Instant Pot Chicken Marbella Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Instant Pot Chicken Marbella recipe because it brings together the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors all in one pot. Whenever I m short on time but craving a hearty and impressive meal, this recipe is my go-to for a quick, delicious dinner that feels special without the fuss.

What makes this Instant Pot Chicken Marbella recipe stand out is how effortlessly it melds the richness of chicken with the sweetness of prunes and the briny punch of olives and capers. You’ll find that it not only cooks fast but also fills your kitchen with such inviting aromas, making any night feel like a cozy dinner party.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully to create the signature Marbella flavor profile. When shopping, look for fresh chicken and good-quality prunes and olives – those little details really make a difference in taste.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for extra flavor.
• Chicken breasts or thighs: I prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts work great too.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic boosts the savory depth.
• Sweet onion: Sliced thin to soften and sweeten the dish.
• White wine: Perfect for deglazing and adding subtle acidity.
• Carrots: Sliced rounds that add sweet earthiness and texture.
• Red potatoes: Diced small so they cook evenly and soak up flavors.
• Prunes: The secret sweet note that pairs wonderfully with savory.
• Kalamata olives: Pitted and halved for briny, salty pops.
• Capers: These little gems punch up the tangy profile.
• Vegetable stock: Keeps everything juicy and turns into a delicious sauce.
• Brown sugar: Just a touch to balance acidity and enhance sweetness.
• Oregano: Adds a warm herbaceous touch.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh for bright, herbal freshness at the end.

Variations

I love that you can easily make the Instant Pot Chicken Marbella recipe your own. Whether tweaking the veggies or adjusting for dietary needs, it s flexible and forgiving.

• Protein swap: I’ve tried using turkey instead of chicken, and it worked wonderfully for a leaner option.
• Vegetable additions: Feel free to throw in mushrooms or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
• Lower sodium: Use low-sodium vegetable stock and reduce capers for a gentler salt level.
• Wine-free version: Replace white wine with additional stock and a splash of lemon juice to keep that bright acidity.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Marbella Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by dicing your chicken into roughly ½-inch cubes to ensure quick, even cooking. Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode, add the olive oil, and sauté the chicken for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the pieces to start browning nicely-that crust is where a lot of the flavor comes from, so don t skip this step!

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onions, Then Deglaze

Add the minced garlic and sliced onions to the pot with the chicken. Continue sautéing for another 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and begin to brown. Then pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the pot’s bottom-this is called deglazing, and it amps up the depth of flavor.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Seasonings

Next, stir in the sliced carrots, diced red potatoes, brown sugar, and oregano. These ingredients add a lovely mix of sweetness and earthiness that perfectly balances the other savory flavors. Give everything a good stir so the seasonings and veggies start mingling with the chicken.

Step 4: Incorporate Prunes, Olives, Capers, and Stock

Now add the prunes, halved Kalamata olives, capers, and vegetable stock. These bring the signature sweet-and-salty harmony for Chicken Marbella. Seal the Instant Pot lid, set it to Manual or Pressure Cook on high for 15 minutes, and let the magic happen. Once the cooking time is up, allow it to release pressure naturally for best texture and flavor.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Season to Taste

Open the lid carefully and stir in the freshly chopped parsley. This final touch adds a fresh, vibrant note that lifts the whole dish. Before serving, taste your Chicken Marbella and adjust salt and pepper if needed – this little tweak makes all the difference.

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Marbella Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley to add a pop of color and brightness. Occasionally, I ll add a few lemon zest shavings for an extra zing that pairs beautifully with the capers and olives.

Side Dishes

This Instant Pot Chicken Marbella works wonderfully over fluffy rice or buttery pasta, which soak up that luscious sauce perfectly. For some freshness, I often include a simple green salad or lightly steamed green beans on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the Chicken Marbella in shallow bowls with a few whole olives and prunes arranged on top for a rustic look. Draping some fresh parsley sprigs on the side creates an inviting, restaurant-quality presentation that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so the next-day lunch or dinner tastes even better!

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it out in freezer-safe containers and use them within 2 months. When thawed, the chicken remains juicy and the sauce retains its vibrant flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. This helps the dish regain its fresh, just-made texture without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Instant Pot Chicken Marbella recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it captures so many great flavors in such a simple process. I love how cozy and comforting it feels and how it s always a crowd-pleaser in my house. If you re looking for a no-fail, flavorful meal that feels a little fancy but is totally doable on a busy night, this one s for you – give it a try and see how quickly it becomes part of your regular rotation!

Instant Pot Chicken Marbella Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 54 reviews

• Author: Jaden
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings (3/4-cup servings)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

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Description

Instant Pot Chicken Marbella is a flavorful and tender chicken stew inspired by the classic Marbella recipe, featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with olives, prunes, capers, and vegetables. This dish combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in a rich broth made with white wine and vegetable stock, all prepared quickly and conveniently in the Instant Pot for a comforting meal perfect served over rice or pasta.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Sauté

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 large chicken breasts or 4 chicken thighs, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 sweet onion, sliced

Vegetables and Add-ins

• 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
• 6 red potatoes, diced
• 1 cup prunes
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, halved with pits removed
• 2 tablespoons capers

Liquids and Seasoning

• 1 cup white wine
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped plus extra for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Brown the Chicken: Dice the chicken into 1/2 inch cubes. Place the chicken in the Instant Pot inner pot and add olive oil. Select the Sauté mode and cook for 7-8 minutes until the chicken starts to brown, which adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
2. Sauté Garlic and Onions: Add the minced garlic and sliced onions to the browned chicken in the pot. Sauté together for 2-3 minutes until the onions and garlic begin to brown, intensifying their flavors.
3. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and use a spatula to scrape any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This enhances the overall flavor and prevents burning during pressure cooking.
4. Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, brown sugar, and oregano until well combined with the contents in the pot.
5. Add Prunes, Olives, Capers, and Stock: Incorporate the prunes, kalamata olives, capers, and vegetable stock into the pot. These ingredients provide the classic sweet and savory balance unique to Chicken Marbella.
6. Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid securely. Set to Manual or Pressure Cook mode on high pressure and cook for 15 minutes. Once finished, allow the pressure to release naturally for optimal texture and flavor melding.
7. Finish and Season: Open the lid carefully, add the fresh chopped parsley, and stir. Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed to match your preferred seasoning.
8. Serve: Serve the Chicken Marbella hot over a bed of rice or pasta for a complete and comforting meal. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.

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Notes

• Don’t skip browning the chicken first! It adds a wonderful depth of flavor and caramelization to the dish.
• When chopping chicken, potatoes, and carrots, try to cut them roughly the same size to ensure even cooking and consistent bite-sized pieces in the stew.
• Season to taste. Salt and pepper preferences vary, so taste the finished dish and adjust the seasoning accordingly before serving.
• Serving over rice or pasta complements the flavorful sauce beautifully and makes it a filling meal.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3/4 cup
• Calories: 312
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 536mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0.01g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 36mg