Aperol-Glazed Chicken with Garlic and Thyme

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

Juicy chicken breasts coated in a glossy sweet-tart glaze with Aperol's signature citrus bitterness and aromatic garlic. This italian-american-inspired chicken ready in about 20 minutes pairs Chicken breasts, Aperol, Honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.2 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Italian-American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add chicken breasts and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken and set aside. Add 2 tbsp Aperol, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, simmering for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to skillet, coating evenly in glaze, and cook for 1 more minute.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle with 1 tsp fresh thyme and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Glazed Chicken with Garlic and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 with Garlic and Thyme?

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 breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Glazed Chicken with Garlic and Thyme?

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 with Garlic and Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 with Garlic and Thyme?

Italian-American 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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