Simply seasoned chicken breasts are grilled and topped with blender-made chimichurri sauce. Credit: Marge Perry

Grilling is an easier, faster way to get dinner on the table (and with less clean up).

And while we’re on the subject of fast and easy: chimichurri gives the biggest flavor bang for the least amount of work. You simply whir all the ingredients together in the blender and *poof* — you’re done.

Here are the two easy but essential tricks to grilling chicken breasts to perfection — that is, so they are tender and juicy, not dry:

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4 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1. Coat the grill rack with cooking spray, then heat the grill for direct, medium heat cooking (350 to 450 degrees).

2. Place the cilantro, basil, garlic, lime juice, vinegar, ½ teaspoon of the cumin, olive oil, ¼ teaspoon of the salt and 1/8 teaspoon of the pepper in the blender and pulse, occasionally wiping down the sides with a spatula, until it is well-blended. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Set aside.

3. Working one at a time, place a piece of chicken on your work surface with the smooth side facing up. Drape with a piece of plastic wrap. Use a meat pounder or the heel of your hand to press or pound the breast to an even ½-inch thickness. Repeat with all the chicken.

4. Season the chicken with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon cumin, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Place the chicken on the grill, smooth side facing down, and cook until the underside is well marked and the chicken releases easily from the grill surface, about 5 minutes. Turn the chicken over and grill until an instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into the center of the largest piece of chicken registers 160 degrees, about another 5 minutes. Serve with the chimichurri.

Newsday's food columnist Marge Perry writes, broadcasts, teaches and speaks about cooking, food and nutrition for numerous outlets. She has authored and contributed to more than 70 cookbooks, including her most recent, "Hero Dinners: Complete One-Pan Meals That Save the Day."

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