Aperol-Marinated Chicken with Lemon and Herbs

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

Tender chicken thighs glazed with a bright citrusy Aperol marinade and aromatic herbs. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 19 minutes pairs Chicken thighs, Aperol, Fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 (14 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 14 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp Aperol, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chopped rosemary, 1 tsp chopped thyme, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place 8 oz chicken thighs in a shallow dish and coat with the marinade, ensuring even coverage.
  3. Step 3: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to marinate.
  4. Step 4: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken skin-side down for 7 minutes until golden.
  5. Step 5: Flip and cook for 7 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting with reserved marinade.
  6. Step 6: Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Marinated Chicken with Lemon and Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 19 minutes (5 min prep + 14 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 with Lemon and Herbs?

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-Marinated Chicken with Lemon and Herbs?

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 with Lemon and Herbs 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 with Lemon and Herbs?

Italian 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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