Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dish: balsamic glazed chicken and veggies! This savory meal is bursting with flavor, thanks to that deliciously tangy balsamic vinegar that creates a glaze that’s just to die for. I still remember the first time I made this dish; the aroma filled my kitchen, and I could hardly wait to dig in. The chicken comes out perfectly tender, while the veggies—oh, those vibrant bell peppers and hearty zucchini—soak up all that sweet and tangy goodness. It’s a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Trust me, once you try this balsamic glazed chicken and veggies, it’ll become a go-to in your home too!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups mixed vegetables, chopped (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Feel free to adjust the quantity of mixed vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal favorites. Sometimes I throw in some broccoli or cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of color and flavor! And don’t skimp on the balsamic; it’s what gives this dish its amazing signature taste. Just a little tip: letting the chicken marinate in the balsamic mixture for a bit before baking can really amp up the flavor, but if you’re short on time, it’ll still be delicious as is!
How to Prepare Balsamic Glazed Chicken and Veggies
Getting this balsamic glazed chicken and veggies on your table is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal in no time. Trust me, the combination of flavors is totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, your chicken will bake perfectly once you pop it in!
- Next, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and some pepper. This mixture is where the magic happens, so make sure it’s well combined.
- Now, take your chicken breasts and place them in a baking dish. Pour that delicious balsamic mixture all over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated nicely. I like to give it a little massage to soak in all that flavor!
- Time to add those vibrant mixed vegetables. Scatter them around the chicken in the dish, ensuring they’re nestled in that tasty glaze. They’ll soak up all that sweet and tangy goodness while they bake.
- Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender. I like to check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s reached 165°F (75°C).
- Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes—this helps keep it juicy. Then, slice it up and serve it alongside those gorgeous veggies.
- Finally, don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves! They add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that ties everything together beautifully.
And there you have it! This balsamic glazed chicken and veggies is not only simple to make, but it’s also a feast for the senses. I can’t wait for you to enjoy it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about serving.
- Flavor-packed with a delicious balance of sweet and tangy from the balsamic glaze.
- Healthy and gluten-free, making it a great choice for various diets.
- One-pan meal means minimal clean-up—just what I love after a long day!
This balsamic glazed chicken and veggies truly checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal that your whole family will adore!
Tips for Success
To really make this balsamic glazed chicken and veggies shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your taste—if you love garlic, throw in an extra clove or two! And as for the veggies, feel free to swap in whatever you’ve got on hand; asparagus, snap peas, or even sweet potatoes work beautifully here.
Another pro tip is to let the chicken marinate in the balsamic mixture for at least 15 minutes if you have the time. This really deepens the flavor! When it comes to cooking, keep an eye on your chicken in those last few minutes; oven temperatures can vary, and you want to avoid overcooking. Remember, juicy chicken is the goal! Lastly, if you’re cooking for a crowd, just double the recipe—it’s that easy, and everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! This balsamic glazed chicken and veggies is not just delicious; it’s also a healthy choice for dinner. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, with 8g of fat and 30g of protein to keep you feeling satisfied. You’ll also get about 20g of carbohydrates and 3g of fiber, making it a well-rounded meal. Just so you know, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But overall, you can feel good about enjoying this dish!
FAQ Section
Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this balsamic glazed chicken and veggies is its versatility. You can swap in just about any vegetable you like! If you have some broccoli, asparagus, or even brussels sprouts, they’ll work wonderfully. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly. I often toss in some cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness or even some green beans for that extra crunch. The key is to use what you enjoy or have on hand!
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Great question! The best way to check if your chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into a chicken breast; the juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink. Just be careful not to overcook it, as that can lead to dry chicken—yikes!
What can I serve with balsamic glazed chicken and veggies?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! I love serving it over fluffy quinoa or brown rice, as they soak up the delicious balsamic glaze. You could also whip up a simple side salad for a fresh crunch or even some creamy mashed potatoes for comfort. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, roasted sweet potatoes or a warm bread roll would be delightful too. The options are endless, so go with what makes your taste buds happy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of this delicious balsamic glazed chicken and veggies (which is rare in my house!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that flavor intact. Just place the chicken and veggies in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days—perfect for meal prep! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave for a minute or two until warmed through. You can also heat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear what you think about this balsamic glazed chicken and veggies! If you try it out, please leave a comment or rate the recipe. And don’t forget to share it on social media—let’s spread the love for this delicious dish!
Print
Balsamic Glazed Chicken and Veggies: 7 Simple Steps
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Balsamic glazed chicken and veggies is a savory dish with a sweet and tangy flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the balsamic mixture over them.
- Add mixed vegetables around the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the quantity of vegetables based on your preference.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- This dish pairs well with rice or quinoa.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: balsamic glazed chicken, chicken and veggies, healthy dinner
