Aperol-Braised Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Herbs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a vibrant Aperol sauce with lemon and fresh herbs, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, Aperol for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 2 more minutes; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 60 milliliters Aperol, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary, and 120 milliliters chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  3. Step 3: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Sprinkle 15 grams flour over the mixture, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 2 minutes). Cover with a lid and transfer to a preheated 180°C oven for 20 minutes until chicken reaches 75°C internally.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Braised Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Aperol-Braised Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Herbs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Braised Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Herbs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Aperol-Braised Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Herbs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Aperol-Braised Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Herbs?

Italian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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