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Cinnamon Chicken Recipe

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3.8 from 65 reviews

This Cinnamon Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs seasoned with aromatic cinnamon and paprika, cooked with sweet sautéed onions and finished in the oven for a flavorful and comforting dish. The blend of spices, honey, and chicken broth creates a subtly sweet and savory sauce that perfectly complements the juicy chicken, making it an ideal meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Chicken and Sauce

  • 6 chicken thighs (bone in and skin on)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 cup (250ml) chicken broth

Vegetables and Oil

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 sweet onion (peeled, cut in half and sliced)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C / gas mark 6) to prepare for baking the chicken.
  2. Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the sliced onions until tender and translucent. Transfer the cooked onions evenly into the bottom of a baking dish.
  3. Brown the Chicken: In the same skillet, brown the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side until the skin is crispy and golden. Arrange the browned chicken, skin side up, over the bed of onions in the baking dish.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the ground cinnamon, paprika, salt, black pepper, honey (or maple syrup), and chicken broth until combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and onions.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs with skin-on chicken breasts if preferred, but cooking times may vary.
  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
  • Serve with rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.