Name: Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pieces Boneless Chicken Breasts, Skinless; 1 cup Dill Pickle Juice (can substitute with lemon juice); 1 cup Breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned or panko); 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (use nutritional yeast for dairy-free option); 2 pieces Eggs (consider flax eggs for vegan option); 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (whole wheat for a healthier choice); 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (fresh garlic for bolder flavor); 1 teaspoon Onion Powder; 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked paprika for elevated taste); Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 1 cup Cooking Oil (canola or vegetable oil for frying)

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Introduction

Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful twist on classic fried chicken, combining tangy dill pickle juice marinade with a crunchy Parmesan-coated crust. This recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a crispy, cheesy exterior that’s sure to please your family and friends.

The dish shows six pieces of crispy golden-brown breaded chicken arranged closely on a large white plate. Each piece is topped with a smooth white sauce speckled with green herbs, and layered with several thin, round green pickle slices. Some freshwater dill sprigs are scattered gently on top, adding a fresh touch. One extra pickle slice rests on the plate’s side. The setting is on a dark wooden table with clean white marbled texture underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup dill pickle juice (can substitute with lemon juice)
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned or panko)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (nutritional yeast for dairy-free option)
2 eggs (consider flax eggs for vegan option)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (whole wheat for a healthier choice)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (fresh garlic for bolder flavor)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for elevated taste)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 cup cooking oil (canola or vegetable oil for frying)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the boneless chicken breasts in a bowl and cover them with dill pickle juice. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the chicken absorb the tangy flavor.
Step 2: Set up your breading station with three bowls: one with seasoned flour (combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper), one with whisked eggs, and one with the mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 3: Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. The oil is ready when a sprinkle of breadcrumbs sizzles immediately upon contact.
Step 4: Remove each chicken breast from the marinade and dredge it in the flour mixture, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
Step 5: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil, ensuring the crust remains crispy.
Step 7: Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to retain its juices and tenderness.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.
Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper, smoky taste.
Try flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) as a vegan alternative to eggs.
Serve with a drizzle of ranch dressing to enhance the flavors and add creaminess.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A white oval plate holds six pieces of golden-brown crispy fried chicken, each topped with a creamy white sauce speckled with green herbs. On top and around the chicken pieces are thin, round slices of light green pickles. Small sprigs of fresh dill are scattered both on the chicken and the plate. The plate sits on a dark wooden table with a gray cloth napkin partially underneath. Nearby, small white bowls contain extra pickles and the same creamy herb sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pickles for the marinade?

Yes, dill pickle juice is preferred for its tangy flavor, but you can also experiment with spicy or garlic pickle juices for a different twist.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in pickle juice?

Marinating in pickle juice tenderizes the chicken and adds a unique tangy flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. The chicken will still be delicious but less tangy.