Sheet Pan Aperol-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Rosemary
Succulent chicken thighs roasted until golden, coated in a vibrant citrus-bitter glaze with fresh herbs and lemon zest. This mediterranean-inspired sheet pan (gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, Aperol 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Aperol
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Aperol, 1 lemon zested and juiced, and 1 tsp chopped rosemary until emulsified.
- Step 3: Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with the Aperol mixture, coating all sides, and roast for 25 minutes until skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Aperol-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Rosemary 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 Sheet Pan Aperol-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Rosemary?
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 Sheet Pan Aperol-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Rosemary?
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 Sheet Pan Aperol-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Rosemary 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 Sheet Pan Aperol-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Rosemary 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.