Simplest Chicken Ever

CINNAMON CHICKEN

Who can't use another tasty baked chicken recipe (besides vegetarians?) This requires marinating overnight, but is quick to assemble the following evening, and sublime with a winter squash side dish. Historical reference: we served this chicken, many moons ago, in one of Cafe Drake's first "grown-up" dinner parties, deep in Manhattan's Alphabet City. The entree was followed with a simple green salad, a plate of cheese and poached pears and coffee and chocolates to finish. Guests applauded and A Hobby Was Born. In hindsight we do regret the (timely) dinner soundtrack provided by Nirvana. Smells like youthful folly.

1 1/2 cups dry sherry / 1/2 cup honey / 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice / 4 garlic cloves / 1 T. ground cinnamon / 1 t. kosher salt / freshly ground black pepper / 1 3-lb. chicken, cut into 6-8 pieces / about 2 T. vegetable oil (do not use olive oil)

1. Mix all ingredients for marinade together (except oil) and toss with chicken. marinate overnight in the refrigerator in a large zip-lock bag.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
3. Remove chicken from marinade and, in a large skillet, sear in the oil on all sides for 5 minutes or until skin is golden.
4. Move chicken to a shallow baking dish and roast in oven for 20 minutes.
5. Boil reserved marinade until thicker, about 10 minutes. Pour over chicken nce it's been removed from oven.
6. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced red onions.