Aperol-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Citrus Herb Marinade

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

Tender grilled chicken skewers brushed with a tangy Aperol glaze and marinated in fresh citrus and herbs for a lively Italian-inspired flavor. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 80 minutes pairs 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 270 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.

Prep: 70 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 270 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup Aperol, 2 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until fully combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb of chicken breast cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for about 4 minutes per side, basting occasionally with leftover marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Citrus Herb Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (70 min prep + 10 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-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Citrus Herb Marinade?

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 breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Citrus Herb Marinade?

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-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Citrus Herb Marinade 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-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Citrus Herb Marinade?

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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