Balsamic Glazed Chicken and Rainbow Veggies
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever stare into your fridge wondering what to make? Me too! This balsamic chicken and veggies recipe is the answer.
It's got a sweet and tangy kick that'll make you forget about takeaways. Seriously, this balsamic glazed chicken tastes incredible and is super simple.
Brief Overview
This recipe is inspired by classic Italian flavours. It's an easy weeknight dinner that brings a touch of Italy to your table.
Plus, it's a sheet pan dinner , meaning minimal washing up! This one pan chicken dinner feeds about 4 people.
It takes roughly an hour from start to finish, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
Main Benefits
This healthy sheet pan meal is packed with protein and vitamins. All those rainbow vegetables really make this recipe a powerhouse.
It's fantastic for family dinners, or when you are trying to eat clean. Honestly, the best thing about this italian chicken recipe is how customisable it is.
You can throw in whatever veggies are lurking in the fridge! This recipe uses only healthy ingredients and will give you a perfect dinner for the whole family.
Gather Your Rainbow
Ready to dive in? Here's what you need to make this balsamic chicken and veggies magic happen. Don't worry, it's mostly stuff you probably already have!
Alright, let's talk ingredients for this awesome balsamic chicken and veggies ! This is seriously my go-to sheet pan dinner .
It's so easy and the balsamic glazed chicken is just divine. Think of it as a cheat code for delicious easy weeknight dinners .
Honestly, who has time to slave over a stove all night?
Ingredients & Equipment
We're keeping things simple here. Think less MasterChef, more 'bung it all in and hope for the best' but in a good way!
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch (2.5cm) pieces. Pro tip: look for chicken with a nice pink color, not grey.
- 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 orange bell pepper. A rainbow of veggies for a rainbow vegetables boost!
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges.
- 1 lb (450g) broccoli florets & 1 lb (450g) Brussels sprouts, halved.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30ml ).
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Balsamic Glaze Goodness:
- 1/2 cup ( 120ml ) balsamic vinegar. The better the balsamic, the better the balsamic chicken marinade will taste. Trust me!
- 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) honey.
- 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) Dijon mustard.
- 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) soy sauce.
Seasoning Notes
Italian herbs are key. This gives a classic, comforting flavour. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
A little soy sauce in the glaze adds a beautiful depth of flavor. Don’t have Dijon? Yellow mustard will do in a pinch.
We're making an easy italian chicken recipe , but we're going with the flow.
Equipment Needed
All you really need is a large baking sheet (at least 12x17 inches). That's it!
- Large baking sheet. Seriously, don't overcrowd the pan, or you won’t get that lovely roasted texture.
- Large mixing bowl.
- Small saucepan (optional, for the glaze). A bowl will also do!
- Whisk, Cutting board, Sharp knife.
Basically, what you have in your average kitchen for this one pan chicken dinner should work well, so this healthy sheet pan meals is easy peasy!
Cooking Method: Roasting Our Way to Balsamic Chicken Bliss
Honestly, roasting is one of the best cooking methods. It's almost foolproof. This balsamic chicken and veggies recipe is a perfect example! It's an easy weeknight dinner that tastes way more complicated than it is.
Think of roasted chicken and vegetables as a blank canvas. We're just adding a delicious, balsamic glazed chicken masterpiece.
Prep Steps: Setting the Stage for Success
First things first: mise en place . In plain English, get everything chopped and ready to go. It makes life so much easier! Roughly chop 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper and 1 orange bell pepper.
Cut 1 red onion into wedges, and give 1 lb of broccoli florets and 1 lb of halved Brussels sprouts a good wash.
Mince 2 cloves of garlic. For the chicken, trim and cube 1.5lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1 inch pieces.
Time saving tip: Chop the vegetables while the oven preheats to 400° F ( 200° C) . Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
This makes cleanup a breeze! Safety first: always wash your hands after handling raw chicken.
step-by-step: From Prep to Plate
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Parchment paper on the baking sheet is your friend!
- Get those rainbow vegetables prepped. Chop 'em into bite sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, all chopped vegetables, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss it all together.
- Whisk together 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon soy sauce. Simmer for 5- 7 minutes until slightly thickened (or just whisk for a lighter glaze). Watch it like a hawk !
- Pour that amazing balsamic chicken marinade over the chicken and veggies. Toss it well to coat everything.
- Spread the mix in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding!
- Roast for 30- 35 minutes . The chicken should reach 165° F ( 74° C) , and the vegetables should be tender.
- Serve immediately. It is the perfect one pan chicken dinner !
Pro Tips: Elevating Your Roasting Game
Don't overcrowd that sheet pan! Use two if you have to. Overlapping veggies will steam instead of roast. This is the best sheet pan dinner .
Common mistake alert: Not using good balsamic. Treat yourself to decent balsamic vinegar. It makes a world of difference. For an enhanced italian chicken recipe , try to marinate the chicken for 30 minutes.
make-ahead? You bet! Chop all your veggies and mix the glaze ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. This makes it a crazy healthy sheet pan meal .
Give this a try! It is great for chicken and vegetable recipes . I swear, this balsamic glazed chicken will become a staple in your house!
Recipe Notes: The Secret Sauce to Epic Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
Right, so you're about to whip up some seriously tasty balsamic chicken and veggies . But before you dive in headfirst, let's run through a few handy tips and tricks to make sure your sheet pan dinner is absolutely banging.
You know? I've made this dish a gazillion times. Honestly, sometimes it turns out amazing, sometimes… not so much. These notes will help you avoid my mishaps!
Serving Suggestions: From Sheet Pan to Showstopper
Okay, so you've got your balsamic glazed chicken and beautifully roasted chicken and vegetables . Now what? Presentation is key, even if you're just scoffing it down on the sofa.
I reckon piling it high on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley looks pretty fancy. And for sides? A simple quinoa salad or some crusty bread for mopping up that glorious glaze is perfect.
Oh, and a glass of crisp white wine never hurt anyone, did it? Consider serving the rainbow vegetables over couscous.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? First of all, good for you for practicing portion control because when this one pan chicken dinner comes out of the oven, I want to eat everything.
Store the balsamic chicken and veggies in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll happily keep for 3-4 days . Freezing is an option, but the veggies might get a bit soggy when defrosted.
Reheat in the oven or microwave until piping hot. I like to add a splash of fresh balsamic vinegar when reheating to perk it up.
The internal temperature of the chicken during reheating should reach 165° F ( 74° C) for food safety.
Variations: Mix it Up!
Fancy a change? This Italian chicken recipe is super adaptable. If you're going low-carb, swap the honey in the balsamic chicken marinade for a sugar-free sweetener.
For a veggie version, tofu works wonders. You could also change up the veggies depending on what’s in season. Think butternut squash and parsnips in autumn, or asparagus and peas in spring.
These are some great ways to enjoy chicken and vegetable recipes .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Let's face it, we all like to know what we're putting into our bodies, innit? This healthy sheet pan meal is packed with protein from the chicken, loads of vitamins from the veggies, and antioxidants from the balsamic vinegar.
Without being too science-y, it's a balanced and nutritious meal that's good for your body and soul. A rough guide is about 350 calories per serving.
So there you have it. A few extra nuggets of wisdom to help you create a balsamic chicken and veggies masterpiece.
Now get in that kitchen and get cooking those easy weeknight dinners !. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different vegetables for this balsamic chicken and veggies recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favourite vegetables. Courgettes, carrots, or even sweet potatoes would be delicious. Just make sure you cut them into similar sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You could even throw in some mushrooms for an earthy twist go wild!
How do I store leftover balsamic chicken and veggies?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, oven, or even a skillet. If using the oven, a splash of water can help keep things moist. Just like a good Sunday roast, it's even better the next day!
My balsamic glaze is too thin. How can I fix it?
If your balsamic glaze isn't thickening up, simply simmer it for a few more minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as it can go from perfect to burnt offering faster than you can say "Great British Bake Off"!
A touch of cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) can also help thicken it in a pinch.
Is this balsamic chicken and veggies recipe healthy?
Yes, this recipe is a relatively healthy option. It's packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the vegetables. To make it even healthier, you could use less honey in the balsamic glaze, or serve it with a side of quinoa instead of rice for added fiber.
Think of it as your daily dose of greens with a flavourful kick!
Can I make this balsamic chicken and veggies ahead of time?
You can definitely prep some of the components ahead of time. Chop the vegetables and make the balsamic glaze earlier in the day, storing them separately. When you're ready to cook, simply toss everything together and roast!
The convenience factor makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you're juggling work, the kids, and trying to avoid ordering takeaway...again.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for the balsamic chicken and veggies?
While chicken thighs are juicier, you can substitute with chicken breasts. Be mindful that chicken breasts tend to dry out faster, so reduce the cooking time slightly, and consider cutting them into larger pieces.
To prevent dryness, marinating the chicken breasts in the balsamic glaze for at least 30 minutes before cooking can also help. No one wants dry chicken - not on my watch!
Balsamic Glazed Chicken And Rainbow Veggies
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 5g |
