Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl until fully combined and uniform.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade in a small separate bowl for the finishing glaze, then add the chicken thighs to the remaining marinade and toss until every surface is fully coated.
- Cover and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes or up to 4 hours so the balsamic flavor penetrates the meat before roasting.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large half sheet pan with foil or parchment paper to prevent the balsamic glaze from baking onto the pan surface.
- Toss the red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned vegetables across the sheet pan in a single layer with visible space between each piece, creating gaps throughout the pan where the chicken will sit directly on the surface.
- Place the marinated chicken thighs on the pan in the spaces between the vegetables so each piece has direct contact with the pan, then spoon any remaining marinade from the bowl over the top.
- Roast for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the edges of the vegetables show visible caramelization and slight charring at the tips.
- Remove the pan from the oven and brush the reserved 2 tablespoons of marinade over the top of each chicken thigh while hot so the glaze absorbs into the surface immediately.
- Return the pan to the oven for 3 to 5 more minutes until the tops of the chicken pieces look glossy and the finishing glaze has caramelized visibly under the heat.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let everything rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute throughout the chicken before it is cut or served.
- Scatter fresh chopped parsley generously over the entire pan just before bringing it to the table for the bright green finish visible in the image.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan or the vegetables will steam instead of roast. Pat the chicken dry before marinating so the glaze sticks. Reserve some marinade before adding the chicken to use as a finishing glaze after roasting.
