1-First step: gather and measure everything Start by measuring all the ingredients into one bowl so the process feels smooth from the beginning. This is a fast recipe, so having everything ready keeps you from missing anything important. Set out your olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, rosemary, mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chicken. If you are cooking for picky eaters or planning several meals at once, this is also a good time to portion the chicken. You can use 6 chicken breasts or 3 to 5 pounds of chicken total, depending on the size of your family or meal prep plan.

2-Second step: mix the marinade In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, dried rosemary, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Keep whisking until the sugar starts to dissolve and the mixture looks well blended. Before adding the chicken, remove 1/2 cup of the marinade and set it aside for basting later. This small step gives you extra flavor during cooking without any safety concerns. If you want a sauce at the end, you can also boil the reserved marinade and simmer it down until slightly thickened. Do not skip the reserved marinade step. It makes the finished chicken taste even better.

3-Third step: coat the chicken Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, then massage the bag gently so every piece gets coated. If you are short on time, use a fork to poke a few holes in thicker pieces so the marinade can move in faster. Seal the bag well and place it in the refrigerator. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 4 to 6 hours gives the best flavor for most cuts. You can go up to 24 hours, but do not go beyond that or the acid can start to make the chicken tough.

4-Fourth step: choose your cooking method This marinade works well for grilling, baking, or stovetop cooking. The cooking method you choose depends on your schedule and the texture you want. Grilling gives you smoky char, baking is hands-off, and skillet cooking gives you a golden sear. *For grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates, then grill the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. *For baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the chicken in a baking dish and cook for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. *For stovetop: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. That simple tool takes the guesswork out of cooking and helps keep the chicken juicy instead of dry.

5-Final step: rest and serve When the chicken is done, move it to a plate and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. Resting gives the juices time to settle back into the meat, which makes every bite better. If you want, spoon the reduced reserved marinade over the top as a simple sauce. This recipe pairs well with rice, roasted potatoes, a green salad, or simple vegetables. It also makes great leftovers for lunch the next day. If you enjoy making comforting sweets after dinner, try a treat like this chocolate glazed donut recipe for a fun dessert idea later in the week.