| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 340 | 14g | 3g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 2g | 30g | 0.7g |
There is something incredibly enticing about the fusion of aromatic spices and succulent poultry in a recipe. One of my absolute favorites in this regard has to be the Spiced Chicken with Mace and Cinnamon. It’s a dish that joyfully marries the hearty fulfillment of Southern cuisine and the vibrant, (r)evolving taste palette of West Africa, a culinary reflection of my own ancestry.
The Fusion of Flavors
In each bite, you can taste the excitement of combining distinct culinary traditions into something harmonious and exciting. The mace and cinnamon provide a warmth and earthy sweetness that pairs remarkably well with the savory and hearty chicken. The fruitiness of orange elevated with honey and further complemented by dried apricots and raisins, infuses the dish with a hint of freshness that catches you off-guard in the best possible way. Then there’s a sprinkle of fresh mint at the end, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish with its cool, aromatic charm.
Every time I cook this dish, it reminds me of gatherings around the dinner table with my Nigerian parents. The conversations swirling around us were as rich as the flavors we savored. The experience is proof that food is not just fuel but also culture and communication. This culinary masterpiece is my ode to those unforgettable dinners, a piece of my heart offered to all of you.
Amazing Health Benefits
Undeniably delicious, this Spiced Chicken with Mace and Cinnamon also impresses with its health benefits. Chicken is packed with lean protein, supporting muscle growth and helping you to stay full for longer. Add to that, the mace and cinnamon, which are not just wonderful flavor enhancers but also have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Orange, apricots, and raisins bring a good dose of vitamins and dietary fiber, while olive oil offers healthy fats.
To learn more about the health benefits of chicken, check out this article.
This versatile Spiced Chicken recipe goes remarkably well with an assorted fresh salad, couscous, or fluffy basmati rice. Should you want to explore more such fusion recipes, here is one I tried recently, featuring coriander and apricots. The pairing of apricots with coriander was something to smile about. I hope you try it too.
Whichever way you decide to serve it, embrace the heartful culinary journey that every bite of this Afro-Southern dish promises. Let there be love, laughter, and a sense of home in every meal you partake.
What You’ll Need
- 6 large chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon of mace
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1/2 cup of dried apricots
- 1/2 cup of raisins or currants
- 3 tablespoons of fresh mint, finely chopped
Method
Step One
Firstly, start by rubbing the chicken breasts with mace, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every piece is generously seasoned. Once done, set it aside to marinate for a few minutes.
Step Two
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step Three
Next, add the marinated chicken breasts to the skillet. Brown the chicken on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is almost cooked through.
Step Four
Lower the heat and pour in the chicken broth and orange juice into the skillet. Add the orange zest, honey, dried apricots, and raisins or currants. Stir well to combine everything.
Step Five
Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the broth and juice mixture for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the flavors have melded together. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking and burning.
Step Six
Lastly, sprinkle the finely chopped fresh mint over the chicken just before serving. This Spiced Chicken with Mace and Cinnamon is best served hot with a side of steamed rice or warm bread.
