1-First step: mix the marinade Add 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 6 to 8 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 teaspoons oregano, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon basil, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon onion powder, optional, to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. If you do not have a blender, mince the garlic as finely as you can and whisk everything together in a bowl. The marinade will be a little rustic, but it still works beautifully.

2-Second step: coat the chicken Place 2 pounds chicken breast or chicken tenderloins in a large bowl, zip-top bag, or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and coat every piece evenly. Turn the chicken a few times so the seasonings get into every nook and cranny.

3-Third step: let it marinate Cover the chicken and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours. If you have more time, you can marinate it a bit longer, but do not go too far beyond that with the lemon juice, since very long marinating can change the texture of the chicken.

4-Fourth step: preheat your cooking surface When you are ready to cook, preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add about 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and let it heat until it shimmers. This helps the chicken sear instead of sticking. If you are using a grill, make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled. That small step makes a big difference when you want nice grill marks.

5-Fifth step: cook the chicken Place the marinated chicken on the hot grill, grill pan, or skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Try to let the first side sit long enough to build color before flipping. That is how you get those beautiful marks and a better crust. Use a thermometer to check doneness. The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If the pieces are thicker, they may need a little longer. If they are thin, they may cook even faster.

6-Sixth step: rest and serve Once the chicken reaches temperature, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices settle so the chicken stays tender when sliced. Serve it warm with your favorite sides. Spoon any juices from the pan or grill over the top for extra flavor. For a full meal, try it with a crisp salad or something sweet and refreshing like watermelon lemonade slushies on the side.