Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken: A Cozy Delight
There’s something irresistibly comforting about the sound of a sizzling skillet, isn’t there? The aroma that wafts through the kitchen, the golden, crispy crust forming on succulent chicken—it’s a heartwarming experience that transforms any day into a special occasion. This Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is not just a dish; it’s a delightful homage to the nostalgic flavors that remind us of family gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners. Marinated in tangy dill pickle juice and coated with a crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, this easy weeknight dinner will leave you craving seconds. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This delicious recipe comes together in just about an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Who doesn’t love the combination of tangy pickles and crispy chicken? This dish is sure to impress family and friends!
- Customizable: Enjoy it as is or add your favorite spices and toppings for a personalized touch.
- Perfectly Golden and Crunchy: The crispy crust is enhanced with the rich flavor of Parmesan cheese—pure perfection!
- Kid-Friendly: It’s a fun way to introduce kids to new flavors while keeping them satisfied with a familiar chicken dish.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to make your Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice (from a jar of pickles)
- 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
Let’s Make It Together
Creating this Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is a delightful experience! Follow these simple steps to bring this recipe to life:
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Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour in the dill pickle juice, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours to infuse that tangy goodness.
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Prepare Your Dredging Stations: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, combine the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In the second dish, whisk the eggs until lightly frothy. In the third dish, mix together the seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
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Dredge the Chicken: Once marinated, remove the chicken from the brine and gently pat the pieces dry with paper towels. Start the breading process: dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, dip in the whisked egg, then press into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture until each piece is thoroughly coated.
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Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil over medium-high heat.
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Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chickens to the hot oil. Fry for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Drain and Rest: Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a wire rack to drain off any excess oil. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving hot.
Variations & Creative Twists
Feel like experimenting? Here are some fun ways to customize your Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken for a delightful twist:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture to give it a zesty kick!
- Herb Infusion: Mix in some dried herbs like oregano or thyme for an aromatic touch that complements the existing flavors.
- Creamy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick dipping sauce with Greek yogurt, dill, and a splash of lemon juice for an indulgent, creamy pairing.
- Veggie Pairing: Serve it alongside sautéed asparagus or crispy roasted potatoes for a complete, comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: You can marinate the chicken the night before for even more flavor. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator!
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of dill pickle juice, lemon juice works as a nice substitute to add some tanginess to your chicken.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best results!
- Slicing Tricks: For even cooking, slice thick chicken breasts in half horizontally to ensure they fry evenly and quickly.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken
- Calories: 360
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: 950mg
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time for maximum flavor and fry it just before serving. -
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix up the spices or even try different types of cheese in the breadcrumb mixture! -
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy! -
How long does it last?
Leftover chicken can be enjoyed for up to three days in the fridge, making it an ideal option for meal prep!
Final Thoughts
Cooking is often about more than just putting food on the table; it’s an opportunity to create warm, cozy memories around shared meals. This Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken will quickly become a cherished recipe in your home, with its inviting flavors and easy preparation. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying it as a late-night snack, every bite is a reminder of the comfort and joy that food can bring. Save this Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Enjoy!
Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces 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
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Frying
- Cooking oil for frying
Instructions
Marination
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour in the dill pickle juice, ensuring they are fully submerged. Marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Prepare Breading Stations
- Set up three shallow dishes: combine flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the first dish; whisk the eggs in the second dish; mix seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in the third dish.
Breading the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, dip in the whisked egg, then press into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
Frying
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the coated chicken to the hot oil and fry for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Serving
- Transfer the chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving hot.
