Bitter-Orange Chicken Skewers

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

Tender chicken marinated in Aperol's citrus-bitter essence, grilled with fresh herbs for a sophisticated appetizer. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 20 minutes pairs Chicken thighs, Aperol, Lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 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.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp Aperol, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes) to the bowl and toss until evenly coated, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F). Thread marinated chicken onto skewers with space between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 4 lemon slices and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bitter-Orange Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Bitter-Orange 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bitter-Orange 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 Bitter-Orange 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 Bitter-Orange Chicken Skewers?

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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