Mediterranean Roasted Chicken with Prunes and Olives
Tender roasted chicken with briny olives, sweet prunes, garlic, herbs, and a glossy pan sauce—Moroccan-leaning Mediterranean comfort at its best.
Prep: 15 minutes
Marinate: 1–12 hours
Cook: 45–55 minutes
Total: ~1 hour
Serves: 4
Ingredients
Chicken
1 whole chicken (1.5–2 kg), cut into pieces
or 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs/legs
Marinade & Sauce
¼ cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, smashed
1 large onion, sliced
¾ cup pitted prunes
½ cup green olives (Castelvetrano or Manzanilla work well)
2 tbsp capers (optional, but lovely)
Zest of 1 lemon + 3 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp red wine vinegar or white wine
1½ tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ cup chicken stock or water
To Finish
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Extra lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl or zip bag, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon zest & juice, vinegar, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken and toss well.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
2. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
3. Assemble
In a large roasting dish:
Spread sliced onions on the bottom
Arrange chicken pieces skin-side up
Scatter prunes, olives, and capers around
Pour over remaining marinade
Add chicken stock to the pan
4. Roast
Roast uncovered for 45–55 minutes, basting once or twice, until:
Chicken is golden and crisp
Internal temperature reaches 74°C / 165°F
Sauce is glossy and slightly reduced
If needed, broil for 3–5 minutes at the end for extra color.
5. Finish & Rest
Remove from oven and rest for 5–10 minutes.
Sprinkle generously with fresh herbs and add lemon wedges.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Couscous or buttered rice
Roasted potatoes or carrots
Warm crusty bread
Simple cucumber–tomato salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes—reduce cooking time to ~30–35 minutes and watch closely.
Is this dish sweet?
Balanced, not dessert-sweet. The prunes gently round out the salty olives.
Is it spicy?
Not at all—this is a warm, aromatic dish, perfect for your non-spicy preference.
Approximate Nutrition
Calories: ~420
Protein: ~32g
Fat: ~28g
Carbs: ~18g
Fiber: ~3g