Aperol-Infused Chicken Skewers
Tender chicken marinated in Aperol's bright, bittersweet essence and orange zest, then grilled to caramelized perfection with Mediterranean herbs. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 40 minutes pairs Boneless chicken thighs, Aperol, Olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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
- 1 lb Boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp Aperol
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Orange zest
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp Aperol, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp orange zest, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes, and toss to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, turning once halfway.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F). Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, discarding excess marinade. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, until golden and juices run clear (internal temperature 165°F).
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Infused Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (30 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-Infused Chicken Skewers?
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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Infused Chicken Skewers?
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-Infused Chicken Skewers 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-Infused Chicken Skewers?
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
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to grilling dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order mediterranean delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
