Mediterranean Baked Chicken with Prunes, Olives, and Fresh Herbs
Chicken with Prunes, Olives, and Capers
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 24 hours (for marinating)
Total Time: 24 hours 45 minutes
Description:
If you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll absolutely adore this flavorful and aromatic chicken dish. The unique combination of prunes, olives, and capers creates a delightful fusion of sweet and tangy notes, while fresh herbs add a vibrant Mediterranean aroma. To achieve the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify. Serve it with a side of fluffy rice to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 5 | Dried prunes |
| 1/2 cup | Green olives, pitted and halved |
| 1 cup | Dry white wine |
| 1/4 cup | Red wine vinegar |
| 1/4 cup | Olive oil |
| 3 tbsp | Fresh oregano, chopped |
| 3 tsp | Dried oregano |
| 2 tbsp | Capers |
| 2 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 1/2 tsp | Crushed red pepper flakes |
| To taste | Salt |
| 2 | Bay leaves |
| 1/2 cup | Brown sugar |
| 1–2 tbsp | Fresh basil, chopped for garnish |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 437.9 |
| Fat | 23.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 115.5 mg |
| Sodium | 203.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 28.6 g |
| Fiber | 1.4 g |
| Sugars | 23.2 g |
| Protein | 25.9 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried prunes, green olives, dry white wine, red wine vinegar, olive oil, both fresh and dried oregano, capers, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Add the bay leaves and stir to blend all the flavors together. -
-
Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours or ideally overnight. If you prefer, you can transfer the chicken and marinade to a large zip-lock bag, seal it tightly, and refrigerate. Important: Avoid marinating for longer than 24 hours, as the vinegar can begin to “cook” the chicken. -
Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Arrange the Chicken:
Take out a large casserole dish and arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer across the dish. Pour the entire marinade, along with the prunes, olives, and bay leaves, over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well moistened with the flavorful mixture. -
Add Sweetness:
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly across the top of the chicken. This will add a touch of caramelized sweetness to balance the tart and savory flavors of the dish. -
Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the casserole dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced, and the top should be golden. -
Serve the Dish:
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove the bay leaves and transfer the chicken pieces to a large serving platter. Pour any remaining pan juices over the top for added flavor. -
Garnish and Enjoy:
Just before serving, sprinkle the fresh basil over the top of the chicken for a vibrant, fragrant garnish. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as fluffy rice or a fresh salad, and savor the rich Mediterranean flavors.
Enjoy this tender, flavor-packed Chicken with Prunes, Olives, and Capers—a delightful Mediterranean dish that combines sweet, savory, and herby notes for an unforgettable meal.
