Aperol-Honey Chicken Thighs

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

Crispy chicken thighs with a sticky, sweet-tart glaze featuring Aperol's signature citrus-bitter notes. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 43 minutes pairs Chicken thighs, Aperol, Honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 33 min Serves 2 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 3g garlic powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 15ml olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken, then pour 45ml Aperol, 30ml honey, and 15ml soy sauce into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, reduce heat to low, and cover with a lid. Simmer for 25 minutes, turning chicken halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Step 5: Remove lid, increase heat to medium-high, and cook uncovered for 3 minutes to thicken the glaze until it coats the back of a spoon.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Honey Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 43 minutes (10 min prep + 33 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-Honey Chicken Thighs?

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-Honey Chicken Thighs?

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-Honey Chicken Thighs 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-Honey Chicken Thighs?

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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