Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs with Citrus Glaze

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

Tender chicken thighs coated in a golden crust with a sweet-tart glaze that highlights Aperol's signature citrus and bittersweet notes. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs Chicken thighs, Aperol, Honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, add chicken skin-side down, and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken, then whisk together 2 tbsp Aperol, 1 tbsp honey, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tsp minced thyme in a small bowl.
  4. Step 4: Pour the glaze mixture over chicken in the skillet, transfer to oven, and roast for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and glaze is bubbling and slightly caramelized.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs with Citrus Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs with Citrus Glaze?

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 Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs with Citrus Glaze?

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 Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs with Citrus Glaze 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 Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs with Citrus Glaze?

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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