Aperol-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Orange

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

Juicy chicken thighs coated in a bittersweet Aperol-orange sauce, finished with a hint of citrus and thyme for a sophisticated weeknight meal. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 26 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 310 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: 10 min Cook: 16 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 3 minutes more.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp Aperol, 2 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp fresh thyme, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Simmer for 8 minutes, spooning sauce over chicken until the sauce reduces to a glossy coating and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Orange take to make?

Total time is about 26 minutes (10 min prep + 16 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 Orange?

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-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Orange?

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 Orange 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 Orange?

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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