Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Chicken
Immerse yourself in the nostalgic flavors of the past with this Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Chicken recipe. Inspired by the beloved TV show Little House on the Prairie, this dish combines sweet apple juice and honey, balanced with tangy lemon juice and a hint of cinnamon. The delightful marinade permeates the chicken, creating a succulent, juicy experience with every bite. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to transport you to simpler times while delighting your taste buds! Serve with the reduced marinade for an extra burst of flavor and garnish with fresh lemon wedges for a bright finish.
N/A
Servings
438
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
apple juice
1 1/2 cups (Juice can be used directly or mixed with sherry wine.)
honey
1/4 cup (Use raw or refined honey for sweetness.)
lemon juice
1/4 cup (Freshly squeezed for the best flavor.)
garlic
1 tablespoon (Minced.)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (Ground.)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (To taste.)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (Freshly ground.)
chicken pieces
3 lbs (8 pieces total) (Use a mix of thigh and breast pieces for variety.)
canola oil
2 tablespoons (For browning the chicken.)
lemon
1 (Cut into wedges for garnish.)
Instructions
1
In a large zip-top container, combine the apple juice, honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, cinnamon, kosher salt, and black pepper.
2
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, seal the bag tightly, and shake well to ensure each piece is coated. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
3
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a large 9" x 13" roasting pan.
4
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off, and set the pieces aside on a plate.
5
Pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer, allowing it to cook down until it thickens and reduces to about 1 cup, which will take approximately 10-15 minutes.
6
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add approximately 2 tablespoons of canola oil. Sear the chicken pieces for just a few minutes on each side, adjusting the heat as necessary to achieve an even golden-brown color without fully cooking them.
7
Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared roasting pan and pour the reduced marinade evenly over the top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-55 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink inside. Cooking time may vary based on the size and type of chicken pieces used.
9
Once cooked, skim any excess fat from the pan juices if desired and serve them as a delicious dipping sauce alongside the chicken.
10
Garnish with freshly cut lemon wedges for a refreshing touch.
Nutrition Information
22.5
Fat
18.75
Carbs
31.25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration behind Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Chicken?
This dish is inspired by the nostalgic flavors of the past and the beloved TV show Little House on the Prairie.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You should marinate the chicken for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavor.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many calories are in one serving of this chicken?
Each serving contains approximately 438 calories.
What type of chicken pieces are recommended?
The recipe suggests using a mix of 3 lbs of thigh and breast pieces for variety.
Do I need to sear the chicken before baking?
Yes, sear the chicken in a skillet for a few minutes on each side to achieve a golden-brown color.
What is the safe internal temperature for the cooked chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How long does it take to bake the chicken?
Baking time ranges between 30 to 55 minutes, depending on the size and type of chicken pieces.
What should I do with the remaining marinade?
The remaining marinade should be boiled and simmered until it reduces to about 1 cup and thickens.
How long does it take to reduce the marinade?
It takes approximately 10-15 minutes to reduce and thicken the marinade on the stovetop.
Can I substitute apple juice?
Apple juice provides the base sweetness, but the recipe notes it can be mixed with sherry wine if desired.
What kind of honey should I use?
You can use either raw or refined honey for this recipe.
Is fresh lemon juice required?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How much garlic is included in the marinade?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 22.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
The dish contains 18.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein count for this recipe?
This recipe provides 31.25 grams of protein per serving.
What size roasting pan is needed?
A large 9x13 inch roasting pan is recommended.
What type of oil is used for searing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of canola oil for browning the chicken.
How should I garnish the finished dish?
Garnish the chicken with fresh lemon wedges for a bright and refreshing finish.
Is the marinade served with the chicken?
Yes, the reduced pan juices can be served as a delicious dipping sauce alongside the meat.
Can I use only chicken breasts?
While a mix is suggested, you can use breasts, though cooking times may need adjustment.
What gives the recipe its spicy note?
The spice comes from a combination of black pepper and ground cinnamon.
How many pieces of chicken does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed for approximately 8 pieces of chicken.
Should I skim the fat from the pan?
Yes, you can skim any excess fat from the pan juices before serving if desired.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include chicken, cinnamon, sweet and spicy, poultry, and comfort food.
Is this a good recipe for a family dinner?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Can I prepare the marinade in a bag?
Yes, the instructions suggest using a large zip-top container or bag for marinating.
How much honey is in the marinade?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of honey.