A Vegetarian Spin on the Iconic Chicken Marbella Recipe - California Grown (2024)

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This plant-powered spin on the iconic Chicken Marbella recipe is filled with tender California-grown beans and roasted fingerling potatoes. This briny-sweet dish is the perfect cooking project for when you have some time on your hands and are in the mood for a truly hearty meal.

A Vegetarian Spin on the Iconic Chicken Marbella Recipe - California Grown (1)

Are beans grown in California?

Yes! In the sun-kissed fields of California, a thriving agricultural landscape bears witness to the flourishing growth of diverse bean varieties. Blessed with a Mediterranean climate, fertile soil, and an abundance of sunlight, the Golden State provides the perfect environment for legumes to prosper.

A Vegetarian Spin on the Iconic Chicken Marbella Recipe - California Grown (2)

Rancho Gordo and Boonville Barn Collective are two California dried bean producers that we think are worthy of stocking in your pantry. Their dedication to quality and unique bean offerings have really kept our tastebuds peaked!

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to be a farmer in California?

A Vegetarian Spin on the Iconic Chicken Marbella Recipe - California Grown (3)

Meet Krissy Scommegna of Boonville Barn Collective.

This farmer is the largest producer of Espelette Peppers outside of France and one heck of a great bean grower too!

Click here to learn how Krissy farms peppers (and beans) in Boonville, California.

What is Chicken Marbella?

In the realm of culinary creations reminiscent of the boomer generation, you can discover a treasure trove within the covers of “The Silver Palate Cookbook” by Sheila Lukins and Julee Rosso. With its effervescent charm and illustrations, this cookbook debuted just in time for Mother’s Day, 1982, and changed the landscape forever with recipes like Chicken Marbella.

A Vegetarian Spin on the Iconic Chicken Marbella Recipe - California Grown (4)

The Silver Palate’s Chicken Marbella

The briny-sweet combination in this recipe once seemed pretty risky with prunes, olives, and capers. But, this dish is a true classic that has stood the test of time.

Click here to read this recipe on NYT Cooking.

Recently, our interest peaked again when we came across a plant-based version of this iconic dish ByTejal Rao, andAlexa Weibel featured on NYT Cooking.

Imagine a base of silky thin-skinned beans and their rich broth replacing chicken, combined with fried garlic, red wine reduction, olive oil, prunes, and olives. Topped with a simple roasted potato salad featuring vinegar-soaked shallots, capers, and parsley. This dish honestly captures Chicken Marbella’s essence without being an exact replica. The tangy, briny flavors of vinegar, capers, and olives contrast delightfully with the sweet prunes, creating a satisfying vegan alternative that everyone will love.

A Vegetarian Spin on the Iconic Chicken Marbella Recipe - California Grown (5)

Ingredients needed to make this Vegan Marbella.

The ingredients to make this plant-based Marbella recipe are mostly basic pantry staples like olives, prunes, olive oil, and dried beans. But you have to trust us that there is not one thing that is basic about the way this recipe tastes. It’s probably one of the more flavorful vegan recipes we’ve ever had. Hearty, rich, and soul-satisfying all in one.

A Vegetarian Spin on the Iconic Chicken Marbella Recipe - California Grown (6)
A Vegetarian Spin on the Iconic Chicken Marbella Recipe - California Grown (8)
A Vegetarian Spin on the Iconic Chicken Marbella Recipe - California Grown (9)

Scroll for more recipes inspired by the Silver Palate Cookbook’s Recipe.

If this is your first time hearing about Marbella, you are in for a treat. We asked our California Grown Creators to share their most creative spins on this classic dish, and they delivered! From quick and easy weeknight versions to a full-fledged Marbella Meatball, there is something for everyone.

A Vegetarian Spin on the Iconic Chicken Marbella Recipe - California Grown (12)

Chicken Marbella Meatballs

This recipe from Weekend at the Cottage is one of those recipes that checks off a whole bunch of boxes: it uses quality, choice ingredients; it’s easy to prepare; it has wonderful, memorable flavor; and it’s versatile.

Click here for this Marbella-inspired recipe.

Sheet Pan Chicken Marbella

This Chicken Marbella Recipe from This Mess is Ours is made with prunes, green olives, and capers.This retro redo is a simple chicken dinner idea that packsBIG, BOLD flavor with minimal effort.Whether you plan ahead to marinate overnight for maximum Marbella flavor or you want toget a delicious dinner on the table with only a few minutes of prep timeto spare, this recipe is a must-make.

Click here for this Sheet Pan Marbella recipe.
A Vegetarian Spin on the Iconic Chicken Marbella Recipe - California Grown (13)
A Vegetarian Spin on the Iconic Chicken Marbella Recipe - California Grown (14)

Slow Cooker Chicken Marbella

Mom’s Kitchen Handbook‘s recipe for Marbella is a sweet, savory, tangy combination of chicken thighs, prunes, and olives like the original; only it cooks up in the slow cooker. After several hours of cooking low and slow, the chicken is fork-tender and infused with fabulous flavor.

Click here for this slow cooker recipe for Marbella.

Marbella-style Oven Roasted Chicken Legs

This simple recipe for roasted chicken legs in the oven, Marbella style, will soon rise to the top of your favorites list! Despite its clever and unusual flavor combination, the end result is quite mild and very kid-friendly. Briny capers and olives make a perfect companion for sweet prunes and brown sugar in this succulent chicken dish that will have you and your kids coming back for more!

Click here for this easy Marbella-inspired recipe.

BE SURE TO SHARE YOUR MARBELLA-INSPIRED CREATIONS WITH US BY SNAPPING A PIC AND TAGGING US ON SOCIAL USING #CAGROWN.

Craving more CA Grown goodness? Follow us onPinterestfor fresh and fabulous recipe inspiration!

A Vegetarian Spin on the Iconic Chicken Marbella Recipe - California Grown (16)

Roasted Potato & Bean Marbella

Meg van der Kruik

This plant-powered spin on the iconic Chicken Marbella recipe is filled with tender California-grown beans and roasted fingerling potatoes. This recipe is sure to be a hearty hit at your table!

4.12 from 34 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course dinner

Cuisine American, jewish

Servings 6 servings

Calories 605 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound California-grown dried beans thin-skinned, creamy beans like cannellini or Marcella variety
  • ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for finishing
  • 3 fresh or dried bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 4 garlic cloves chopped
  • 1 cup dry California red wine
  • ½ cup halved California Ripe Green olives
  • ½ cup roughly chopped California prunes
  • 1 pound fingerling Yukon Gold potatoes halved lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 large shallot minced
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons chopped capers
  • Torn fresh parsley leaves and tender stems

Instructions

  • To cook the beans: Rinse the beans, then add them to a large, heavy pot and cover with enough cool water to generously immerse (about 12 cups). Add ¼ cup olive oil, the bay leaves, oregano, and 1 teaspoon salt, then bring to a boil over high heat. Once the liquid comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very tender, 1½ to 2 hours. Add extra water by the cupful as needed to keep the beans immersed.

  • To roast the potatoes: Heat the oven to 375 °F. On a large sheet pan, toss the potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil; season generously with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast, stirring once about halfway through, until the potatoes are golden-brown and tender, about 30 minutes. Set aside.

  • To finish the beans: In a large, deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant. As soon as the edges of the garlic start to color, add the red wine and simmer until the wine is reduced by half, 5 to 10 minutes.

  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked beans (you should have about 7 cups) to the reduced wine in the skillet, then add about 2 cups of their cooking liquid — you want just enough to mostly cover the beans. Add the olives, prunes and another ¼ cup olive oil, and simmer over medium, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the liquid thickens slightly to form a sauce, 10 to 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  • To finish the potatoes: In a medium bowl, combine the minced shallot with the red wine vinegar. Add the potatoes, capers, and parsley, and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Place the potatoes on top of the beans, drizzle with olive oil and serve.

Video

Notes

Slightly adapted from Tejal Rao, andAlexa Weibel’s Beans Marbella featured on NYT Cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 605kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 19gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gSodium: 259mgPotassium: 1353mgFiber: 22gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 172IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 145mgIron: 5mg

Keyword chicken marbella, Marbella

Tried this recipe?Mention @cagrownofficial or tag #CAGROWN!

Want to learn more about CA Grown Farmers and producers? Learn how Rancho Gordo has turned the humble bean into a cult commodity!

A Vegetarian Spin on the Iconic Chicken Marbella Recipe - California Grown (2024)

FAQs

Why is chicken Marbella so good? ›

First off, the chicken itself is always tender and juicy. But more than anything, it's in the unique Mediterranean flavor combination — a marinade of garlic and herbs, a savory-sweet wine gravy (which, I swear, is good enough to drink), and a mix of plump prunes, briny capers, and tangy green olives.

What does Ina Garten serve with chicken Marbella? ›

Mix and match the best Chicken Marbella side dishes and be the Ina Garten of your dinner party. Easy, healthy ideas that complement the famous Silver Palate recipe. From couscous and mashed potatoes to broccolini and sauteed carrots, you'll find complementary dishes that are special-occasion worthy.

What wine goes with chicken Marbella? ›

If you'd like to enjoy a glass of wine with your chicken Marbella, try serving it with a fruity rosé such as Grenache/Garnacha or Sangiovese. A light-bodied red Grenache, Pinot Noir, or Beaujolais would pair well for reds, and if you prefer white wine, opt for an off-dry Riesling.

Why is Marbella so good? ›

Warm weather

With over 300 days of sunshine a year, its idyllic Mediterranean climate is one of the best reasons to visit Marbella. During the summer months (June to September), the average temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius. If you love the heat and the sun, this is the best time to visit.

What is chicken marbella made of? ›

One of the finest dishes ever to come out of The Silver Palate Cookbook, Chicken Marbella is chicken first marinated in oil, vinegar, capers, olives, prunes, and herbs, then baked with added brown sugar and white wine.

What dessert goes with chicken marbella? ›

Need a special dessert to serve with Chicken Marbella? A rich and decadent flourless chocolate torte with ganache is a delicious way to end the meal on a sweet note.

Is Ina Garten a chef or a cook? ›

Her fame may be relatively quiet — she doesn't have a line of cookware, there isn't a namesake restaurant — but make no mistake: Ina Garten is a powerhouse celeb chef. Fans know her story well: From a White House budget analyst to specialty food-store owner, her path to stardom has been slow and steady.

What is Ina Garten's favorite dinner? ›

The one meal Ina simply couldn't live without is roast chicken. She even cites it as one of the reasons her husband, Jeffrey, proposed marriage in 1968.

What makes Marbella special? ›

Marbella is home to some of the oldest buildings in the world, most of which are functional and still in use today. Warm weather, scenic views, and stunning beaches attract millions of tourists to the seaside town every year. From the best beach parties to Old Town, Marbella has it all.

What is Marbella popular for? ›

Marbella is a hub for golf enthusiasts, with over 50 courses spanning over 100 km along the Costa del Sol. It's no wonder the area is sometimes called the 'Costa del Golf'.

What food is Marbella known for? ›

Typical dishes like 'gazpacho' and 'ajoblanco' are a must in a Marbella kitchen, specially during the hot days of summer, or if on the other hand we visit Marbella during the winter, we can enjoy an exquisite 'sopa campera' (countryside soup).

What do you serve with Ottolenghi chicken Marbella? ›

Under “Festive supper” Ottolenghi suggests serving Chicken Marbella with another fabulous recipe from the book, Baked rice with confit tomatoes and garlic.

What is the French wine with chicken on it? ›

by Famille Perrin, proprietors of Chateau de Beaucastel. Top wine critics around the world have praised the producers of this wine for its irreproachable quality, which has achieved international recognition.

What is the most delicious chicken in the world? ›

Today the poulet de Bresse has the reputation of being the best quality table chicken in the world.

References

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