Description
Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful, crunchy fried chicken recipe featuring succulent chicken breasts marinated in tangy dill pickle juice, coated with a seasoned Parmesan breadcrumb crust, and fried to golden perfection. This easy-to-make dish combines the zestiness of pickles with savory spices for an irresistible meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice (from a jar of pickles)
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- salt and pepper, to taste
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, whisked
For Frying
- cooking oil, for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour in the dill pickle juice ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Seal and refrigerate to marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. This step infuses the chicken with a tangy flavor while tenderizing it.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, combine the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In the second dish, whisk the eggs thoroughly. In the third, mix together the seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. These stations will help you evenly coat the chicken for maximum crunch and flavor.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pickle brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece first in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip the chicken into the whisked eggs, coating it completely. Finally, press each piece firmly into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture to fully cover it with the crispy coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Pour about 1/2 inch of cooking oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the coated chicken breasts and fry for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This step creates a crispy exterior while cooking the chicken evenly through.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer the fried chicken onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes to retain juiciness and allow the crust to set. Serve the crispy dill pickle Parmesan chicken hot for a deliciously tangy, crunchy meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer will enhance the pickle flavor and tenderness, but do not exceed 2 hours to avoid overly pickled meat.
- Use a thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For a crispier crust, you can double-coat the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the crust crispy.
- If you prefer baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and bake coated chicken on a greased rack-lined tray for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crispy chicken, dill pickle chicken, parmesan chicken recipe, fried chicken, pickle brine chicken, crispy fried chicken
