Mock Chicken Marbella: A Simplified Delight for Busy Cooks
Description
Mock Chicken Marbella is an effortless yet flavorful interpretation of the classic Chicken Marbella from The Silver Palate Cookbook, created for those who adore the rich flavors of this dish but find themselves short on time. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of only 30 minutes, this recipe allows you to indulge in a delicious meal without the extensive preparation typically required, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings.
Recipe Category
Chicken
Keywords
Poultry, Meat, < 60 Mins, Oven
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | Capers |
| 1 clove | Garlic, minced |
| 1/2 tsp | Dried oregano |
| 2 | Bay leaves |
| 1 | Prune, chopped |
| 1/4 cup | Light brown sugar |
| 1 1/4 cups | Dry white wine |
| 1 lb | Chicken tenders |
| 1/4 cup | Balsamic vinaigrette |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 183.2 |
| Total Fat | 1.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 54.9 mg |
| Sodium | 108.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g |
| Sugars | 14.3 g |
| Protein | 22.3 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Olive-Caper Mixture: Begin by placing the capers and olives into the container of a food processor. Pulse the ingredients until they form a fairly smooth mixture. Once blended, set this mixture aside for later use.
-
Preheat the Oven: Adjust your oven rack so that it sits in the center of the oven, then preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures even cooking and browning of the chicken.
-
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinaigrette, the olive-caper mixture you processed earlier, minced garlic, dried oregano, bay leaves, and chopped prunes. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
-
Incorporate the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl with the mixture. Gently fold the chicken into the marinade until each piece is well coated. This step is crucial as it infuses the chicken with rich flavors.
-
Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully transfer the entire mixture into a 13×9-inch glass or ceramic casserole dish. It’s essential that the chicken tenders are arranged in a single layer, avoiding overlap. This ensures even cooking and caramelization.
-
Add Sweetness: Evenly sprinkle the light brown sugar over the top of the chicken. This sugar will caramelize during baking, creating a delightful crust.
-
Add Wine: Pour the dry white wine around the chicken tenders, being careful not to pour it directly on top of the chicken; doing so would wash away the brown sugar, which is meant to create a lovely caramelized layer.
-
Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken has caramelized nicely on top and the juices run clear, indicating that it is cooked through.
-
Final Touch: Once baked, carefully discard the bay leaves from the dish. This step is important as bay leaves are not edible and can impart an overly strong flavor if left in the dish.
-
Serving Suggestions: This dish is delightful served warm alongside a bed of rice or couscous, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. Alternatively, it can also be enjoyed cold, making it versatile for meal prep or picnics.
Mock Chicken Marbella is a wonderful dish that captures the essence of its time-consuming counterpart while fitting seamlessly into a busy lifestyle. With its balanced flavors and effortless preparation, it’s bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the convenience and taste this dish offers, bringing a taste of gourmet cooking to your home without the fuss.
