Pan-Seared Aperol Glazed Chicken

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

Crispy-skinned chicken thighs coated in a sweet-bitter glaze with citrus notes, elevated by Aperol's unique profile. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs Bone-in skin-on 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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add chicken thighs skin-side down, pressing gently to ensure even contact with the pan; cook for 8 minutes until skin is golden and crisp.
  4. Step 4: Flip thighs, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to medium, then add 2 tbsp Aperol, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp lemon juice, swirling to combine; simmer for 3 minutes until glaze thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Transfer chicken to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Aperol Glazed Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Pan-Seared Aperol Glazed 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 aperol from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Aperol Glazed 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 Pan-Seared Aperol Glazed 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 Pan-Seared Aperol Glazed 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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