Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the sizzle of chicken meets the heated oil, you’re about to discover a culinary delight that brings both nostalgia and excitement to the dinner table: Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken! With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe transforms juicy chicken breasts into a crunchy, savory masterpiece, making it the perfect quick weeknight meal. Not only is this dish a high-protein option that satisfies your cravings, but it also introduces a fun twist on classic fried chicken by incorporating dill pickles for that unique tang. Imagine serving up a plate that’s crisp on the outside and tender on the inside—who wouldn’t want to dig in? Are you ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s get cooking! Why is This Recipe a Must-Try? Crispy, Crunchy Perfection: Each bite of this Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken delivers a satisfying crunch, thanks to the delicious breadcrumb-Parmesan coating. Tasty Twist on Tradition: Incorporating dill pickle juice not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a unique, tangy flavor that sets this dish apart from traditional fried chicken. Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delightful meal in no time, perfect for busy weeknights. High Protein Boost: This protein-packed dish satisfies your hunger while bringing comfort food favorites to the forefront. Pair it with a refreshing side of coleslaw for a well-rounded meal. Crowd-Pleaser: Your family and friends will rave about this unique recipe, and you’ll love hearing their compliments at the dinner table! Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Ingredients For the Chicken • Chicken breasts – Provides the main protein; boneless, skinless works best for tenderness. • Dill pickle juice – Adds flavor and marinates the chicken; brine from other pickles can be a tasty substitute. For the Coating • Breadcrumbs – Delivers that signature crunch; seasoned breadcrumbs can amp up the flavor, while panko offers a great alternative. • Grated Parmesan cheese – Enhances flavor and contributes to the crispy finish; swap for another hard cheese if desired. • Eggs – Binds the coating to the chicken; consider flax eggs or aquafaba for a vegan alternative. • All-purpose flour – Facilitates the first layer of crispiness; gluten-free flour is a suitable substitute if needed. For Flavoring • Garlic powder – Infuses additional flavor; fresh garlic can be used for a stronger taste. • Onion powder – Complements the seasoning beautifully; feel free to use fresh onions for a different flavor profile. • Paprika – Adds warmth and color; smoked paprika can deepen the flavor experience. • Salt and pepper – Essential for flavoring; adjust according to your dietary needs. For Cooking • Cooking oil – Vital for frying to achieve that crispy texture; olive or avocado oil make excellent alternatives. Now that you’re stocked with all the necessary ingredients, let’s roll up your sleeves and get cooking on this Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken that’s bound to make your taste buds dance! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Begin by combining the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with dill pickle juice in a bowl, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Cover and let the mixture marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step infuses the chicken with flavor and tenderness, setting the stage for a delicious Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken. Step 2: Prepare Breading Station While the chicken marinates, set up your breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place all-purpose flour combined with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs until well blended. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, creating an efficient assembly line for coating your chicken. Step 3: Preheat Oil Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop in a few breadcrumbs; they should immediately sizzle and rise to the surface. This ensures your Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken will fry beautifully, achieving that irresistible golden crunch that’s perfect for this dish. Step 4: Coat the Chicken Once the chicken has marinated, take each piece and dredge it in the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s fully covered. Next, dip the chicken into the whisked eggs, allowing the excess to drip off, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press gently to adhere the coating, creating a thick, crunchy layer that will make your chicken delightfully crispy. Step 5: Fry the Chicken Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they turn a lovely golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Keep an eye on them to avoid burning and flip only once for an even crisp. Step 6: Drain Excess Oil Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, use tongs to transfer each piece to a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps absorb any excess oil, keeping your Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken light and crispy. Let them rest for a few minutes to allow any remaining oil to drain off. Step 7: Rest the Chicken After draining, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender inside. Get ready to serve up crispy, flavorful chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds! Make Ahead Options These Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken pieces are perfect for busy weeknights! You can marinate the chicken in dill pickle juice up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to really develop. Additionally, you can prepare the breading station with seasoned flour, whisked eggs, and the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, storing each component separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply take the marinated chicken out, coat it, and fry it as usual for a deliciously crispy result that’s just as satisfying. This method ensures you cut down on prep time and still enjoy mouthwatering chicken any night of the week! What to Serve with Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken A delightful meal awaits when you pair this crispy chicken with the right sides and drinks, making every bite a joy. Creamy Coleslaw: This crunchy, tangy side complements the chicken’s richness and adds a refreshing crunch with every bite. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery, these potatoes balance the crispy texture of the chicken, making for a comforting combo. Fresh Cucumber Salad: A crisp and light salad enhances the flavors, adding a burst of freshness that perfectly contrasts the savory chicken. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies, like carrots and bell peppers, bring out natural sweetness and a hearty element to your plate. Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: The slight sweetness and tanginess elevate the dish, creating a delightful contrast with the savory chicken. Sparkling Lemonade: This refreshing drink complements the meal beautifully, cutting through the richness with a fizzy, bright flavor. Apple Crisp for Dessert: A warm, sweet dessert topped with a crunchy oat topping will have everyone craving a second helping after your delicious meal. How to Store and Freeze Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Fridge: Store leftover crispy chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will help retain some of the crunch. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag. It can last up to 2 months. Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture. Quick Tip: The crispy coating may lose some crunch after storing in the fridge, so reheating properly is key to enjoying your leftover Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken. Expert Tips for Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Marinate Fully: Ensure the chicken is completely submerged in dill pickle juice for maximum flavor and tenderness. Watch Your Oil: Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) to avoid a soggy coating. Test with breadcrumbs to confirm it’s ready. Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness for your Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken. Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality breadcrumbs and fresh ingredients can elevate the dish’s overall taste and texture. Resting Time Matters: Allow the chicken to rest after frying to keep it juicy and flavorful; this step makes all the difference! Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Variations Invite your taste buds on a delightful adventure with these fun variations on your Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken. Spicy Kick: Swap dill pickle juice with jalapeño juice for a fiery twist. The heat will elevate your chicken to a whole new level of excitement! Cheesy Delight: Experiment with feta or mozzarella cheese for a unique flavor profile. Each bite offers a different creamy texture that complements the crispy exterior beautifully. Air Fryer Option: Use an air fryer for a healthier take without sacrificing crispiness. Follow the same coating steps and air fry for about 12-15 minutes for perfectly crunchy chicken. Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like dill or parsley into the breadcrumb coating for an aromatic twist. The added fragrance will brighten up your dish and delight herb lovers. Zesty Lemon: Add lemon zest to your breadcrumb mixture for a refreshing zing. The citrus notes will balance the richness of the chicken perfectly, providing a beautiful contrast. Vegan Version: Use chickpea flour and plant-based milk for a vegan coating. This twist keeps the crunch in while making it accessible to vegan friends. Crunchy Coconut: Substitute half of the breadcrumbs with unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical flair. This variation not only adds crunch but also a subtle hint of sweetness. Flavor Bomb: Incorporate a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the egg mixture for an extra layer of flavor. This little addition will bring the heat but also an exciting depth to your chicken dish. Looking for more delightful chicken recipes? You might also enjoy this Garlic Parmesan Chicken or a zesty Chicken Ranch Snack! Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe FAQs How do I select the best dill pickles for this recipe? Absolutely! The best dill pickles for this recipe are crunchy and fresh. Look for pickles without dark spots or signs of fermentation in the jar. Opting for whole dill pickles allows you to control the amount of juice you’ll use for marinating, giving your chicken a lovely, tangy flavor. What’s the best way to store leftovers of Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken? Very! Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll last for approximately 3 days. To help retain some crispiness, avoid stacking them on top of each other. If you have a wire rack, place the chicken on it to allow air circulation around the pieces. Can I freeze the chicken after cooking? Absolutely! To freeze your Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken, first let the cooked pieces cool completely. Then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once they are firm, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. This way, they can stay fresh for up to 3 months. What if the coating doesn’t stay crispy when reheating? If your chicken’s crispiness diminishes during storage, don’t worry! To restore its crunch, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This method allows the coating to crisp back up. Avoid using the microwave, as it tends to make fried foods soggy. Are there any dietary considerations when making this dish? Very! If you’re cooking for someone with gluten allergies, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Additionally, for anyone with egg allergies, consider using flax eggs or aquafaba as a binding agent, ensuring everyone can enjoy this Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken without worry. Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken: A Crunchy Delight Discover a delicious twist on fried chicken with Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken, combining savory, crunchy flavors for a perfect weeknight dinner. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 14 minutes minsResting Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 54 minutes mins Servings: 4 piecesCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts1/2 cup dill pickle juiceFor the Coating1 cup breadcrumbs can use seasoned or panko1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or another hard cheese2 large eggs can substitute with flax eggs or aquafaba1/2 cup all-purpose flour gluten-free flour is a substituteFor Flavoring1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon onion powder1 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika for depth1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste1/2 teaspoon black pepper adjust to tasteFor Cooking1 cup cooking oil olive or avocado oil recommended Equipment Large SkilletShallow BowlsTongsMeasuring Cups Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan ChickenCombine the chicken breasts with dill pickle juice in a bowl, submerging the chicken completely. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one with seasoned flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Test the oil by dropping in some breadcrumbs; they should sizzle and rise.Dredge marinated chicken in the flour, dip into the eggs, and coat with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing to adhere.Fry the coated chicken in hot oil for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).Transfer fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1pieceCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg NotesEnsure chicken is submerged in the pickle juice for maximum flavor. Fry in small batches for even cooking and crispiness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!