This Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is a fun twist on your usual chicken dinner! Crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, it’s packed with flavor and a zingy dill pickle touch.
I love how easy it is to whip up this dish on busy nights. Just coat the chicken, pop it in the oven, and let it do its thing. Bonus: my kids think it’s super cool to eat pickles for dinner! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. If you’re looking for alternatives, chicken thighs add extra moisture and flavor. They can be a delicious option, though they may need a bit longer to cook.
Dill Pickle Juice: This is a key flavor booster. If you don’t have any, a mix of vinegar and water with a pinch of salt and sugar can mimic the taste. You can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar as a base.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and tang. You can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, allowing it to sit for a few minutes. It’ll create a similar effect!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These are light and crispy. If panko isn’t available, regular breadcrumbs will do, but they may not give as much crunch. You could also use crushed crackers for a different texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is my favorite, but you can swap in another hard cheese like Pecorino or Grana Padano. For a dairy-free version, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Crispy and Cooked Perfectly?
Achieving crispy chicken is all about the coating and frying technique. Don’t skip any steps! Start by pounding the chicken to an even thickness; this ensures uniform cooking. A thickness of about half an inch is ideal.
- Marinating in the dill pickle juice and buttermilk not only adds flavor but also makes the chicken tender.
- Use one hand for dry ingredients (flour and breadcrumbs) and the other for wet (eggs) to keep things less messy.
- Heat your skillet adequately – the oil should shimmer when ready. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature.
- Once the chicken is in the skillet, don’t move it too much; let it develop a nice crust. Aim for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Lastly, always let the chicken drain on paper towels after frying to remove any excess oil. This helps keeps it crispy and not greasy!
How to Make Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Coating:
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried dill or 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
For Cooking and Serving:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or enough for frying)
- ½ cup diced dill pickles (for topping)
- ½ cup ranch or creamy dill sauce (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This chicken dish requires approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare, including 1 hour of marinating time. Cooking will take around 15-20 minutes. You’ll end up with a flavorful and crispy chicken that’s perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Tenderizing the Chicken:
Start by gently pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. You can use a meat tenderizer or the bottom of a heavy pan.
2. Marinating the Chicken:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the dill pickle juice and buttermilk. Submerge the chicken breasts in this marinade, ensuring they are fully covered. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
3. Preparing the Cooking Station:
While the chicken marinates, preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil for frying. You’ll want enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet.
4. Making the Coating Mixture:
In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried or fresh dill, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients.
5. Beating the Eggs and Preparing Flour:
In a separate bowl, whisk the two eggs until they are well mixed. In another shallow dish, place the flour, which will help with the coating process.
6. Coating the Chicken:
After marinating, remove each chicken breast from the marinade and gently pat them dry to remove excess liquid. First, dredge each piece in flour, making sure to shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, and then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
7. Cooking the Chicken:
Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
8. Draining and Serving:
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Then arrange the chicken on a serving plate, drizzle with ranch or creamy dill sauce, and sprinkle diced dill pickles evenly on top.
9. Garnishing and Enjoying:
If you have extra fresh dill, feel free to garnish the chicken with it for an added touch. Serve the crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken immediately and enjoy!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and can add extra juiciness to the dish. Just be mindful of cooking time, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to reach the desired internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 1 hour and up to 4 hours. Marinating longer will enhance the flavor and tenderness, but avoid going over 4 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming too soft.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free! Substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for the coating. The flavors will still be delicious!
What Should I Serve with Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides! Consider serving it with a fresh salad, crispy fries, or a light pasta dish. You could also serve it alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.
