Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe sizzle of chicken hitting hot oil is like music to my ears, a sound that promises a feast. If you’re searching for a dish that stands out yet feels like a comforting hug, then my Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is just the ticket. This tender chicken cutlet is soaked in zesty dill pickle juice, ensuring every bite is both juicy and flavorful. With its golden, crunchy crust, this recipe is not just a reassurance that homemade meals can taste incredible, but also a wonderful way to impress your loved ones. Plus, it’s versatile enough to bake or air-fry, making it a breeze for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Are you ready to dive into this savory delight that could soon become your family’s favorite dish? Why is Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken a Must-Try? Irresistible Flavor: This dish offers a unique twist with dill pickle juice, infusing the chicken with a tangy zest that you won’t want to miss. Crunchy Perfection: The combination of seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan ensures each bite is a delightful crunch, providing that satisfying texture we crave. Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to cooking, the step-by-step process makes it simple to whip up impressive homemade fried chicken without the stress. Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you choose to fry, bake, or air-fry, this recipe adapts beautifully to suit your cooking style and dietary needs. For other great chicken ideas, check out my Garlic Chicken Thighs or BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese recipes. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Serve it at family gatherings or quick weeknight dinners, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “crispy chicken!” Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Ingredients For the Chicken Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless varieties are easiest to handle and yield tender results. Dill Pickle Juice – This brine enhances the chicken’s flavor and tenderness; you can substitute with a homemade vinegar brine for a different twist. For the Coating All-Purpose Flour – Helps the egg wash adhere to the chicken; feel free to swap for gluten-free flour if needed. Eggs – They bind the dredging ingredients; for a vegan alternative, consider using a flax egg or aquafaba. Seasoned Breadcrumbs – They add a crispy texture; panko breadcrumbs work great for an extra crunch. Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds a savory depth to the coating; you can substitute with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. For Seasoning Garlic Powder – Enhances the overall flavor; fresh garlic is a great substitute if you prefer that taste. Onion Powder – Adds aromatic depth; this is optional based on your flavor preferences. Paprika – Gives the dish a mild heat and beautiful color; smoked paprika can be used for added flavor. Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste for the perfect bite. For Frying Cooking Oil – A high smoke-point oil, like vegetable or canola oil, is great for achieving that crispy finish. Enjoy delicious Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken that promises the ultimate crunchy goodness! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a bowl and covering them with dill pickle juice. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours; this allows the flavors to infuse and the chicken to tenderize beautifully. When you’re ready, remove the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres properly. Step 2: Prepare the Coating Stations While the chicken marinates, set up your breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add all-purpose flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. In the second dish, whisk together a couple of eggs until smooth. In the third, mix seasoned breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. This organized setup helps streamline the breading process for your Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken. Step 3: Dredge the Chicken Once the marinating time is up, take each piece of marinated chicken and start the dredging process. First, coat the chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s completely covered, and finally, press it into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly. This step is key to achieving that crunchy texture you desire! Step 4: Heat the Oil In a large skillet, pour about 1/2 inch of high smoke-point oil, like vegetable or canola oil, and heat it over medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach around 350°F. To check if it’s ready, sprinkle a small drop of flour into the oil; if it bubbles immediately, it’s the perfect time to start frying. This step ensures that your Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken will be golden and crispy. Step 5: Fry the Chicken Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature. Fry the chicken for 5–7 minutes on one side until golden brown. Then, gently flip each piece and cook for another 5–7 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This step is crucial for ensuring your chicken is both crispy and safe to eat. Step 6: Drain and Rest the Chicken Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let the Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken rest for a few minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken juicy and flavorful. Avoid cutting into it immediately, as this will help maintain that delightful crunch you’ve worked hard to achieve! Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Variations Feel free to explore these fun and tasty twists that will elevate your Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken experience! Baking Option: Bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for a lighter, yet still delicious version. Enjoy that cozy, home-baked aroma filling your kitchen! Air Frying: Air-fry the coated chicken for about 12-15 minutes at 390°F. This method keeps it crispy without the excess oil, perfect for a healthier option. Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Swap in Italian herbs or a spicy seasoning blend for the breadcrumbs to introduce bold flavors. Each bite can become an exciting surprise! Brioche Bun Delight: Stuff the crispy chicken between two toasted brioche buns and layer with fresh pickles and sauce for a gourmet sandwich experience. Salad Topper: Slice the crispy chicken and place it over a bed of mixed greens with your favorite toppings for a refreshing salad that still satisfies. Coleslaw Addition: Serve the chicken with a side of tangy coleslaw for a delightful contrast. The crunch of the slaw beautifully complements the crispy chicken. Dairy-Free Delight: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast in the breadcrumb mix for a dairy-free version that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Your friends won’t even notice the difference! Heat Factor: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture if you enjoy a bit of spice in your meal. It’s an exciting way to turn up the flavor! These variations encourage you to play with flavors and textures, making each meal a unique culinary adventure. Enjoy exploring this versatile recipe alongside other family favorites like my Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for more delightful inspirations! What to Serve with Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Elevate your dinner experience with flavorful sides that balance and complement the crunchy goodness of your chicken. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery richness pairs perfectly with the zesty notes of the chicken, creating a comforting, soul-satisfying meal. Garlic Green Beans: Fresh, sautéed green beans add a vibrant crunch and garlicky aroma that contrasts beautifully with the chicken’s crispy texture. Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw enhances the dish with a refreshing bite, bringing out the dill pickle flavor and adding a cooling contrast. Sweet Corn Fritters: Their sweet, golden-brown exterior echoes the chicken’s crunch while offering a delightful nod to Southern comfort food. Pickle Potato Salad: With its creamy dressing and gentle pickle punch, this salad ties back to the chicken’s signature ingredient, creating a cohesive meal. Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing drinks like homemade lemonade or sweet iced tea beautifully balance the savory bite of the chicken and energize your dinner atmosphere. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp served with vanilla ice cream can round out your meal, offering a sweet contrast to the savory, fried chicken that your family will adore. Make Ahead Options These Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken cutlets are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken in dill pickle juice and coat it with breadcrumbs and Parmesan up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the breaded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its crispiness. When you’re ready to serve, heat your oil in a skillet and fry the chicken directly from the fridge; this ensures that each piece will achieve that golden, crunchy exterior that makes this dish shine. Remember, prepping ahead not only saves you time on busy weeknights but also guarantees that your family will enjoy the same delicious flavors! How to Store and Freeze Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Fridge: Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its crispiness while keeping it flavorful. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheating: To restore the crunch when reheating, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can air-fry it at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes to achieve that delightful texture again. Breading Storage: If you prepare the chicken ahead of time, the breaded pieces can be refrigerated for 24 hours before frying to streamline your cooking process. Expert Tips for the Best Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Prep in Advance: Prepare the chicken by breading it in advance, then refrigerate for a few hours to save time during cooking. Check Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough; it should bubble immediately when chicken is added. This will create a crispy crust. Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in batches if necessary; overcrowding the skillet can lead to soggy chicken as the temperature drops. Pat Dry: Always pat the marinated chicken dry before breading to allow the coating to stick correctly. Let it Rest: Allow your fried Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken to rest for a few minutes after frying to maintain its juicy goodness and crunchy coating. Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe FAQs What type of chicken should I use for this recipe? Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. They’re easy to handle and yield tender results, ensuring a juicy bite in every piece. How long can I store leftovers? Very well! Once cooked, you can store your leftover Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps it flavorful and helps maintain its crispiness. Can I freeze the chicken after cooking? Yes, you can! For freezing, place the cooked chicken in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, where it can last for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy your delicious dish at a later date! How should I reheat leftover chicken to keep it crispy? To bring back that scrumptious crunch, preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the chicken for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can use an air-fryer set at 375°F for around 5-7 minutes. This will help restore its delightful texture without losing any flavor. What should I do if the breading doesn’t stick to the chicken? Don’t worry; this can happen sometimes! Make sure to pat the marinated chicken dry with paper towels before dredging it in flour. This helps the breading adhere better. Also, ensure that the chicken is evenly coated in the egg mixture before pressing it into the breadcrumb mixture for a more secure crust. Is this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions? Yes, you can easily modify this recipe! For gluten-free needs, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free option. If you’re looking for dairy-free variations, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Additionally, a flax egg or aquafaba can replace the eggs for a vegan-friendly version. Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken for Ultimate Crunchy Goodness Enjoy the delicious Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken with its crispy coating and juicy insides, ideal for chicken lovers seeking a unique flavor experience. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsMarinating Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts1 cup Dill pickle juiceFor the Coating1 cup All-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour2 large Eggs For vegan, use flax egg or aquafaba1 cup Seasoned breadcrumbs Panko breadcrumbs work great1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Can substitute with nutritional yeast for dairy-freeFor Seasoning1 teaspoon Garlic powder Fresh garlic is a good substitute1 teaspoon Onion powder Optional based on preference1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika can be usedto taste Saltto taste PepperFor Frying0.5 cup Cooking oil High smoke-point oil like vegetable or canola Equipment SkilletBowlsWire Rack Method Step-by-Step InstructionsMarinate the chicken in dill pickle juice for 30 minutes to 2 hours, then pat dry.Prepare breading station with seasoned flour, whisked eggs, and breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour, then dip in eggs, and press into the breadcrumb mixture.Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F and test with flour for readiness.Fry chicken for 5-7 minutes each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.Drain on a wire rack and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1pieceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg NotesThis recipe is versatile for baking or air-frying as well. Excellent for meal prep and served best fresh out of the fryer. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
