Honey-Aperol Glazed Chicken Thighs with Charred Lemon Slices

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

Tender chicken thighs coated in a glossy, sweet-tart glaze with Aperol and honey, served with charred lemon for a bright finish. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 45 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 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: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk 3 tbsp Aperol, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes until combined.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs chicken thighs in a baking dish and coat evenly with the glaze. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake chicken for 25 minutes until golden and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: While chicken bakes, place 1 sliced lemon round in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side until charred and caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from oven, drizzle with pan juices, and serve topped with charred lemon slices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Aperol Glazed Chicken Thighs with Charred Lemon Slices take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 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 Honey-Aperol Glazed Chicken Thighs with Charred Lemon Slices?

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 Honey-Aperol Glazed Chicken Thighs with Charred Lemon Slices?

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 Honey-Aperol Glazed Chicken Thighs with Charred Lemon Slices 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 Honey-Aperol Glazed Chicken Thighs with Charred Lemon Slices?

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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