Aperol-Infused Citrus Glazed Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken thighs coated in a vibrant orange glaze with Aperol's signature bittersweet citrus notes, perfect for summer grilling. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 45 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, Aperol, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 12 oz boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp Aperol
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp Aperol, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and mix until smooth.
- Step 2: Place 12 oz boneless chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour the glaze over them, ensuring each piece is coated. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 3: Thread chicken onto skewers and grill over medium heat for 8-10 minutes per side, turning once, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Infused Citrus Glazed Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (35 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 Citrus Glazed 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 Citrus Glazed 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 Citrus Glazed 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 Citrus Glazed 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
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
