In this delicious summery sheet pan dinner, chicken thighs are seasoned with garlic and herbs and roasted with tender chunks of zucchini and cherry tomatoes that caramelize as they cook. The fresh basil sprinkled on just before serving enhances the summer tastes. This meal is gluten free, paleo and incredibly simple.
I’m always looking for simple meals that taste great.ย Since I have lots of tomatoes and zucchini in my garden I decided to mix it together with chicken all in one pan.
Some days, especially if it’s raining you may not want to be standing outside grilling your meal.ย Or maybe you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.ย This dish is a super summer meal that’s made in your oven. The fragrant fresh basil makes it incredibly summery.
Even though basil is the predominant flavor, I created a simple sauce of garlic, oregano, coriander, red pepper flakes and olive oil which adds a savory and deep flavor to the mix. The coriander add another dimension to the taste but it’s optional.
It’s best to find zucchini that are small and thin. The zucchini are cut into chunks that caramelize in the oven’s heat. If your zucchini are medium sized cut them in half lengthwise and then slice into 1 inch pieces.
To help with the browning don’t turn the zucchini while cooking.ย Let the chicken and zucchini roast undisturbed to turn a golden brown.
Adding cherry tomatoes the last 5-10 minutes of cooking makes the dish nice and juicy. They add a fresh and lively sweetness that mingles with the chicken and zucchini and goes really well with the basil.
Cut the cherry tomatoes in half to create more juice.
Cook the chicken and zucchini for 25-30 minutes until lightly brown and almost cooked. Then add the cherry tomatoes and cook 5-10 minutes more until everything is nicely caramelized.
Since this dish must be cooked in a single layer in one pan there is just enough to feed two to three people.ย It’s an easy recipe to double but you’ll have to cook it on 2 sheet pans.
The timing in your oven may vary.ย Roast until everything is nicely brown and caramelized.
At the end sprinkle with a little aged balsamic vinegar to bring up the flavors .
Serve topped with lots of fresh basil.ย It’s also nice with some rice, cauliflower rice or quinoa to sop up the delicious pan juices.
Enjoy the recipe it’s easy, summery, full of protein and vegetables, light, fresh and delicious.
If you like this recipe you may also enjoy these other summer dishes:
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In this easy summery sheet pan dinner chicken thighs are seasoned with garlic and herbs and roasted with tender chunks of zucchini and cherry tomatoes that caramelize as they cook, topped with fresh basil.
This was amazing! I found a package of organic chicken legs in my freezer and didn’t want to waste. Just made the substitute for thighs and did add the balsamic vinaigrette and DELISH!
Hi Leah, thank you for your appreciation. Yes you can use regular balsamic it will be delicious. The aged balsamic is just a little bit sweeter. Enjoy the recipe.
Hi Nancy Thanks for sharing your appreciation and variation. You are very creative. I agree the coriander is a great flavor in this dish. Happy Cooking!
Omg this was so good! I added a yam onion. Brocolini when tomatoes went in. Didn’t have coriander but used bit of thyme and keg chicken rub too….super easy recipe and probably can alot of variation while it still tastes great!
Thanks, for your appreciation and sharing the recipe with your tribe. It’s fun when people get excited about dish! I love that this dish is so easy to make and comes out great every time!
This was amazing! I found a package of organic chicken legs in my freezer and didn’t want to waste. Just made the substitute for thighs and did add the balsamic vinaigrette and DELISH!
Hi Diane, Thanks for sharing your variation with organic chicken legs, it sounds delicious!
This recipe is right up my alley!! Can I use regular balsamic vinegar?
Hi Leah, thank you for your appreciation. Yes you can use regular balsamic it will be delicious. The aged balsamic is just a little bit sweeter. Enjoy the recipe.
I have made this recipe three times now. Twice I added carrots and onions. The coriander is a must! Great, easy recipe!
Hi Nancy Thanks for sharing your appreciation and variation. You are very creative. I agree the coriander is a great flavor in this dish. Happy Cooking!
Omg this was so good! I added a yam onion. Brocolini when tomatoes went in. Didn’t have coriander but used bit of thyme and keg chicken rub too….super easy recipe and probably can alot of variation while it still tastes great!
Thanks Sandra, for your appreciation and variations. You are incredibly creative and making it with what you have on hand is brilliant!
This is not only easy but absolutely amazing! I have shared this recipe with all of my friends and family…Thank you!!
Thanks, for your appreciation and sharing the recipe with your tribe. It’s fun when people get excited about dish! I love that this dish is so easy to make and comes out great every time!
This had to be one of the tastiest chicken thigh cutlets I have made the spices balsamic vinegar made it delicious. I will be making it again.
Thanks Jenny for you appreciation. I make this chicken dish regularly, it’s easy and delicious.