| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 55 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 420 | 16g | 5g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 2g | 30g | 0.6g |
The moment I first tasted the White Cinnamon Baked Chicken, a melody of flavors danced on my palate. It brought back familiar flavors from my Cuban domicile, with a hint of my Spanish ancestry. The blend of chicken and cinnamon, heightened by the distinct savors of nutmeg all swimming within the fruitful essence of apples and pears, reminded me of my grandmother’s cozinha – oh, how it resembled the love she put into every dish! It was an orchestra of flavors playing in perfect harmony – tangy yet sweet, robust yet light – an ironic paradox that worked miraculously well.
A Journey of Culinary Adventure
This recipe carries me back to the sunlit beaches of Miami, where the refreshing smell of fruit mingles with the salt of the sea air – the ideal setting in which to enjoy this delightfully tropical dish. Similar to the classic Cuban Pollo Asado, it calls to mind the dinners we’d enjoy as family under the glow of the setting sun, the tantalizing aroma of garlic and onion wafting in the warm breeze. Imagine this dish paired with a tangy Mojito or a glass of sparkling Spanish Cava. It’s the culinary embodiment of a tropical vacation.
Health Benefits in Every Bite
Despite its luxurious taste, the White Cinnamon Baked Chicken, is not just about satisfying your taste buds. This dish also delivers a punch of health benefits. Chicken, as we all know, is an excellent source of lean protein. Meanwhile, the humble cinnamon, a predominant flavor in this dish, is laden with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The added fruits, apples and pears, contribute a generous dose of dietary fiber and essential vitamins – a feast of flavors without the guilt.
If there’s a dish that beautifully bridges my Cuban roots and Spanish heritage, it’s the White Cinnamon Baked Chicken. Owing its vibrant flavors to the Cuban and Spanish food saga, and with a distinctive swirl of flavours, this recipe is highly reminiscent of a tropical dining experience. A captivating symphony of taste and aroma, this dish opens up a world of endless culinary exploration.
What You’ll Need
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 apples, cored and sliced
- 1 pear, cored and sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Take your chicken breasts and rub them with the olive oil. Once they are all coated, sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Make sure all the chicken breasts are fully seasoned. Set aside.
Step Two
In a large baking dish, place the seasoned chicken breasts skin-side up. Scatter the sliced apples, pear, and diced onion around and between the chicken. Add the minced garlic to the dish as well.
Step Three
Pour the white wine over the chicken and fruits, ensuring to cover as much as possible. Drizzle the honey over everything in the baking dish. Finally, sprinkle the fresh thyme and rosemary leaves over the top.
Step Four
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the fruits are tender. Once done, remove the foil and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to get a nice brown color on the chicken.
Step Five
After the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it hot alongside the baked fruits and onions. Enjoy your White Cinnamon Baked Chicken.
