Sautéed Chicken with Balsamic and Aperol Glaze

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

Marinated in a bright bittersweet glaze, finished with a citrusy finish that complements the classic Aperol profile. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 27 minutes pairs Aperol, balsamic vinegar, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 285 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: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 285 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add chicken breasts and sear undisturbed for 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 4 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, pour in 2 tbsp Aperol, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened, then add 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp thyme.
  4. Step 4: Spoon glaze over chicken, cooking for 1 more minute to coat evenly, then remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Balsamic and Aperol Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Sautéed Chicken with Balsamic and Aperol 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 aperol from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Balsamic and Aperol 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 Sautéed Chicken with Balsamic and Aperol 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.

Is Sautéed Chicken with Balsamic and Aperol Glaze gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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