Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe

ByTaylor
Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving something juicy, tangy, and downright addictive, you’re going to flip for this Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe. It’s seriously one of those meals I find myself making over and over because the combination of dill pickle tang, a crispy Parmesan crust, and tender chicken just hits all the right notes. Trust me, once you try this, it might become your new go-to comfort food, especially when you want something crispy but still packed with flavor.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Flavor Harmony: The dill pickle juice tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the cheesy, crispy Parmesan crust.
  • Perfect Crunch: A triple-dip breading process ensures each bite has a satisfyingly crunchy texture that stays crispy even as you eat.
  • Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples like breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and spices makes this an accessible recipe you can whip up anytime.
  • Versatile Cooking: Whether you fry it up traditionally or swap in your air fryer or oven, this recipe adapts so you can still get that crispy finish you love.
Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Step this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients all come together to create layers of flavor and texture that are just incredible. Each plays a role in making this Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe a winner, and a few tips will help you pick the best versions for your kitchen.

Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken, easy crispy chicken recipes, flavorful chicken tenders, homemade crispy chicken, dill pickle chicken - Flat lay of fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts arranged neatly next to a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear dill pickle juice, a small white bowl containing seasoned golden breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan, a small white bowl of fine all-purpose flour, two whole large brown eggs with clean shells, and a small white bowl holding a pale yellow whisked egg mixture, a small white bowl of vibrant reddish paprika powder, another small white bowl with a light beige garlic powder, and a small white bowl with off-white onion powder, all ingredients placed symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I like using breasts because they’re juicy and cook evenly; pounding them slightly can help if they’re thick for uniform cooking.
  • Dill pickle juice: Don’t skip this—this marinade adds that signature tang and helps tenderize the meat.
  • Seasoned breadcrumbs: The seasoning gives extra flavor, so if your breadcrumbs are plain, toss in some herbs or spices.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds salty depth and a crispy, cheesy coating after frying.
  • All-purpose flour: Helps the egg adhere better to the chicken and creates a base for the crispy coating.
  • Eggs: Whisked, they bind the breading to the chicken so it sticks perfectly during frying.
  • Garlic powder: Brings that warm, earthy flavor to the coating mix.
  • Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and umami that complements the chicken and pickles.
  • Paprika: Gives a hint of smokiness and beautiful color, making the crust inviting.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust depending on how salty your Parmesan and breadcrumbs are.
  • Cooking oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola for frying crispiness without burning.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I often play around with this Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe depending on what’s fresh in my pantry or how indulgent I’m feeling. You should absolutely experiment too! Feel free to swap in different spices or adjust the tanginess and cheesiness based on what you love.

  • Variation: One time, I added some cayenne pepper to the flour mix for a spicy kick, which turned out amazing when serving for a game day snack.
  • Lightened-up version: Baking or air frying instead of pan-frying reduces oil and still keeps the crust relatively crisp—great for weeknight dinners.
  • Herb addition: Fresh dill or parsley sprinkled on top after cooking amps up the fresh flavor and looks beautiful on the plate.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

The magic starts by marinating the chicken breasts in dill pickle juice—this infuses the chicken with a mild tang and helps tenderize it, making every bite juicy. I usually marinate for about an hour, but if you’re short on time, 30 minutes will do. Just be careful not to go too long (over 2 hours) or the texture can change too much.

Step 2: Prepare Your Breading Stations

Set up three shallow dishes: one with the flour seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; the second with whisked eggs; and the third with a mix of seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Having the stations ready makes the breading process smooth and fast.

Step 3: Coat Chicken for Crispy Perfection

Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry gently—dry skin is key to crispiness. Then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, dip into the eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture until well coated. Don’t be shy here; a thick, even coating creates that signature crunch.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Brown

Heat about half an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering but not smoking, carefully add the chicken. Fry each piece for 5 to 7 minutes per side, keeping an eye on the color. Once golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaching 165°F), transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil. This step keeps your chicken crispy instead of soggy.

Step 5: Rest and Serve Hot

After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to help the juices redistribute. I can’t wait to serve this immediately because it smells so good—crispy, cheesy, and a little tangy with that pickle essence. It’s an irresistible combo!

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Pro Tips for Making Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Patting Dry: Excess moisture on chicken ruins crispiness—patting dry after marinating is essential.
  • Use a Wire Rack to Drain: Draining on a wire rack instead of paper towels keeps the crust crunchy, not soggy.
  • Maintain Oil Temperature: If the oil’s too cool, breading soaks up oil; too hot and it burns—medium-high heat is your sweet spot.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to avoid temperature drop and ensure even, crisp cooking.

How to Serve Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken, easy crispy chicken recipes, flavorful chicken tenders, homemade crispy chicken, dill pickle chicken - A crispy golden brown fried cutlet with a crunchy texture forms the base layer, topped by a generous dollop of creamy white sauce speckled with green herbs and small yellow bits, garnished with a fresh sprig of green dill. Behind it is a second piece with the same crispy texture, and to the right are several thin slices of fresh cucumber showing dark green skin and pale green flesh with seeds. The food is arranged on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little freshly chopped parsley or dill on top after cooking—it brightens the dish and adds a pop of color. A wedge of lemon on the side is a nice touch too; a quick squeeze amps up the tang in a subtle way.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Sometimes I serve it alongside roasted asparagus or even some crispy fries for a hearty meal that everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, I’ve served these cutlets sliced over a bed of garlic butter noodles with fresh dill scattered on top. They also make fantastic sandwich fillings with some lettuce, tomato, and a quick ranch spread—great for a tasty lunch upgrade!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the chicken stays tender inside but sometimes loses a bit of that initial crispiness, which is normal.

Freezing

Freezing this chicken works well if you’re meal prepping. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer bag. It freezes for up to 2 months. When I thaw it, I thaw overnight in the fridge to keep texture intact.

Reheating

To bring back the crispiness when reheating, I recommend using the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes rather than microwaving. This reheats the chicken thoroughly while keeping the crust nice and crunchy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use pickle juice from any kind of pickles?

    Yes! Dill pickle juice is preferred because it has that classic tangy and herby flavor that complements this recipe perfectly, but you can use juice from bread and butter or spicy pickles too for a fun flavor twist.

  2. Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely. Swap out the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives, and make sure your Parmesan and seasonings don’t contain any hidden gluten. The process remains the same.

  3. Can I bake or air fry this instead of frying?

    Yes! Baking at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes or air frying at 400°F for 15-20 minutes works well. Just spray the chicken with a little oil before cooking to help crisp up the coating.

  4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

    The safest way is to use a digital meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part to ensure the juices run clear and the meat is opaque.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s easy enough for a weeknight and special enough to impress guests. The tangy marinade combined with that crunchy, cheesy coating truly makes it stand out. If you love comfort food with a twist, I highly recommend giving this recipe a go—you’ll enjoy every bite, and I’m sure it’ll become a staple in your rotation too!

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Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 6 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts marinated in tangy dill pickle juice, then coated in a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs, resulting in a perfectly crispy and savory dish that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup dill pickle juice (from a jar of pickles)

Coating

  • 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
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Cooking

  • Cooking oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and cover them completely with dill pickle juice. Refrigerate and marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
  2. Prepare Coating Stations: Set up three shallow dishes: one with the flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; a second with the whisked eggs; and a third with the Parmesan cheese combined with seasoned breadcrumbs.
  3. Coat Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pickle juice and pat dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks. Dredge each piece first in the seasoned flour, then dip into the whisked eggs, and finally press into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
  4. Fry Chicken: Heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken breasts. Fry for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, indicating they are cooked through.
  5. Drain and Rest: Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to drain any excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving hot to allow juices to redistribute and maintain crispiness.

Notes

  • For a lighter alternative, try baking the chicken in a 400°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or use an air fryer at 400°F for 15-18 minutes.
  • Ensure the chicken is patted dry after marinating to help the coating adhere better and become crispier.
  • Use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor or add additional herbs like dried dill or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Monitor oil temperature carefully while frying to prevent burning or undercooking the chicken.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg

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