Buffy's Chicken Marinade

This recipe was given to me at my bridal shower by one of my mom's best friends...hence its name.  I get compliments every time I serve this, though the flavor is hard to describe since it's sort of a mish-mash of flavorsa little asian, a little citrus, and a little herb-y.  I was skeptical when I first read the recipe, but I was a convert after my first bite.  It's extremely easy, and even when Husband manages to blacken the outside of the chicken on the grill, it makes the juiciest grilled chicken I've ever had.  So that's a testament to how well it infuses the meat with flavor and a barrier against temperatures hotter than any food product should probably be exposed to.  It also holds up well on the Foreman or broiled (or baked) in the oven, and it's good when turned into chicken salad the next day or shredded over a green salad.

Ingredients

1/4 cup mayonnaise [I usually use lite]

1/4 cup soy sauce

3 Tablespoons olive oil

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

2 teaspoons dried oregano

3/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 Tablespoons water

Directions

(1) Thoroughly whisk all ingredients together.

(2) Marinate chicken at least two hours and up to all day.
(3) Grill 5-7 minutes on each side or until juices run clear and a meat thermometer indicates meat is done.

Notes: None.

Kid Participation: None.

Easy Marinated Chicken Breasts

This is a good recipe to have in a collection when you don't know what else to make for dinner, but plain chicken breasts sound totally unappetizing.  It's very flexible, so it's pretty much impossible not to have all the ingredients handy.  These turn out flavorful and can then be added to pasta or fried rice or whatever else you may have the time and energy to make.

Ingredients

1 to 2 Tablespoons vinegar (cider, balsamic, or red wine)

2 to 3 teaspoons dried herbs (thyme, oregano, rosemary, crumbled bay leaf, etc.)

1 to 2 Tablespoons mustard (whole grain or Dijon)

1 to 2 teaspoons garlic or onion powder (optional)

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Directions

(1) Put vinegar, herbs, mustard, powders, and oil in large re-sealable plastic bag or plastic storage container. Close and shake to combine.

(2) Add chicken to marinade and cover thoroughly.  Allow to marinate at least half an hour.

(3) Cook chicken on Foreman grill, grill pan, or in oven at 375 degrees 20-30 minutes or until cooked through.

Notes: None.

Kid Participation: Shake chicken and marinade together.