Summer Chicken Marbella
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Summer Chicken Marbella recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will brighten up any meal. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
- Minimal effort, maximum flavor: Just a few ingredients and a quick marinade do all the work for you.
- Perfect for gatherings: It feeds a crowd and still looks impressive without extra stress.
- Versatile and adaptable: Serve it hot or cold, with rice, salad, or crusty bread—it’s always a hit.
Recipe

Summer Chicken Marbella is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines sweet, savory, and tangy elements, perfect for warm-weather gatherings. This recipe, inspired by the classic Chicken Marbella, is lightened up for summer with fresh herbs and citrus.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine olives, capers, apricots, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and thyme.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add to the bowl and toss to coat.
- Arrange chicken in a baking dish and pour the marinade over it.
- Place lemon and orange slices on top of the chicken.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes:
- For a lighter version, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Serve with a side of couscous or a fresh green salad.
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Serving:
Serves 4
Calories:
Approx. 350 calories per serving
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Nutrition
This delicious Summer Chicken Marbella is packed with flavor and nutrients. Here’s the breakdown per serving:
Nutrition | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 420 |
Protein | 35g |
Fat | 22g |
Carbohydrates | 18g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 12g |
What To Serve With It
When I make Summer Chicken Marbella, I love pairing it with sides like roasted potatoes or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the flavors. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish perfectly, but a chilled rosé works just as well. Don’t forget a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Side Dishes
Pairing the right side dishes with Summer Chicken Marbella can turn a great meal into something truly special, and I’ve got some ideas that’ll make your table shine. Grilled vegetables are a must—zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus tossed in olive oil and herbs add a smoky, fresh contrast to the dish. Garlic mashed potatoes are another favorite of mine; their creamy texture and rich flavor balance the tangy sweetness of the chicken perfectly. I also love serving a simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette to keep things light. These sides complement the meal without stealing the spotlight.
Wine Pairings
Now that we’ve covered sides, let’s talk about what to pour in your glass—wine can really make Summer Chicken Marbella sing. For perfect pairings, I lean toward a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Their bright acidity cuts through the dish’s richness, balancing the olives, capers, and prunes. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir works wonders, complementing the savory-sweet flavors without overpowering them. When making your wine selection, think about what you enjoy—this dish is versatile! Personally, I love sipping a chilled rosé on a warm evening; it feels just right with this summery meal. Cheers!