📬 FREE RECIPE DROP: The One-Pan Balsamic Chicken & Veggies That’s Anything But Boring

Tired of dry chicken and sad vegetables? This is your upgrade.

This one-pan dinner is juicy, flavorful, and loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients you actually feel good about. We’re using real garlic, no sugar-laden sauces, and a clean thickener that makes the balsamic glaze cling to every bite.

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🥘 Balsamic Garlic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes & Squash

Perfect for: a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or impressing someone with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)

• 1 tbsp olive oil or ghee

• ½ tsp sea salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

For the Sauce & Veggies:

• 1 tbsp olive oil or ghee

• ¼ cup onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (use less if sensitive)

• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes

• 2 cups yellow squash or zucchini, sliced into half moons

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• ½ cup chicken broth or water

• 1 tsp coconut aminos or Dijon mustard (optional for umami)

• 1 tsp arrowroot powder + 1 tbsp water (to thicken)

• Sea salt and pepper to taste

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🍳 Directions

1. Cook the Chicken
   Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics
   In the same pan, add another tbsp of oil. Sauté onion until soft (2–3 min), then add garlic and red pepper flakes.

3. Add the Veggies
   Toss in cherry tomatoes and squash. Cook for 4–5 minutes until tender and tomatoes start to burst.

4. Make the Sauce
   Stir in balsamic vinegar, broth, and coconut aminos or mustard. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Mix arrowroot and water in a small bowl, then stir into the pan. Let it bubble until thickened.

5. Bring it Together
   Add chicken back to the pan and spoon sauce over the top. Let it all simmer together for 2 minutes so the flavors meld.

6. Serve & Enjoy
   Plate it up with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you’d like—this meal doesn’t need much to shine.

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If you try this recipe, reply and let me know how it turned out—or better yet, tag me in your reel or story so I can see your clean plate!

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xoxo,

Jen Smiley