Perfectly Balanced Sweet and Savory Chicken with Vegetables

Sweet and savory chicken dishes have always been a favorite for many people. This recipe combines the delightful flavors of chicken and vegetables to create a satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into chunks
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, ground
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken breasts, chopped onion, sliced bell peppers, and carrots. Toss them together until all pieces are evenly coated.
3. Add the minced garlic, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup for sweetness, black pepper, and salt to taste into the bowl. Stir everything well so that each piece of meat and vegetable is covered in the marinade.
4. Transfer this mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast it in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). You may need to turn once halfway during cooking.
5. While your dish is roasting, consider preparing some fresh parsley if you'd like to garnish it. This step is optional but can add a nice visual appeal along with enhancing the flavor subtly.

Tips for Cooking:

• The balance between sweetness and saltiness is key; start by using less sweetener than you think you need – it’s easy to add more later but hard to take away once over-sweetened.
• If you're short on time, consider skipping the roasting step and sautéing all ingredients in a large pan instead. This will save about 15-20 minutes of cooking time.
• To make this dish healthier without compromising much flavor, replace half of the chicken with lean turkey or pork cuts.

Health Benefits:

This simple yet delicious recipe offers several health benefits. Rich in protein, these chicken breasts serve as an excellent source for building and maintaining muscle mass. The vegetables not only provide essential vitamins but also add natural sweetness to the dish making it more appealing especially among kids who might otherwise refuse veggies.

Moreover, the soy sauce used here is a good source of antioxidants, which help protect cells against oxidative stress caused by free radicals, contributing significantly towards better cardiovascular health.

Variations:

1. Sweet and savory chicken with rice: Serve this dish over some brown rice for an extra boost of fiber and sustained energy throughout the day.
2. Add a bit more zest: For those looking to spice things up, add in a dash of hot sauce towards the end of your cooking time.

Sweet and savory chicken with vegetables is not only delightful but also healthy. With just under an hour from start to finish, this meal can be prepared easily even on busy weeknights. Enjoy your deliciously balanced meal!