The Fall Spice You Should Be Adding To Your Roast Chicken Dish

Roast chicken is a classic, foolproof dish that many of us return to time and again. It's simple, comforting, and versatile, but sometimes our recipes fall into a routine of using the same seasonings: garlic, lemon, and thyme. While these ingredients always do the job, there are plenty of ways to give your roast chicken a new twist. One spice you might not think to add is cinnamon. Known for its warmth and depth, cinnamon is often associated with sweet dishes, but when used on savory meat it adds an unexpected complexity. A pinch or two in your seasoning mix might just be the autumnal touch your chicken needs.

The unique flavor profile of cinnamon — warm, slightly sweet, and aromatic — works wonders with roast chicken because it complements the savory, hearty qualities of the meat while adding new layers. In many cuisines around the world cinnamon has long been paired with poultry, especially in Middle Eastern, North African, and Indian cooking. In these regions, cinnamon often appears in spice blends like Moroccan ras el hanout or Indian garam masala, where it is combined with other bold spices to create rich, multi-layered flavors. It's also used in some Mexican mole sauces, showing just how well cinnamon and poultry work together in different cuisines. Plus, it's worth pointing out that the scent of roasting chicken is divine in and of itself, but adding cinnamon to the mix makes it even more incredible.

It's a big mistake to roast a chicken without adding seasonings, because without them the bird will come out bland and one-dimensional. Cinnamon offers a warm, spicy/sweet makeover that plays well with a variety of complementary spices like cumin, allspice, nutmeg, and paprika. You can sprinkle ground cinnamon on your chicken before roasting, or blend it with olive oil, garlic, and other spices to create a flavorful rub. If you're craving something a little brighter, take a cue from classic holiday flavors and pair cinnamon with citrus; think orange or lemon zest to balance the spice and add a fresh twist. This will give your roast chicken an intriguing balance of sweet, savory, and tart flavors.

If you're looking to lean into some traditional tastes from around the world, consider a Moroccan-inspired spice blend that might include cinnamon, cumin, coriander, turmeric, or other cuisine-specific spices. The blend can be rubbed onto the raw poultry or mixed into a yogurt marinade, which is a great way to infuse even more flavor and extra moisture. The key to pairing cinnamon with chicken is balancing the warm spice with sweetness, brightness, or a contrasting flavor depending on the overall vibe you want from the dish. With a little experimenting, you'll find your sweet spot, adding a bit more personality to your basic roast chicken.