Aperol-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken skewers infused with Aperol's citrusy bitterness, grilled to perfection with a zesty glaze. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals (mediterranean) ready in about 45 minutes pairs (bone-in, skin-on) Chicken thighs, Aperol, Lemon juice 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.

★ 3.9 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 oz Aperol, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F). Thread chicken thighs onto skewers and brush any remaining marinade onto the chicken.
  4. Step 4: Grill for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Baste with any leftover marinade during the last 5 minutes of grilling.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm, garnished with fresh thyme leaves.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Grilled 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 aperol from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Marinated Grilled 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-Marinated Grilled 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-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers?

Mediterranean quick meals 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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