The Easiest, Most Awesome, Party Chicken in the World or Chicken Marbella

The Easiest, Most Awesome, Party Dish Chicken in the World or Chicken Marbella

(Adapted from Silver Palate)

I’m feeling really generous today. I don’t know why but I guess I can think of a few good reasons. Many of you may not know that I am a CASA volunteer which means I am appointed by the courts to be the eyes, ears and voice of a child during the court process. Often these are foster children, sometimes they are still with their families, but what ever the reason, usually abuse or neglect, the families have been brought to the attention of the courts. There are always social case workers and guardian ad litems involved but the CASA is a volunteer that really is an extra set of eyes and ears for the judge. The CASA is expected to know all facets of the case and to be the voice for the needs of the child. CASA’s try to visit with the kids weekly and write regular court reports that are read by the judge and other parties involved. This can be difficult in many cases but my last case just finished and now my two kiddos are going to be adopted by their absolutely phenomenal care takers. I am so excited-for them and their soon to be real parents. And a happy ending- who doesn’t love a happy, tear jerker ending?

Another reason to be happy is that I actually got to see and speak with my neighbors over the weekend. I know that sounds a little silly, but it really doesn’t happen often enough. We had a great time and pledged to not let time pass so quickly before we see each other again. Hopefully, we can all keep that promise.

Which brings me to this chicken. It really is the perfect party, potluck, easy family dish. You marinate it overnight and bake it the next day. It can be served at room temp, improves over time and can even be used with boneless breasts and thighs for a buffet. You may think the marinade has a lot in it, which it does, but this tastes and smells so good and is so EASY that you will want it in your repertoire forever. I found this recipe many moons ago (1979) in the Silver Palate cookbook, one of my all time favorite cookbooks. (Yes, it will pop up here again over time.) And needless to say when my neighbors walked in all they wanted to know was what smelled so good.  Since I am such a good neighbor I promised them that I would give them this recipe. It is a good thing I’m feeling generous! But I believe in passing the love around so here ya go and if you want to become a volunteer- check this out (https://www.casaforchildren.org/). They could really use you.

The Easiest, Most Awesome, Party Dish Chicken in the World or (Chicken Marbella) from The Silver Palate

2 chickens, approx. 2 and 1/2lbs each, cut into pieces

½ head garlic, peeled and smushed

2T oregano

Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper

¼ c red wine vinegar

¼ c olive oil

½ c pitted prunes or should I say dried plums?

¼ c pitted Spanish (green) olives (I like the ones in the deli with the garlic slivers inside)

¼ c capers with a bit of juice

3 bay leaves

1/2c brown sugar

½ c white wine

2T cilantro or parsley for garnish

The night before in a large bowl combine chicken, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper, vinegar, olive oil, prunes, olives, capers and juice, and bay leaves. Cover and let marinate, refrigerated overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Arrange chicken in a single layer and spoon marinade over it evenly. Sprinkle chicken with brown sugar and white wine.

Bake for 50 minutes to an hour. Transfer all to serving platter reserving pan juice to moisten chicken. You could also serve it separately but I think the chicken is delicious without it. Sprinkle with parsley or cilantro.

P.S. I serve this with orange mashed potatoes but you could also serve it with couscous or noodles. But who can resist mashed potatoes?