Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken offers a delightful crunch paired with tangy pickle flavor and savory Parmesan. This dish is a fun twist on traditional fried chicken that’s sure to impress your family and guests. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts with the dill pickle juice. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Set up a breading station with three bowls: In the first bowl, mix the flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Step 3: Heat enough cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat to cover the bottom. Test the temperature by dropping a breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Step 4: Remove each chicken breast from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Dredge it first in the seasoned flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it evenly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan blend.
- Step 5: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
- Step 6: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Step 7: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to retain its juices and tenderness.
- Step 8: Serve immediately, or allow the chicken to cool before storing in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Tips & Variations
- Use seasoned breadcrumbs or add extra herbs like dried oregano or thyme to the breadcrumb mix for additional flavor.
- If you prefer baked chicken, bake coated breasts at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For extra crispiness, double-dip chicken in egg and breadcrumbs before frying.
- Serve with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce to complement the dill pickle flavor.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to preserve crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pickle juice from any type of pickles?
Yes, dill pickle juice works best for its distinct flavor, but you can experiment with other pickle varieties to create unique tastes.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in pickle juice?
Marinating in pickle juice adds tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken, but if short on time, you can skip this step and still achieve a tasty result.
PrintCrispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken features tender chicken breasts marinated in tangy dill pickle juice, then coated in a seasoned flour, egg, breadcrumb, and Parmesan mixture before being pan-fried to golden perfection. This flavorful dish combines the zesty bite of pickles with the savory richness of Parmesan, creating a deliciously crispy crust and juicy interior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
Breading
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking
- Cooking oil, for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl and pour the dill pickle juice over them, ensuring that they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to infuse the chicken with tangy flavor.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three separate bowls: in the first, mix the flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; in the second, whisk the eggs; in the third, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Preheat the Oil: Heat enough cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat to cover the bottom. Test the temperature by dropping a breadcrumb into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
- Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken breast out of the marinade and shake off excess juice. Dredge it first in the seasoned flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil and keep the coating crisp.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute and the chicken to remain tender.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, or cool completely and store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Notes
- For an extra tangy flavor, consider adding a little pickle juice to the egg wash.
- If preferred, use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
- Ensure oil temperature is steady to prevent soggy breading.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when frying to maintain crispiness.
- Chicken breasts can be butterflied for thinner cuts and faster cooking.
Keywords: Crispy Chicken, Dill Pickle Chicken, Parmesan Chicken, Fried Chicken, Chicken Breast Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner
