Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe
This Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken recipe offers a tangy twist on classic fried chicken by marinating the chicken breasts in dill pickle juice, then coating them in a flavorful Parmesan breadcrumb crust. The result is juicy, tender chicken with a crispy, golden exterior bursting with savory and zesty flavors, perfect for a quick yet impressive meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice (from a jar of pickles)
Breading Mixtures
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- cooking oil, for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag and cover them with the dill pickle juice. Refrigerate and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to infuse the chicken with a tangy flavor 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; the second with whisked eggs; and the third with a mixture of Parmesan cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the whisked eggs, and finally press it firmly into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even, thorough coating.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. This amount of oil is ideal for shallow frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil. Fry for approximately 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) ensuring it is cooked through.
- Drain and Rest: Transfer the fried chicken breasts to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juiciness and allow the crust to set.
Notes
- Marinating longer (up to 2 hours) intensifies the dill pickle flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Patting the chicken dry before breading ensures a crispier crust.
- Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
- Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack rather than paper towels to keep the coating crispy.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs can be homemade by combining plain breadcrumbs with dried herbs and salt if preferred.
Keywords: dill pickle chicken, crispy chicken, Parmesan chicken, fried chicken recipe, breaded chicken breasts
