Description
This Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts marinated in tangy dill pickle juice, then coated with a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs before being fried to golden perfection. It’s a delightful twist on classic fried chicken with a zesty, savory crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice (from a jar of pickles)
Coating Mix
- 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
Egg Wash and Cooking
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- cooking oil, for frying (about 1/2 inch deep)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour over 1 cup of dill pickle juice and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to infuse flavor and tenderize.
- Prepare the Coating Stations: Set up three shallow dishes—first with the flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; second with the whisked eggs; and third with the Parmesan cheese mixed into the seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from pickle juice and pat dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the egg wash, and finally press into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture ensuring an even, thorough coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the oil and fry for 7 minutes per side or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Rest: Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving hot to retain juiciness and crispiness.
Notes
- For a lighter variation, bake the coated chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or use an air fryer set to 375°F for 15-18 minutes.
- Ensure you pat the chicken dry after marinating for a crispier coating.
- Feel free to adjust seasonings in the flour mix to your taste, adding cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Use a thermometer to check doneness and avoid overcooking the chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
