If you’re looking for a new chicken recipe to try, consider making Cinnamon Thyme Chicken. This recipe combines warm cinnamon and fragrant thyme to create a flavorful and aromatic dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
To make this dish, you’ll need chicken, garlic, Bragg Liquid Amino or reduced-sodium soy sauce, olive oil, cinnamon, thyme, white wine, honey, and parsley. The chicken is first rubbed with garlic and then brushed with the liquid amino or soy sauce and olive oil. Cinnamon and thyme are then sprinkled on top before the chicken is baked in the oven. A mixture of white wine, honey, and parsley is poured over the chicken during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to add a sweet and savoury flavour.
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s easy to make and requires minimal prep time, making it a great option for busy nights. Plus, the combination of cinnamon and thyme adds a unique twist to an otherwise traditional chicken dish. Give this recipe a try and impress your taste buds with the delicious flavours of Cinnamon Thyme Chicken.
Ingredients
When it comes to making Cinnamon Thyme Chicken, having the right ingredients is key to achieving a delicious and flavorful dish. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe:
Marinade
- Chicken breasts: You’ll need about 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe.
- Olive oil: Use 4 tablespoons of olive oil to help coat the chicken and keep it moist while it cooks.
- Soy sauce: Add 2 teaspoons of reduced-sodium soy sauce or Bragg® Liquid Aminos (protein concentrate) to the marinade for a savoury flavour.
- Garlic: Use 2 cloves of minced garlic to add depth and aroma to the marinade.
- cinnamon: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the marinade for a warm, slightly sweet flavour.
- Thyme: Use 1 teaspoon of thyme to add an earthy, herbaceous flavour to the chicken.
- White wine: Use 1/4 cup of white wine to help tenderize the chicken and add a subtle sweetness.
- Honey: Add 1 teaspoon of honey to the marinade for a touch of sweetness.
- Italian parsley: Use 1 tablespoon of fresh Italian parsley leaves, chopped, to add a bright, fresh flavour to the chicken.
To make the marinade, simply mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl or large plastic bag. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s ready to be baked or grilled to perfection. Whether you’re serving it as a main course for dinner or using it to top a salad or pasta dish, this Cinnamon Thyme Chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Rub the chicken with minced garlic and brush it with olive oil and Bragg Liquid Amino or reduced-sodium soy sauce.
- Season the chicken with ground cinnamon, thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar.
- Place the chicken in an oven-safe skillet, skin side down, or on a baking sheet lined with foil.
- Pour a mixture of white wine, honey, and chopped parsley over the chicken.
Cooking
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, remove the skillet or baking sheet from the oven and flip the chicken over.
- Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes or until the juices run clear and the centre of the chicken reaches 165°F when tested with an instant-read thermometer.
- If you’re using bone-in chicken, cook until the thickest part of the meat reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cinnamon thyme chicken is a delicious and easy recipe that can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, pasta, or couscous. You can also use chicken tenders or a whole chicken cut into pieces instead of bone-in chicken breasts.
To brown the chicken, you can use a skillet over medium-high heat or an outdoor grill. Make sure to cook the chicken until the skin is browned and crispy before transferring it to the oven.
If you prefer a garlicky flavour, you can add more minced garlic to the chicken before seasoning it with spices. You can also use lemon pepper or other herbs to season the chicken.
Leftover cinnamon thyme chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the chicken, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through.
Overall, this cinnamon chicken recipe is a great option for those following a paleo or low-carb diet. It’s packed with protein and iron, and the combination of spices and honey creates a flavorful and aromatic dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have made your delicious Cinnamon Thyme Chicken, it’s time to think about how to serve it. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
Salad
A fresh salad is a perfect complement to the savoury flavours of the chicken. Consider serving a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the chicken. Alternatively, a fruit salad with citrus or berries can add a refreshing twist to the meal.
Rice
Rice is a classic side dish that pairs well with the chicken. You can prepare plain white or brown rice, or try something more flavorful like pilaf or risotto. To add a pop of colour and flavour, try adding vegetables like roasted carrots or sautéed mushrooms to your rice dish.
Garnish
Garnishing your chicken with fresh herbs or citrus can add an extra layer of flavour and visual appeal. Consider adding a sprig of thyme or a slice of lemon to each plate before serving.
Side Dishes
For a heartier meal, consider serving the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts. Alternatively, a creamy potato gratin or a cheesy polenta can add a comforting touch to the meal.
Remember, the most important thing is to choose sides that complement the flavours of the chicken and enhance the overall dining experience. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you and your guests. Enjoy your meal!
CINNAMON THYME CHICKEN RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon raw sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove
- 500 g chicken tenders or chicken breasts you have cut up yourself
- 12 wooden skewers soaked in water to prevent burning
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Add the sugar, salt, cinnamon, thyme leaves, white pepper and olive oil into a large zip lock bag.
- Crush the clove of garlic and add it to the bag.
- Squish everything about until it is well mixed.
- Place the chicken tenders into the bag and massage them with the marinade.
- Leave to marinade for at least an hour, but preferably overnight.
- When you are ready to cook, remove the chicken from the bag and thread onto the skewers. (see notes)
- Get a large frying pan or griddle pan, super hot and add the skewers to the pan. Turn the heat to medium and allow them to cook for 4 minutes before turning them and giving them a further 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve with a sprinkling of fresh thyme or parsley.
- If you want to serve these with some buttery couscous then you can get my recipe here.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cook chicken with cinnamon and thyme?
To cook chicken with cinnamon and thyme, you can either bake or pan-roast it. To bake, rub the chicken with garlic and brush it with Bragg Liquid Amino or reduced-sodium soy sauce and olive oil. Sprinkle some cinnamon and thyme over it and bake in a 375-degree oven for 15 minutes. Then, pour a mixture of white wine, honey, and parsley over the chicken and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. If pan-roasting, pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet skin side down. Cook without moving until the skin is deep golden brown and crisp, about 6 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 6 minutes.
What other spices can I use with cinnamon and thyme on chicken?
You can use a variety of spices to complement cinnamon and thyme on chicken, such as paprika, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, and onion powder. Experiment with different spice blends to find a combination that you like.
Can I use dried thyme and cinnamon for the chicken recipe?
Yes, you can use dried thyme and cinnamon for the chicken recipe. However, fresh herbs tend to have a stronger flavour than dried herbs, so you may need to use more dried herbs to achieve the same level of flavour.
What type of chicken is best for cinnamon thyme seasoning?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs are the best type of chicken for cinnamon thyme seasoning. The bone and skin help keep the chicken moist and flavorful during cooking.
What sides go well with cinnamon thyme chicken?
Cinnamon thyme chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with a side of sweet potato fries or mashed sweet potatoes for a delicious and healthy meal.
How long should I marinate the chicken with cinnamon and thyme?
You do not need to marinate the chicken with cinnamon and thyme. Instead, you can rub the chicken with garlic and sprinkle the spices on top right before cooking. However, if you prefer to marinate, you can mix the spices with olive oil and a splash of lemon juice and marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
