Spicy Cocoa-Cinnamon Oven Roasted Chicken
Experience the delightful fusion of spices with this Spicy Cocoa-Cinnamon Oven Roasted Chicken recipe. The combination of ground cinnamon, chili powder, and a hint of cocoa dust creates a flavorful rub that enhances the natural juiciness of boneless skinless chicken breasts. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough for special occasions. For an added kick, feel free to substitute half of the chili powder with ground habanero powder. Top with a fresh salsa, creamy sour cream, or sliced green onions to elevate the dish further. This recipe serves six, making it a great choice for family meals or gatherings.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground cinnamon
1 (teaspoon)
chili powder
1 (teaspoon)
brown sugar
1 (teaspoon)
kosher salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
unsweetened cocoa
1/2 (teaspoon)
olive oil
2 (teaspoons)
balsamic vinegar
2 (teaspoons)
garlic, minced
1 (clove)
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
6
salsa
(optional)
sour cream
(optional)
green onion
(optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
2
In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, chili powder, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and unsweetened cocoa, mixing thoroughly to create an even rub.
3
Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic to the spice mix and stir until well blended.
4
Generously rub the spice mixture over the chicken breast halves, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.
5
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a lightly oiled 15 x 10 inch jelly roll pan, spreading them out to ensure even cooking.
6
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
7
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
8
Serve hot, optionally garnished with salsa, sour cream, and sliced green onions.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The recipe uses six boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How long does the chicken need to bake?
Bake the chicken for approximately 20 minutes until it reaches the safe internal temperature.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius.
What unique ingredients are in the spice rub?
The rub includes ground cinnamon, chili powder, and unsweetened cocoa.
How can I make the chicken spicier?
You can substitute half of the chili powder with ground habanero powder for an extra kick.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe serves six people.
What kind of oil is used in the marinade?
Two teaspoons of olive oil are used in the spice mixture.
What type of vinegar is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for two teaspoons of balsamic vinegar.
Should the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before slicing.
What are the suggested garnishes for this dish?
Optional garnishes include fresh salsa, creamy sour cream, and sliced green onions.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires one minced clove of garlic.
Is there any sugar in the rub?
Yes, one teaspoon of brown sugar is included in the spice rub.
What size pan should be used for roasting?
A lightly oiled 15 x 10 inch jelly roll pan is recommended.
What type of cocoa should I use?
Use unsweetened cocoa to create the flavorful rub.
How do I ensure the chicken is evenly coated?
Generously rub the spice mixture over the chicken breasts on all sides.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using half a teaspoon of kosher salt.
Can this dish be served for special occasions?
Yes, the recipe is described as elegant enough for special occasions.
How should the chicken be arranged on the pan?
Spread the chicken breasts out on the pan to ensure even cooking.
What order should I mix the ingredients?
Mix the dry spices first, then stir in the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic.
What type of pepper is recommended?
The recipe calls for half a teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe option.
What is the flavor profile of this chicken?
It is a fusion of spicy, savory, and earthy flavors from the chili, cinnamon, and cocoa.
Should the chicken be served hot?
Yes, the instructions recommend serving the chicken hot.
Does this recipe work for family meals?
Yes, it is a great choice for family meals or small gatherings.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 13 ingredients listed, including optional garnishes.
Is the chicken skinless?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I use ground habanero?
Yes, for more heat, you can substitute half the chili powder with ground habanero.