Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken combines two of my favorite kitchen staples in one golden, crunchy dish. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when tangy pickles meet savory Parmesan in a crispy coating, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. I stumbled on this combination after my kids begged for “pickle chicken” following a restaurant visit, and now it’s a weekly request in our house.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
I always start with high-quality chicken breasts that are similar in size for even cooking. In my experience, the pickle juice marinade is what sets this recipe apart, so don’t skip that step. I recommend using fresh Parmesan cheese rather than the pre-grated kind for better flavor and texture in the coating.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
- 1 cup dill pickle juice (from your pickle jar) – I usually save this liquid specifically for marinades
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (Italian-style works great)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – My preference is to grate it myself for the best melt and flavor
- 2 large eggs (beaten until smooth)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika – I recommend smoked paprika if you want extra depth
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well) – Pro tip: use enough oil to come about ¼ inch up the sides of your pan
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend reading through all the steps before starting so you can work efficiently. In my experience, having your breading station set up properly makes the whole process smoother and less messy.
Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or resealable bag and pour the pickle juice over them, making sure each piece is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though I often let mine marinate for up to 2 hours when I have time. The acid in the pickle juice tenderizes the meat beautifully.
Step 2: Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine the flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This assembly line approach keeps your hands from getting too messy.
Step 3: Heat about ¼ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Test the temperature by dropping in a small piece of breadcrumb – it should sizzle immediately but not burn. Getting the oil temperature right is crucial for achieving that golden crust without overcooking the chicken.
Step 4: Remove each chicken breast from the marinade and pat it lightly with paper towels to remove excess liquid. Dredge it first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture on both sides. The key is making sure each layer adheres properly.
Step 5: Carefully place the breaded chicken in the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 5-7 minutes per side until the coating turns deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Resist the urge to flip too early – let that crust set properly before turning.
Step 6: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping each bite tender and juicy.
Perfect Pairings for Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
This tangy, savory chicken pairs beautifully with sides that balance its rich, crispy coating and bold pickle flavor.
Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, crunchy texture of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy chicken while echoing the pickle theme with its tangy dressing. For a heartier side option, try pairing with Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage.
Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges: These bring natural sweetness that balances the salty, tangy notes in the chicken, plus they add nutritional value with extra fiber and vitamins. Sausage and Sweet Potatoes with Honey Garlic Sauce offers a similar sweet-savory combination.
Fresh Garden Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the fried coating and keeps the meal feeling balanced.
Garlic Butter Green Beans: These provide a tender-crisp vegetable element with a buttery richness that complements the Parmesan in the chicken coating beautifully. If you love garlic and Parmesan together, check out Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Classic comfort food that soaks up any extra flavor from the chicken and rounds out the plate with satisfying, familiar taste. For another creamy side option, try Creamy Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes.
Keeping It Fresh and Delicious
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I recommend placing a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture that could make the coating soggy.
For reheating, skip the microwave if you want to maintain that crispy texture. Instead, I recommend placing the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and heating it in a 375°F oven for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through. This method helps the coating crisp up again rather than becoming soft.
This chicken is incredibly versatile beyond just a plated dinner. Pro tip: slice it up for sandwiches like Mediterranean Chicken Gyros, chop it into salads, or serve it as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce. The pickle flavor makes it especially delicious with ranch dressing or a creamy dill sauce.
FAQs
Can I bake this chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake it at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray the breaded chicken lightly with cooking oil before baking to help achieve a golden, crispy coating.
What if I don’t have pickle juice?
You can substitute with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar with a pinch of dill, though the authentic pickle flavor will be milder. Buttermilk also works as an alternative marinade for tender chicken.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Make sure to pat the chicken dry after marinating, press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto each piece, and let the oil get hot enough before adding the chicken. Avoid moving the chicken around too much while it
Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place chicken breasts in a large bowl or resealable bag and pour pickle juice over them, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for best results.
- Set up three shallow bowls for breading station. In first bowl, combine flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In second bowl, whisk eggs until smooth. In third bowl, mix breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Test temperature by dropping in a breadcrumb – it should sizzle immediately without burning.
- Remove each chicken breast from marinade and pat lightly with paper towels. Dredge in seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally press firmly into breadcrumb mixture on both sides.
- Carefully place breaded chicken in hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 5-7 minutes per side until coating is deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
