Aperol-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Herb Salad

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

Crispy chicken thighs coated in a vibrant Aperol glaze, served with a refreshing herb salad to balance the bitterness. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 40 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 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, combine 2 tbsp Aperol, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme. Simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  3. Step 3: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, coating them in the glaze. Transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and glaze is glossy.
  4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, whisk 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme for the salad dressing. Toss with 4 cups mixed greens and serve alongside the chicken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Herb Salad 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-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Herb Salad?

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 Thighs with Herb Salad?

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 Thighs with Herb Salad 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 Thighs with Herb Salad?

Mediterranean 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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