Barbecue Chicken Marinade

Yield: For 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1-1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest, about 1/4 lemon OR few drops of lemon oil*

Directions

1. Tenderize chicken: Place chicken between large pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap on your work surface, and give the thickest part of the chicken a few firm whacks with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Flatten chicken slightly for even thickness for even cooking.
2. Marinate the chicken, preferably 2 hours or more.
3. Turn or get the heat up to medium and cook chicken on a clean slate for 5-7 minutes, then flip the breasts over. Grill for 5-7 minutes longer, or until a thermometer reads target temperature.
   
   If you plan to brush on a sweet glaze such as barbecue sauce, wait until the last few minutes of cooking. This will keep the outside of the chicken from getting too dark from the sugars in the sauce.

Note

Based on page How to Grill Chicken Breast (and Keep it Juicy!)