Description
Savory one pan balsamic chicken and veggies dance with tangy Italian flavors, creating a simple weeknight dinner sensation. Quick preparation and minimal cleanup make this meal a delightful choice for home cooks seeking delicious comfort on their plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 pound chicken tenders
Vegetables:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium zucchini
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400°F (200°C) and creating a non-stick surface using parchment paper or a light oil coating on a baking sheet.
- Create a flavor-enhancing seasoning blend by massaging olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper thoroughly onto chicken breasts, ensuring complete coverage on both surfaces.
- Position the seasoned chicken breasts strategically in the center of the prepared baking sheet, allowing space for surrounding vegetables.
- Distribute a colorful medley of vegetables – including carrots, broccoli, bell pepper, squash, and zucchini – around the chicken, creating an aesthetically pleasing and balanced arrangement.
- Craft a tangy balsamic glaze by vigorously whisking balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small mixing bowl until smoothly combined.
- Generously drizzle the prepared balsamic mixture over both chicken and vegetables, ensuring an even coating that will infuse rich, complex flavors during roasting.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables become perfectly tender.
- For an optional flavor-intensifying technique, activate the broiler and expose the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes to caramelize the balsamic glaze and create a glistening, appetizing finish.
- Serve the dish immediately to preserve optimal temperature and texture, or store any remaining portions in an airtight container for future consumption within 3 days.
Notes
- Customize vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference, ensuring a variety of colors and textures for a vibrant dish.
- Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent doneness throughout the baking sheet.
- Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan alternative or use agave nectar to maintain the sweet-tangy balance in the balsamic glaze.
- Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before roasting to enhance the overall flavor profile and provide an aromatic touch to the chicken and vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg