Imagine sinking your teeth into a crunchy, savory piece of chicken that’s bursting with flavor. Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken combines the beloved tangy punch of dill pickles with a rich, cheesy coating that makes it irresistibly delicious. This dish is a delightful transformation of traditional fried chicken, making it perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about hitting that nostalgic note when pickles and crispy chicken come together, bringing joy to kids and adults alike.
Why you’ll love this dish
Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is a culinary win for several reasons. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s also budget-friendly and kid-approved, making it an ideal choice for any family meal. The marinade of dill pickle juice infuses the chicken with a unique flavor that keeps it moist and tender, while the crunchy coating adds a satisfying texture. This recipe is perfect for casual weeknight dinners, but it’s also a fantastic option for holiday feasts or friendly get-togethers.
"This chicken has become a staple in our household! It’s crispy, flavorful, and the kids devour it every time." – A satisfied home chef
Step-by-step overview
Preparing Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is a straightforward yet satisfying process that anyone can master. Start by marinating the chicken in dill pickle juice to infuse it with flavor and moisture. Then, set up a coating station with three simple components: a seasoned flour mix, whisked eggs, and a crunch-packed breadcrumb and Parmesan blend. Once the chicken is coated, it’s simply a matter of frying until golden perfection. Let’s dive into the ingredients to get started!
What you’ll need
To create this mouthwatering dish, gather these key ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice (for marinating)
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil, for frying
Feel free to swap out the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version or use a mix of different cheeses based on your preference!
Directions to follow
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a dish or zip-top bag and cover them with dill pickle juice. Allow them to marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours—this step is essential for flavor and tenderness.
Prep the Coating Stations: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The second dish is for the whisked eggs, and the third blends Parmesan cheese with seasoned breadcrumbs.
Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge, pat it dry, and dredge it in the flour mixture. Then dip each piece into the egg and press it into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix for even coverage.
Heat the Oil: In a skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken to the hot oil, frying for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Drain: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack to drain any excess oil before serving. Let it rest for a few minutes to maintain juiciness.
Best ways to enjoy it
This crispy chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Pair it with a fresh side salad for a light meal, or serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes to create a comforting dinner plate. You can even slice it up and toss it in a bun with your favorite toppings for a delightful chicken sandwich. Don’t forget a side of dill pickle chips for an extra flavor punch!
Storage and reheating tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven set to 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore its crispy texture. If you want to freeze the cooked chicken, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and it should last for about 2-3 months.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are a few expert tips to ensure your Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken turns out perfectly:
- For extra crunch, consider double coating the chicken by repeating the flour, egg, and breadcrumb steps.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through—165°F is your magic number!
- Experiment with various spices to find the blend that suits your taste.
Creative twists
Looking to mix things up? Consider these variations to keep this dish fresh:
- Substitute the dill pickle juice with spicy pickle juice for a zesty kick.
- Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a hint of heat.
- For a healthier spin, bake the chicken in the oven instead of frying it!
Common questions
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will yield even more flavor, just be cautious not to over-marinate as the acidity can break down the meat’s texture.
What can I use in place of dill pickle juice?
If you don’t have dill pickle juice on hand, you can use buttermilk or a lemon juice-water mix for a tangy alternative.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This chicken can be frozen after being cooked. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container, and it can last for up to three months in the freezer.
With this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make a fabulous meal everyone will love. Enjoy your culinary creation of Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken!
PrintCrispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
A crunchy, savory chicken dish bursting with flavor, combining dill pickles and a cheesy coating for an irresistible twist on traditional fried chicken.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free option available
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice (for marinating)
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil, for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a dish or zip-top bag and cover them with dill pickle juice. Allow them to marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Prep the Coating Stations: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The second dish is for the whisked eggs, and the third blends Parmesan cheese with seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge, pat it dry, and dredge it in the flour mixture. Then dip each piece into the egg and press it into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix for even coverage.
- Heat the Oil: In a skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken to the hot oil, frying for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Drain: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack to drain any excess oil before serving. Let it rest for a few minutes to maintain juiciness.
Notes
Double coat the chicken for extra crunch and use a food thermometer to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.