Crispy, crunchy, and packing a flavorful punch, this Tangy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken will redefine your weeknight dinner routine. The secret? A generous coating of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs creates the perfect golden crust, giving way to juicy, tender chicken infused with the tangy zip of dill pickles. The dill pickle juice marinade doesn’t just add flavor; it also tenderizes the chicken, ensuring a perfect bite every time.
This recipe works because the saltiness of the Parmesan and the tang of the dill pickles create a wonderfully balanced flavor profile. The garlic and onion powder enhance the savory notes, making it a surprisingly sophisticated dish that’s also incredibly easy to prepare. Serve it up for a fun and flavorful family dinner, or impress your guests with this unexpected culinary twist.
Why you’ll love this Tangy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken with Dill Pickle Chicken
- Ready in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The tangy dill pickle flavor is a unique and delicious twist on classic Parmesan chicken.
- The parmesan crust is incredibly crispy and satisfying.
- It’s a surprisingly easy recipe that even beginner cooks can master.
- This dill pickle chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that the whole family will enjoy.
- You only need a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (optional, for garnish)
- Dill pickle slices, for serving (optional)
Dill pickle chicken makes every moment feel energetic. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You can also experiment with different types of cheese in the crust, such as Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill can be used, but use half the amount.
How to make Tangy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the oven and chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag and pour in dill pickle juice. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
Chef’s Tip: Don’t marinate the chicken for longer than 2 hours, as the acid in the pickle juice can start to break down the chicken too much.
Step 2: Prepare the parmesan crust
In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
Chef’s Tip: For an extra crispy crust, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Coat the chicken
Remove chicken from marinade and dredge each breast in the Parmesan mixture, pressing firmly to coat evenly.
Step 4: Bake the chicken
Place coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with melted butter. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Garnish with fresh dill, if desired. Serve hot with dill pickle slices on the side.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. If necessary, bake the chicken in batches to ensure even browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- For extra crispy chicken, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This Tangy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or asparagus. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness of the chicken. For a heartier meal, serve it with mashed potatoes or rice. If you’re looking for more chicken recipes, why not try this creamy cajun chicken pasta next? For a refreshing drink, try iced tea or lemonade. You could finish off the meal with raspberry angel food cake for a light and fruity dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Reheating in the oven will help maintain the crispiness of the crust. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the crust may become soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this chicken?
While you can freeze this chicken, the texture of the crust may change upon thawing. For best results, freeze the chicken before baking. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking according to the recipe instructions.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy. The flavor profile is tangy and savory, with a hint of garlic and onion.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, so be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
This Tangy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is a fun, flavorful, and surprisingly easy way to elevate your chicken dinner game. The unique combination of dill pickle tang and crispy parmesan crust is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Tangy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
Craving a chicken dinner that’s both crunchy and bursting with flavor? This Tangy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken delivers! The perfectly crisp parmesan crust gives way to juicy, tender chicken infused with the unmistakable tang of dill pickles. It’s an unexpected combination that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Forget boring chicken – this recipe is a guaranteed weeknight winner that’s surprisingly easy to make. The dill pickle flavor adds a unique twist to a classic dish, making it a fun and delicious experience for the whole family. Get ready for a flavor explosion!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (optional, for garnish)
- Dill pickle slices, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag and pour in dill pickle juice. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade and dredge each breast in the Parmesan mixture, pressing firmly to coat evenly.
- Place coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh dill, if desired. Serve hot with dill pickle slices on the side.
Notes
For extra crispy chicken, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time, watching carefully to prevent burning. You can use panko breadcrumbs for an even crispier crust. Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg