What to Serve with Chicken Marbella – 15 Tasty Sides
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Chicken Marbella is a classic dish that came from “The Silver Palate Cookbook,” written by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins in the late 1970s. This original recipe is so popular and if you’ve been wanting to try it, you may be wondering what to serve with chicken marbella. The recipe gained fame for its unique combination of flavors and has since become a staple in many kitchens, and there are some great options to serve with it!
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This classic recipe uses chicken pieces (sometimes boneless chicken thighs, but usually a combination of thighs and drumsticks) marinated in a flavorful mixture before being baked.
The marinade usually includes ingredients like olive oil, red wine vinegar, capers, pitted prunes, green olives, garlic, fresh oregano, and bay leaves. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the saltiness of olives and capers, creates a delicious and complex taste.
After marinating for several hours or overnight, the chicken is placed in a baking dish and baked in the oven until it’s cooked through and has absorbed the flavors of the marinade.
The resulting dish is known for its tender and flavorful chicken with a unique blend of sweet, salty, and tangy notes.
A chicken marbella meal can be made complete with a lot of different side options. I put together a list of 15 options that will pair perfectly with this main dish whether you’re serving it for a dinner party or a regular weekday night.
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes with a punch of roasted garlic make a perfect side to complement the savory notes of this chicken dish.
2. Grilled Asparagus Bundles
Fresh asparagus spears wrapped in bacon and grilled to perfection give a smoky and crispy touch to your meal. Sprinkle with fresh parmesan cheese to finish.
3. Citrusy Quinoa Salad
A refreshing quinoa salad with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty citrus dressing brings a light and tangy contrast to this chicken recipe. Cook the quinoa in chicken broth for extra flavor.
4. Green Salad
A nice spring mix or spinach salad or even a Caesar salad makes a great first course for dinner parties or a side dish for your family dinner. A salad is always one of the best side dishes, especially for heavier main dishes.
5. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms
I love stuffed mushrooms like our sausage stuffed mushrooms for an appetizer but they can serve as a side dish too! Mushrooms stuffed with a savory mix of spinach and feta for a burst of cheesy goodness are a delicious recipe with the bold flavors of chicken Marbella.
6. Lemon Herb Couscous
This fragrant, fluffy couscous infused with lemon and assorted herbs makes the perfect complementary side dish for chicken recipes.
7. Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Brussels sprouts roasted until crispy with bacon and brown sugar for a perfect balance of flavors. These are a great way to add a vegetable side that is exciting and might just challenge the great dish of chicken Marbella for the title of the most flavorful dish in your meal.
8. Pesto Pasta Salad
Tri-color pasta tossed in a vibrant pesto sauce with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella is a simple recipe that adds a lot of flavor!
9. Maple Glazed Carrots
Tender carrots glazed with maple syrup add a touch of sweetness to your plate. This is a great side dish to serve alongside your rich and savory chicken Marbella recipe.
10. Caprese Skewers
I love these bite-sized mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic reduction on skewers. You can add these to a serving platter and use them as an appetizer to your meal or serve them as a side.
11. Cilantro Lime Rice
Fragrant long grain white rice cooked with cilantro and lime is a simple and refreshing side that complements the richness of Chicken Marbella.
12. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Cubes of sweet potatoes roasted with their sweet flavors add a filling and satisfying dish to the meal.
13. Greek Tzatziki Salad
A cucumber and tomato salad with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce gives you a nice cool and tangy contrast to the rich flavors of chicken Marbella.
14. Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds
Add a nutty crunch to your meal with some crisp-tender green beans sautéed with sliced almonds. Adjust the cooking time according to how crispy or tender you prefer your green beans to be.
15. Cornbread Muffins with Honey Butter
Moist, golden brown cornbread muffins served with a side of honey butter make a comforting addition that rounds out the meal with a touch of sweetness. It’s nice to have a starchy side to make the meal more filling and satisfying.
