CRISPY DILL PICKLE PARMESAN CHICKEN AMAZING

Imagine the satisfying crunch as you bite into a juicy, perfectly cooked chicken breast, the tangy twang of dill pickles dancing on your tongue, all complemented by the nutty, savory goodness of Parmesan cheese. This Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget, and I promise, it’s easier to make than you think!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry, it’s mostly pantry staples!

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Dill Pickle Brine

• 1 cup dill pickle juice (yes, the juice from the jar!)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for a little kick!)

Parmesan Coating

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat!)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Egg Wash

• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk or water

Cooking Oil

• 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil, for cooking

Let’s Talk Pickles: Why Dill?

Okay, so you might be thinking, “Pickles on chicken? Really?” Trust me on this one! The tangy, slightly sour flavor of dill pickles perfectly complements the richness of the Parmesan and the savory chicken. It’s a total game-changer and adds a unique twist to classic chicken dishes. This is a pickle meal recipes dream come true! Plus, using the juice as a brine tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor from the inside out. Other pickles just don’t quite have the same magic here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! I promise, this recipe is easier than it looks. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken in no time.

Prep the Chicken

1. Pound it out: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound it to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps it cook evenly and ensures maximum crispiness.
2. Season: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Brine Time!

1. Submerge: In a shallow dish, combine the dill pickle juice and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully submerged.
2. Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer it brines, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be.

Prepare the Parmesan Coating

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped dill pickles, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
2. Flour Power: Place the flour in a separate shallow dish.

Egg Wash Station

1. Whisk it up: In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk or water until well combined.

Coating the Chicken

1. Dredge and dip: Remove the chicken breasts from the pickle brine and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Flour first: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Egg bath: Dip the floured chicken breast into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let the excess drip off.
4. Parmesan finale: Finally, dredge the chicken breast in the Parmesan coating, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Make sure both sides are completely coated.

Cooking Time!

1. Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a breadcrumb sizzles gently when dropped in.
2. Cook the chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Rest and serve: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the skillet and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Troubleshooting Crispy Chicken Catastrophes

Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Chicken isn’t crispy enough: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb the oil instead of getting crispy. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature.
• Parmesan coating is falling off: Make sure you pat the chicken dry before dredging it in the flour. The flour helps the egg wash adhere, which in turn helps the Parmesan coating stick. Press the Parmesan coating firmly onto the chicken.
• Chicken is burning before it’s cooked through: Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through. You can also finish cooking it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

What to Serve with Your Crispy Creation

This Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Classic Comfort: Mashed potatoes and a simple green salad.
• Veggie Delight: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
• Pasta Power: A light pasta salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
• Pickle Perfection: For the ultimate pickle lover, serve with a side of extra dill pickle spears!

And because this is a relatively quick recipe, it’s great for a camp supper too!

Variations and Twists on a Theme

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas to customize this recipe to your liking:

• Air Fryer Option: For a healthier version, you can air fry the chicken instead of pan-frying it. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the chicken for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan coating for an extra kick.
• Cheese Please: Experiment with different types of cheese in the coating, such as mozzarella, provolone, or asiago.
• Herb Heaven: Add fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or basil, to the Parmesan coating for a burst of flavor.

If you’re in the mood for more Parmesan chicken recipes, why not try Baked Chicken Parmesan for a classic Italian-American dish? Or perhaps Garlic Parmesan Chicken for an extra dose of savory goodness. For a lighter option, there’s always Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken, or if you are short on time then Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the perfect choice. And for those cozy nights, Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes is a set-and-forget delight! You could also try Parmesan Chicken With Garlic Sauce.

Dinner Recipes With Pickles: Beyond the Chicken!

The beauty of pickles is their versatility! Don’t stop at just chicken. You can incorporate that tangy, briny goodness into all sorts of dinner recipes. Think pickle-brined pork chops, pickle relish on burgers, or even a creamy dill pickle pasta salad. The possibilities are endless! So get creative and start experimenting with different ways to use pickles in your cooking.

Storage and Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the 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. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, but be careful not to burn the coating. While microwave reheating is an option, it can sometimes make the chicken soggy, so the oven is always your best bet for maintaining that crispy texture.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Pickle Power!

This Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s an adventure in flavor. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new things in the kitchen. And remember, even if things don’t go perfectly the first time, keep practicing and experimenting. After all, that’s what cooking is all about! So go ahead, embrace the pickle power and create a dish that’s sure to impress. Happy cooking!