Aperol Citrus-Glazed Chicken Skewers
Grilled chicken skewers glazed with a tangy, bittersweet Aperol citrus sauce that enhances the smoky flavor with Italian flair. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 82 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes Chicken breast, Aperol, Fresh orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes Chicken breast
- 1/2 cup Aperol
- 1/4 cup Fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 minced Garlic cloves
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 8 (soaked in water 30 minutes) Wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup Aperol, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed chicken breast to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to absorb flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving these glossy, citrusy chicken skewers.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol Citrus-Glazed Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 82 minutes (70 min prep + 12 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 Citrus-Glazed Chicken Skewers?
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 aperol from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol Citrus-Glazed Chicken Skewers?
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 Citrus-Glazed Chicken Skewers 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 Citrus-Glazed Chicken Skewers?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely perfect for summer gatherings. The Aperol and citrus combo is divine!
- ★★★★☆
Cooked these for my kids' dinner party - everyone loved the citrus flavor!
- ★★★★☆
The Aperol gave a nice kick, but the glaze wasn't as thick as I hoped.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.