Aperol-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Herb Crust

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

Juicy chicken thighs tenderized by Aperol's citrus notes, finished with a golden herb crust. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 37 minutes pairs skin-on Chicken thighs, Aperol, Olive oil 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup Aperol, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp chopped rosemary to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Pat 1 lb chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then coat evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight) to tenderize.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from marinade, discarding excess. Dredge each thigh in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Step 4: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken thighs and cook for 6 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Step 5: Rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices, allowing the Aperol's citrus notes to shine through the herb crust.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Herb Crust take to make?

Total time is about 37 minutes (25 min prep + 12 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 with Herb Crust?

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 skin-on chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Herb Crust?

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 with Herb Crust 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 with Herb Crust?

Mediterranean 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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