Crispy Aperol-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lemon

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

Juicy chicken thighs coated in a glossy, citrusy-sweet glaze made with Aperol, perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal effort. This italian-american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs pound Bone-in chicken thighs, tablespoons Aperol, tablespoons Honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Italian-American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 pound bone-in chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken and pour 3 tablespoons Aperol, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice into the skillet, swirling to coat. Simmer for 3 minutes until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy.
  4. Step 4: Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-18 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally, basting occasionally with the glaze.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Aperol-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Crispy Aperol-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lemon?

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 pound bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Aperol-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lemon?

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 Crispy Aperol-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lemon 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 Crispy Aperol-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lemon?

Italian-American 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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