Herb-Friendly Recipe: Baked Cinnamon-Thyme Chicken

Cinnamon gives this chicken dish a sweet, nutty flavor. Combined with tasty thyme, it also makes for a healthy, herb-friendly entrée filled plenty of nutrients.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce or Bragg® Liquid Aminos (protein concentrate)
2 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon thyme
1/4 cup white wine
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley leaves, chopped

Directions

Rub chicken with garlic.
Brush chicken with Bragg Liquid Amino or reduced-sodium soy sauce and olive oil.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and thyme. Bake in 375 F oven 15 minutes.
Pour mixture of white wine, honey and parsley over chicken. Bake another 15 to 20 minutes. Juices should run clear when done.

Ingredient health benefits

Chicken breast: An excellent way to get some protein, chicken breast is low in sodium and rich in iron, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Your blood cells need these nutrients to thrive, and your brain and heart will thank you for the B vitamin boost!
Olive oil: This cooking oil has been touted as one of the most nutritious cooking oils out there, and it really has lived up to its reputation. Olive oil is a great source of vitamin A, which supports eye health, and vitamin K, which strengthens bones. Olive oil can also promote healthy cholesterol levels by raising “good” (HDL) cholesterol and reducing “bad” (LDL) cholesterol.
Garlic: A common ingredient with a few beneficial qualities to add to your chicken dinner. Garlic has anti-germ properties that may protect the other ingredients in your food from microbial squatters, and certain compounds found in garlic could help regulate blood pressure.
Cinnamon: Research into the potential benefits of this well-known spice is ongoing, but cinnamon may have properties that fight inflammation and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Spices like cinnamon also have antioxidants, or compounds that protect your cells from harmful free radicals. Talk about nutritious and delicious!
Honey: Though it’s used as a natural remedy throughout the world, there’s more to honey than its sweet taste and ability to soothe a sore throat. Honey has antioxidants and prebiotics, which are nutrients that feed the good bacteria that support your gut.