Slow Cooker Chicken Marbella (WW Friendly)

Chicken Marbella has been one of my favorites ever since I discovered it years ago in The Silver Palate Cookbook (affiliate link). The original recipe calls for bone-in chicken pieces marinated overnight and then baked in the oven. Delicious, yes — but definitely more effort than I want to spend on a weeknight.

This slow cooker version of Chicken Marbella streamlines the process without sacrificing flavor. Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, the crock pot does all the work while the chicken simmers in a sauce of broth, vinegar, garlic, prunes, olives, capers, and oregano until it’s fall-apart tender.

Don’t be put off by the unusual mix of ingredients. The sweet, salty, and tangy flavors come together in the most amazing way. And the best part? This streamlined recipe is easy, lightened-up, and WW friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Marbella

• Classic made easier – A beloved Silver Palate recipe adapted for the slow cooker, so you can enjoy the same great flavor with less effort.
• Sweet, salty, and tangy – Prunes, olives, capers, and vinegar create a flavor combination that’s unexpected and delicious.
• WW friendly – Made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs and lighter swaps, this version is lower in calories and points.
• Perfect for meal prep – The leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze well.
• Elegant but simple – Special enough to serve guests, but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• Chicken broth – keeps the chicken moist and adds flavor to the sauce.
• Brown sugar – balances the salty and tangy flavors.
• Dried oregano – classic to the original recipe.
• Red wine vinegar – adds tang and brightness.
• Salt and black pepper – simple seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
• Garlic – fresh cloves give the sauce wonderful depth.
• Capers – briny and salty, a key part of the Marbella flavor.
• Prunes – provide natural sweetness.
• Green olives – I used pimento-stuffed manzanilla olives, but other varieties also work.
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – juicy and tender, ideal for slow cooking.
• Fresh parsley – stirred in at the end for freshness and color.

Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken options – Use bone-in skinless thighs or drumsticks for a classic feel, or chicken breasts for a leaner option (though they may cook up drier).
• Fruit swaps – Dried apricots, figs, or dates work in place of prunes.
• Wine option – Replace some of the broth with dry white wine for a version closer to the original Silver Palate recipe.
• Extra sauce – Double the sauce ingredients if you want plenty for spooning over rice or couscous.
• Herb variations – Fresh oregano or thyme can replace dried oregano for brighter flavor.
• Lower sugar – Reduce the brown sugar or use a sugar substitute to cut points.

Calories and WW Points

According to my calculations, each serving of this slow cooker chicken marbella has:

• Calories: 210
• WW Points: To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
  (You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
• WW PointsPlus (old plan): 5

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Marbella

Step 1: Make the sauce

In the slow cooker, whisk together the chicken broth, brown sugar, dried oregano, 3 tablespoons of the vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 2: Add flavorings

Stir in the garlic, capers, prunes, and olives, mixing everything so the flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add the chicken

Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, turning them to coat in the sauce and nestling them among the olives and prunes.

Step 4: Slow cook until tender

Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 5: Finish with freshness

Stir in the remaining tablespoon of vinegar and sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving.

Recipe Notes

• Classic inspiration: The original Chicken Marbella comes from The Silver Palate Cookbook (affiliate link), where it’s made with bone-in chicken pieces marinated overnight and baked. This slow cooker version skips the marinating step but keeps the sweet-salty-tangy flavor profile.
• Chicken choice: I prefer boneless, skinless thighs for slow cooking because they stay moist and flavorful. Skinless drumsticks or bone-in thighs would also work.
• Sauce adjustments: If you like your chicken saucy, double the sauce ingredients — it’s perfect for spooning over rice, potatoes, or cauliflower rice.
• Make it lighter: Using chicken broth instead of wine and cutting back slightly on the brown sugar keeps this version WW friendly.
• Better the next day: Like many braised dishes, the flavors deepen after a night in the fridge, making leftovers especially delicious.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic pairing – Serve the chicken with rice, couscous, or rosemary roasted potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Low-carb option – Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles make a lighter base that still catches the sauce.
• Add a green side – Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple salad balance the richness of the dish.
• Elegant touch – Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of toasted almonds if serving for company.

Storage and Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day.
• Freezer: Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave (affiliate link). Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

If you’ve made this low carb Chicken Marbella, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Recipe source: Silver Palate Cookbook by Sheila Lukins and Julie Rosso

Watch this video to see how to make “The Silver Palate Cookbook’s” Chicken Marbella in the oven:

More WW-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

If you enjoyed the sweet-salty flavors of Chicken Marbella, you might also like some of my other favorite slow cooker chicken recipes.

• Another classic I love is Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala, a creamy, elegant dish that’s weeknight-easy but also dinner-party worthy.
• My Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Thighs bring together juicy chicken and a tangy apricot glaze that’s delicious spooned over rice or even a simple salad. For something bolder, Slow Cooker Caribbean Jerk Chicken offers a spicy, tropical twist that’s big on flavor with very little effort.
• If you’re in the mood for Mediterranean, Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Feta and Tomatoes is bright and herby, perfect with rice or cauliflower rice.
• And for those nights when you just want something super simple, Easy 4-Ingredient Goddess Chicken with Artichokes proves that a handful of ingredients can still make a satisfying meal.

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