Description
This Dill Pickle Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts marinated in tangy dill pickle juice, then coated with seasoned breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. The marinade infuses the chicken with a unique, zesty flavor while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe combines crispy baked chicken with a delightful dill pickle twist.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1.5 lbs thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups dill pickle juice
For the Breading
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 3/4 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
For Baking
- Olive oil cooking spray (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the thinly sliced chicken breasts and dill pickle juice into a ziplock bag. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and move the chicken around in the juice to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate and marinate for 8 to 12 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Prep Chicken for Breading: After marinating, remove the chicken from the pickle juice and pat dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Discard the remaining pickle juice to avoid soggy breading.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire cooling rack on a rimmed baking pan for crispy, evenly cooked chicken on all sides.
- Prepare Breading Stations: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. In a separate large shallow bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off any excess crumbs to prevent clumping.
- Arrange and Spray: Place the breaded chicken pieces onto the prepared baking sheet or rack. Lightly spray both sides of the chicken with olive oil cooking spray to promote browning and crispiness during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Flip the pieces and continue baking for another 8 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 8 hours enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Using a wire rack during baking helps achieve a crispier crust.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs can be substituted with plain breadcrumbs and added seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and dried dill.
- For extra crispiness, spray olive oil on both sides before baking.
- Make sure to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.
- Leftover dill pickle juice can be used for dressings or as a brine for other meats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 6 oz chicken)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg