Description
Savory balsamic chicken emerges as a culinary delight, blending rich Mediterranean flavors with simple home cooking techniques. Hearty ingredients and quick preparation make this dish perfect for busy weeknight dinners that satisfy hungry families with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade:
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables:
- 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (100 grams) green beans, trimmed
- 1 red onion, sliced into wedges
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Craft a robust marinade by blending balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a mixing vessel.
- Submerge chicken breasts completely in the marinade, guaranteeing thorough coating, and refrigerate for 15-60 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
- Configure the oven to 400F (200C), preparing for efficient roasting.
- Combine cherry tomatoes, green beans, red onion, and zucchini with a light olive oil drizzle, seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
- Distribute the vegetable medley evenly across a spacious rimmed baking sheet, creating a vibrant foundation.
- Extract marinated chicken breasts, positioning them strategically amid the vegetable landscape, discarding residual marinade.
- Roast the ensemble for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until chicken reaches a safe 165F (74C) internal temperature and vegetables achieve tender perfection.
- Optional: Activate broiler for 2-3 minutes to develop a caramelized, glossy chicken exterior.
- Allow chicken to rest briefly, permitting juices to redistribute, then plate alongside roasted vegetables, drizzling accumulated pan essences for maximum flavor complexity.
Notes
- Maximize flavor by marinating chicken for the full hour to allow deep penetration of balsamic and herb notes.
- Ensure even cooking by pounding chicken breasts to uniform thickness before marinating, preventing dry edges or undercooked centers.
- Customize vegetable mix based on seasonal availability or personal preference, keeping similar size and roasting characteristics for consistent cooking.
- Simplify cleanup by using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on the sheet pan, preventing sticking and making post-meal cleanup quick and easy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg