Description
Savory balsamic chicken brings Mediterranean magic to dinner tables with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Home cooks can quickly craft this delicious meal that promises restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade:
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters/2 fluid ounces) 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/5.3 ounces) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (100 grams/3.5 ounces) 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 zesty marinade by blending balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, crushed garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in a mixing vessel.
- Submerge chicken breasts thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for a minimum of 15 minutes to maximize flavor infusion.
- Heat the oven to a robust 400F (200C), preparing for high-temperature roasting.
- Prepare a vibrant medley of cherry tomatoes, green beans, red onion, and zucchini by tossing them with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the vegetable mixture across a spacious rimmed baking sheet, creating a colorful base.
- Carefully position the marinated chicken breasts atop the vegetable landscape, allowing them to nestle comfortably.
- Transfer the baking sheet into the preheated oven, roasting for approximately 20-25 minutes until the chicken achieves a perfect internal temperature of 165F (74C) and vegetables reach tender perfection.
- For an optional caramelized finish, activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes, creating a glossy, slightly charred exterior on the chicken.
- Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest briefly, letting juices redistribute and intensify flavors.
- Plate the roasted chicken alongside the accompanying vegetables, drizzling any remaining pan juices for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Marinate Smartly: The longer the chicken sits in the balsamic mixture, the more flavor it absorbs, creating a deeper, more complex taste profile.
- Prevent Dryness: Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature, ensuring juicy, tender results every time.
- Vegetable Variety: Swap out vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference, keeping the cooking time and method consistent for best results.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free balsamic vinegar and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg