Aperol-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Herbs
Tender chicken skewers with a glossy Aperol glaze, roasted until caramelized with rosemary and garlic for an elegant main course. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs Aperol, chicken thighs, olive oil 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
- 3 tablespoons Aperol
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon zest lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons Aperol, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well, then add chicken and toss to coat, marinating for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Thread chicken onto skewers, then brush with remaining Aperol mixture. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (375°F), then place skewers on the grill.
- Step 3: Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), brushing with the remaining glaze every 3 minutes. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 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 aperol from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Glazed Chicken Skewers with 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-Glazed Chicken Skewers with 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-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Herbs?
Mediterranean grilling 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
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
