1-First Step: Prepare the Chicken Pound the 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness and season them with half of the 1 teaspoon kosher salt. This helps the chicken cook uniformly and absorb the Italian chicken flavor better. Place the seasoned chicken in a large ziptop bag, ready for the marinade to keep things neat and easy.

2-Second Step: Make the Marinade Whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a bowl. Pour half of this mixture over the chicken in the bag, seal it while pressing out excess air, and let it marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 8 hours. This step infuses the chicken with that signature Italian chicken flavor, making it tender and full of zest.

3-Third Step: Marinate the Vegetables In another ziptop bag, toss 1 pint cherry tomatoes left whole, 1 medium zucchini or yellow summer squash cut into 3/4-inch dice, and 2 cups trimmed green beans with the remaining marinade. Seal and refrigerate alongside the chicken for the same time. This ensures the veggies pick up the Italian chicken flavor too, creating a cohesive dish that’s both colorful and nutritious.

4-Fourth Step: Preheat and Arrange Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and let the chicken and vegetables sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while it heats. Prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the vegetables around the edges of the dish and place the chicken in the center, making sure nothing overlaps for even cooking.

5-Fifth Step: Bake the Dish Bake everything for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This timing works well for most setups, but check the veggies too if they need more time, remove the chicken, cover it to stay warm, and pop the veggies back in. For dietary tweaks, like using chicken thighs, add a few extra minutes to reach the same temperature safely.

6-Sixth Step: Finish and Serve Once done, take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle the chicken with 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, cheesy touch. Let it rest for a minute before serving to lock in the flavors. This Italian chicken flavor meal is versatile, so pair it with whole grains like brown rice for a fuller plate, and it’s naturally gluten-free for those who need it.