Savor the Sweet and Savory Flavors of Chicken With Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that is as beloved for its sweeter flavor as it is for its aromatic properties, so it’s no wonder why it is gaining traction in the culinary world. If you’re looking to create a dish that features the best of both sweet and savory, look no further than the lip-smacking flavors of chicken with cinnamon.
This dish is perfect for a cozy family gathering or a special occasion when you want to impress your guests. Plus, its simplicity is an added bonus, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. But don’t let that fool you; this dish is packed with flavor!
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Method
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with sea salt, thyme, cinnamon and paprika
3. Once the oil is heated, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a plate.
6. In a separate small saucepan, add the butter, honey, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Heat until the butter has melted, stirring until smooth and creamy.
7. Once the mixture is mixed through, pour it over the chicken breasts.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy.
This dish will make your taste buds dance thanks to the balance of flavors – the sweet and savory combination of balsamic, garlic, honey and cinnamon, not to mention the smoky paprika. Plus, you don’t have to sacrifice nutrition for flavor – the olive oil adds heart-healthy fats, and the lean chicken breasts provide lean protein.
Tips
• Feel free to mix things up with other spices, herbs and vegetables.
• If you’re short on time, skip the small saucepan and simply drizzle the honey, garlic and balsamic over the chicken.
• For an extra kick of flavor, top the cooked chicken with thinly-sliced almonds.
If you love the flavors of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisine, you can take notes from the this recipe and make some subtle twists. You could substitute couscous instead of rice or noodles, add chopped bell peppers and swap out chicken for lamb. Or you could use this recipe as a jumping-off point and take notes from classic Chinese or Indian dishes that similarly combine savory and sweet flavors.
No matter how you choose to make it, you can’t go wrong with the winning combination of cinnamon and chicken!