Aperol-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Cherry Tomatoes

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

Juicy chicken skewers bathed in a zesty Aperol marinade, roasted with sweet cherry tomatoes and herbs for a vibrant summer meal. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 48 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 380 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.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 18 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a resealable bag, combine 12 oz chicken thighs, 3 tbsp Aperol, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; seal and massage to coat evenly. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Thread 12 oz chicken pieces onto skewers alternating with 1 cup cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup sliced red onion.
  3. Step 3: Place skewers on a greased baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway, until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes are blistered.
  4. Step 4: Transfer to a plate, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve immediately with any pan juices drizzled over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 48 minutes (30 min prep + 18 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-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Cherry Tomatoes?

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-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Cherry Tomatoes?

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-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Cherry Tomatoes 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-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Cherry Tomatoes?

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

Related recipes