Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe
This Best Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts marinated in tangy dill pickle juice, then coated with a flavorful Parmesan breadcrumb crust and fried to golden perfection. The combination of dill pickle brine and Parmesan creates a unique, crispy, and savory chicken dish that’s perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
- Author: Tim
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 40-44 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice (from a jar of pickles)
Breading Mixture
- 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
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag and cover them completely with dill pickle juice. Refrigerate and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow dishes: one with the flour combined with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; one with the whisked eggs; and one with the mixture of Parmesan cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pickle juice and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, then dip into the whisked eggs, and finally press into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Heat Oil and Fry: Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of about 1/2 inch and heat over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts. Fry each side for 5 to 7 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Drain and Rest: Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to retain its juiciness before serving hot.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) intensifies the dill pickle flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before breading to help the coating stick better.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to 165°F for safety.
- If preferred, baking the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes can be a healthier alternative to frying.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in an oven to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: crispy chicken, dill pickle chicken, Parmesan chicken, fried chicken recipe, easy chicken recipe, breaded chicken breasts