Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Place chicken in a bowl or resealable bag.
- Pour in dill pickle juice, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor).
- π‘ Pro Tip: Pickle brine tenderizes the chicken and adds tangy depth, similar to buttermilk marinades!
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
- In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, onion powder, dill, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together egg and milk (or extra pickle juice for extra zing).
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Remove chicken from the marinade and pat dry.
- Dip each piece into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the Parmesan breadcrumb mix.
- Press gently to help the coating stick.
Step 4: Cook Until Crispy
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C).
- Place chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Lightly spray with cooking oil.
- Bake for 20β25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C).
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat air fryer to 380Β°F (193Β°C).
- Arrange chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 10β12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- π‘ Pro Tip: For an extra-crispy crust, spritz lightly with oil before cooking.
Step 5: Serve It Up
- Top with fresh dill, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Serve with creamy ranch, spicy mayo, or honey mustard for dipping β or make it a meal over mashed potatoes, salad, or rice!
Notes
π§ Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat: Air fry or bake at 375Β°F (190Β°C) for 5β7 minutes to re-crisp. Freeze: Freeze cooked pieces for up to 2 months; reheat from frozen until hot and crispy.π₯ Variations
Spicy Dill Pickle Chicken: Add cayenne or hot sauce to the marinade. Garlic-Parmesan Pickle Chicken: Double the garlic for a bold twist. Pickle Ranch Crusted Chicken: Mix ranch seasoning into the breading. Cheddar-Dill Fusion: Swap Parmesan for shredded sharp cheddar. Buttermilk-Pickle Blend: Mix half pickle juice and half buttermilk for ultra-tender chicken. Pickle-Brined Chicken Sandwich: Serve on toasted brioche buns with lettuce and sauce. Low-Carb Version: Use crushed pork rinds and Parmesan for keto-friendly crunch. Baked Tenders: Cut into strips for crispy chicken tenders. Pickle Popcorn Chicken: Cube chicken for bite-sized, party-perfect snacks. Greek Twist: Add lemon zest and oregano to the breading mix.β 10 FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?Yes! Thighs stay juicy and flavorful β perfect for this recipe. What kind of pickle juice works best?
Classic dill pickle brine gives the most authentic tang. Can I skip marinating?
You can, but marinating adds flavor and tenderness β even 30 minutes helps. Can I fry it instead?
Definitely! Shallow-fry in Β½ inch oil for 3β4 minutes per side. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes β skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free substitute. Is it really crispy when baked?
Yes β the panko-Parmesan combo stays super crunchy! Can I reuse the pickle brine?
No β discard it after marinating raw chicken. Can I add cheese inside?
Absolutely β stuff chicken with mozzarella for a surprise melty center. Can I meal prep it?
Yes β bread and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. What goes best with this?
Try roasted potatoes, coleslaw, garlic green beans, or a tangy dipping sauce!
