Irresistibly Bold Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Irresistibly Bold Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken combines tangy pickle juice marinade with a crispy parmesan crust for a unique and flavorful twist on classic chicken cutlets. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner that impresses.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise for cutlets
- 1 cup dill pickle juice (from jar)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Fresh dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chicken cutlets in a resealable bag or shallow dish and cover completely with dill pickle juice. Refrigerate for 2 to 8 hours to marinate and tenderize the chicken.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) while you prepare the breading station.
- Step 3: Set up three bowls: one with flour mixed with salt, pepper, and half the garlic, onion powder, and paprika; one with beaten eggs; and one with panko breadcrumbs combined with parmesan cheese and the remaining seasonings.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
- Step 5: For the oven: Place breaded chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For the air fryer: Arrange chicken in a single layer and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
- Step 6: Garnish with fresh dill if desired and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh dill pickle juice for the best tangy flavor, and don’t skip marinating to tenderize the chicken.
- For extra crispiness, spray the breaded chicken lightly with oil before cooking.
- Swap parmesan with asiago or pecorino cheese for a different cheese profile.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. They may require slightly longer cooking time and will be more tender and juicy.
How long can I marinate the chicken in pickle juice?
Marinate between 2 to 8 hours in the refrigerator. Over-marinating beyond 8 hours can cause the chicken to become too soft or mushy.
PrintIrresistibly Bold Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Irresistibly Bold Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken features tender chicken cutlets marinated in tangy dill pickle juice, then coated in a flavorful parmesan and panko breadcrumb mixture. Cooked either in the oven or air fryer, this dish offers a crispy, golden crust with a vibrant dill pickle punch, perfect for an easy yet impressive meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes plus 2 to 8 hours marinating
- Cook Time: 18 to 22 minutes (oven) or 10 to 12 minutes (air fryer)
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced lengthwise for cutlets)
- 1 cup dill pickle juice (from jar)
Breading Station
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Garnish
- Fresh dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate: Place the sliced chicken breasts into a resealable bag or shallow dish and cover completely with dill pickle juice. Seal or cover and refrigerate for 2 to 8 hours to infuse the chicken with the bold pickle flavor.
- Preheat: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) if baking, or preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) if using the air fryer method.
- Prep breading station: Set up three bowls: one with the flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with the beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Bread the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture until generously coated.
- Cook (Oven): Place the breaded chicken cutlets on a lightly greased baking sheet or a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Cook (Air Fryer): Arrange the breaded chicken cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until evenly crispy and golden with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Garnish the cooked chicken with fresh dill if desired and serve hot alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken in pickle juice not only adds flavor but helps tenderize the meat.
- For extra crispiness, use a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow heat circulation around the chicken in the oven.
- You can substitute gluten-free panko and flour for a gluten-free version.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee the chicken is fully cooked.
- Fresh dill garnish is optional but adds a lovely herby freshness that complements the pickle flavor.
Keywords: dill pickle chicken, parmesan chicken cutlets, air fryer chicken, baked chicken, crispy chicken recipe, pickle juice marinade, easy dinner ideas
