Description
Sizzling balsamic chicken brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with minimal cleanup. Succulent chicken thighs glazed in tangy balsamic sauce create a simple yet elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsps olive oil (for marinade)
- 2 tbsps honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (for marinade)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (for marinade)
- 1 cup (150 g/5.3 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (100 g/3.5 oz) green beans, trimmed
- 1 red onion, sliced into wedges
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for vegetables)
- ½ tsp salt (for vegetables)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (for vegetables)
Instructions
- Marinade Preparation: Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, crushed garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant flavor base.
- Chicken Marination: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts in the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for flavor enhancement.
- Oven Preheating: Ignite the oven to 400F (200C), setting the stage for high-temperature roasting.
- Vegetable Preparation: Combine cherry tomatoes, green beans, red onion, and zucchini, tossing with olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a colorful medley.
- Sheet Pan Assembly: Spread the seasoned vegetables across a rimmed baking sheet, forming a flavorful foundation. Gently place marinated chicken breasts on top of the vegetable landscape.
- Roasting Process: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, roasting for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165F (74C) and vegetables become tender and caramelized.
- Final Touch: Optional broiling for 2-3 minutes creates a glossy, slightly charred exterior on the chicken.
- Resting and Serving: Remove from oven, allowing chicken to rest briefly. Plate the roasted chicken with accompanying vegetables, drizzling pan juices for an extra flavor burst.
Notes
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken soak in balsamic mixture for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to deepen taste and tenderize meat.
- Prevent Dryness: Use chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and avoid overcooking, which can lead to tough, dry meat.
- Vegetable Placement Matters: Spread vegetables in a single layer on baking sheet to promote proper roasting and prevent steaming, allowing caramelization and crisp edges.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to accurately check chicken’s internal temperature, guaranteeing safe yet juicy results without guesswork.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg