Easy High Protein Chicken Marbella Delight
A quick, protein-packed chicken dish featuring a flavorful blend of olives, prunes, and capers slow-baked to juicy perfection. Perfect for healthy weeknight meals or casual entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700g)
- 1 cup pitted green olives (Castelvetrano or Manzanilla preferred)
- ½ cup pitted prunes
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar (about 80ml)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (60ml)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ cup chicken broth (120ml), preferably low sodium
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to prepare the marinade.
- Add olives, prunes, and capers to the marinade and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Season chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper on both sides and place them in a single layer in a large baking dish.
- Pour the marinade mixture over the chicken, distributing olives, prunes, and capers evenly on and around the chicken breasts.
- Add bay leaves on top and pour chicken broth around (not over) the chicken to keep it moist during baking.
- Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, basting the chicken with pan juices halfway through baking. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove bay leaves before serving and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Optional: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten flavors.
Notes
Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy. Basting halfway through baking locks in moisture. Let chicken rest 5 minutes after baking for best texture. Marinate chicken for 30 minutes if time allows for deeper flavor. You can swap prunes with dried apricots or other dried fruits. Use gluten-free chicken broth to keep recipe gluten-free. Adding a splash of lemon juice before serving brightens the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 38
Keywords: chicken marbella, high protein chicken, healthy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, olives and prunes chicken, Mediterranean chicken, weeknight chicken recipe