Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Aperol-Honey Glaze

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

Crispy-skinned chicken thighs glazed with a sweet-bitter Aperol-honey mixture, elevated with fresh thyme and garlic. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs ounces, skin-on chicken thighs, tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 8 ounces chicken thighs dry with paper towels; season both sides with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 8 minutes until golden brown and skin is crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken and cook for 5 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a plate.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium; add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic, then stir in 2 tablespoons Aperol and 1 tablespoon honey, simmering for 2 minutes until syrupy.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet, spooning glaze over top, and cook for 1 minute more while sprinkling with 1 teaspoon chopped thyme.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Aperol-Honey Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Chicken Thighs with Aperol-Honey 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 tablespoon olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Aperol-Honey 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Aperol-Honey Glaze 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Aperol-Honey Glaze?

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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