Grilled Lemon and Aperol Chicken

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

Tender chicken breasts with a bright citrus-herb glaze and a subtle hint of Aperol. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs Boneless chicken breasts, Olive oil, Fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 270 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 270 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon Aperol to form a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), basting occasionally with the remaining marinade.
  4. Step 4: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon and Aperol Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 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 Grilled Lemon and Aperol Chicken?

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 boneless chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon and Aperol Chicken?

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 Grilled Lemon and Aperol Chicken 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 Grilled Lemon and Aperol Chicken?

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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