‘Weeknight Lifesaver’—Just 3 ingredients. I keep it in rotation because it always turns out perfect.

Because this recipe leans on just three core ingredients, it’s very forgiving and easy to adapt. If you prefer a slightly sweeter profile, choose an aged balsamic, which is naturally thicker and more syrupy; it will reduce a bit in the packet and give you a sauce that tastes almost like a glaze. For a brighter, herbaceous version, tuck a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme under the chicken before sealing the foil—the steam will gently infuse the meat without adding carbs. You can also layer low-carb vegetables directly under the chicken, such as sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms; they’ll cook in the balsamic juices and turn into a built-in side dish. If you’re using chicken breasts and want extra insurance against dryness, lightly pound them to an even thickness so they cook more evenly, or reduce the cooking time by a few minutes and check early. Finally, if you’re grilling instead of baking, make individual foil packets with smaller portions of chicken and cook them over medium heat with the lid closed, checking for doneness after about 15–18 minutes.