add chili flakes or smoked paprika for heat.
• Use chicken breast – For a leaner option, but reduce baking time.
• Vegetarian version – Replace chicken with roasted aubergine or halloumi.
• Add nuts – Sprinkle toasted almonds or pine nuts before serving.

Storing Mary Berry Chicken Marbella the Right Way

• Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze – Freeze in portions with sauce for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight – Reheat gently in the oven until hot throughout.
• Keep covered – Prevents the chicken from drying out during reheating.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Chicken Marbella (If Needed)

• Oven method – Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil.
• Stovetop – Warm gently with a splash of stock or wine to refresh the sauce.
• Microwave – Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring the sauce between bursts.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~430 kcal
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Sugars: 9g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 2g

Other Popular Chicken Recipes

• Mary Berry Coronation Chicken
• 1. Mary Berry Chicken Casserole
• Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken
• Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur
• Mary Berry Chicken Tikka Masala

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FAQs

Can I make Mary Berry’s Chicken Marbella ahead of time?

Yes, Chicken Marbella is an excellent make-ahead dish. Marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge to enhance the flavour. You can also bake it a day ahead, then reheat gently before serving — the flavours deepen beautifully with time.

How do I keep Chicken Marbella from being too salty?

Capers and olives can add a lot of salt, so it’s best to rinse them under cold water before adding them to the marinade. You can also reduce or omit added salt in the recipe, as the other ingredients naturally bring plenty of flavour.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Chicken Marbella?

Yes, chicken breasts work fine, but they cook faster and can dry out easily. To prevent this, reduce the baking time to about 35–40 minutes and baste the chicken frequently with the pan juices to keep it moist.

What can I use instead of white wine in Chicken Marbella?

If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace white wine with chicken stock or apple juice. Both add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavour that complements the Mediterranean ingredients perfectly.

Wrapping It Up

The Mary Berry Chicken Marbella is a delightful harmony of sweet and savoury Mediterranean flavours, combining tender chicken with juicy prunes, olives, and a tangy glaze. It’s an elegant yet comforting dish that’s as simple to prepare as it is impressive to serve. Perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or make-ahead meals, this recipe delivers the ideal mix of sophistication and homely comfort every time.