Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken has quickly become a family favorite in my home. There’s something about the juicy chicken paired with the tangy crunch of dill pickles that makes every bite feel like a special treat. I remember the first time I made this dish for a family gathering; the kids couldn’t get enough, and the adults kept asking for seconds! This recipe stands out not just for its delicious flavors, but also for its simple preparation. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen!
Why make this recipe?
I can’t stress enough how delectable this recipe is! You get the perfect balance of crispy, savory goodness with the fun twist of dill pickles. If you’re looking for something easy, quick, and delicious, this is it. It’s also budget-friendly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or larger gatherings without breaking the bank. Plus, kids absolutely love the flavor, which makes it easier to get them excited about dinner! Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll find this recipe incredibly forgiving and straightforward. Go ahead, give it a try!
How to make Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
Making Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is a breeze! You only need about an hour from start to finish. The marinating process takes the most time, but the hands-on prep is quick and easy. You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets; just some basic utensils, a skillet, and a few bowls for breading. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!
Ingredients
To create this mouthwatering chicken, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 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
Step-by-step directions
Marinate the chicken: Start by placing the chicken breasts in a bowl and covering them with dill pickle juice. Let them marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. The longer you let them soak, the more flavor they’ll absorb!
Set up your breading station: Create a simple assembly line for breading your chicken. In one bowl, mix the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs. Finally, in a third bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese.
Dredge the chicken: Take each piece of marinated chicken and dredge it in the flour mixture first. Shake off any excess flour, then dip it into the whisked eggs, letting the excess drip off. Lastly, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.
Heat the oil: In a skillet, pour enough cooking oil to generously coat the bottom. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot but not smoking!
Fry the chicken: Fry the breaded chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until it turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You might need to do this in batches, so the pan isn’t overcrowded.
Drain and rest: Transfer the crispy chicken to a wire rack to drain off any excess oil. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving; this helps keep it crispy.
How to serve Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken?
Now for the fun part—serving! This crispy chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes or homemade mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort food combo. A fresh garden salad or steamed veggies can help balance the meal, adding some crunch and color. You can also serve it with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or a dill pickle relish for an extra punch of flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for a touch of color!
How to store Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken?
You can easily store any leftovers of this delicious chicken. Place the cooked chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This way, you’ll maintain that crispy goodness!
Tips for perfect Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
- Marinate fully: Don’t rush the marinating step. Allowing the chicken to soak in dill pickle juice not only infuses flavor but also keeps the chicken moist.
- Heat the oil properly: Make sure your oil is hot before adding the chicken. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the breading may become soggy instead of crispy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than frying.
- Keep the heat consistent: Maintain a steady medium-high heat. Too hot, and the coating will burn before the chicken cooks; too low, and you may end up with greasy chicken.
- Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest on a wire rack helps keep it crispy by allowing air to circulate around it.
Variations
Looking to mix things up a bit? Here are a few ways you can modify this recipe:
Seasoning changes: Experiment with different spices in the flour mixture, like Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick or Italian seasoning for a herby flavor.
Add some crunch: Toss crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs into the breadcrumb mixture for an even crunchier coating.
Make it healthier: Bake the chicken instead of frying for a lighter version. Just spray the breaded chicken lightly with cooking spray and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
FAQs about Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
Can I substitute the dill pickle juice?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of dill pickles, you can use buttermilk or even yogurt as a marinade for tender, moist chicken with a slight tang.
Why did my coating fall off when frying?
This can happen if the oil isn’t hot enough or if the chicken is too wet after marinating. Make sure to dry the chicken a bit before breading and ensure your oil is hot enough to create a crispy seal.
Will this work if I reduce the salt?
Yes, you can reduce the salt in the breading and marinade if you prefer a lower sodium dish. Just remember that salt enhances the flavor, so adjust according to your taste preferences.
With its crunchy texture and delightful flavor, Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is sure to make your meal unforgettable. You’ll not only impress your family but also enjoy a delicious meal that’s oh-so-simple to prepare. Enjoy cooking!
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Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A deliciously crispy chicken dish infused with the tangy crunch of dill pickles, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 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 in dill pickle juice for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Set up the breading station with flour mixture, whisked eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, followed by the eggs, and finally the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil and let it rest before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, consider mixing in crushed cornflakes with the breadcrumbs or baking for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken, crispy, dill pickle, parmesan, easy recipe