Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful twist on classic fried chicken, combining tangy pickle brine with a crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb coating. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering, this dish promises a crispy, juicy bite every time.

Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice (from a jar of pickles)
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil, for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour dill pickle juice over the chicken and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours to infuse flavor and tenderize.
- Step 2: Prepare three shallow dishes: mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the first; whisk the eggs in the second; and combine Parmesan cheese with seasoned breadcrumbs in the third.
- Step 3: Remove chicken from the pickle juice and pat dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece first in the flour mixture, then dip into the whisked eggs, and finally press into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture until thoroughly coated.
- Step 4: Heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Step 5: Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Try swapping dill pickle juice with spicy pickle juice for a kick of heat.
- Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Oven-bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes for a lighter version.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness instead of microwaving, which can make it soggy.
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 work well and tend to stay juicier, though cooking times may vary slightly.
What if I don’t have dill pickle juice?
You can substitute dill pickle juice with a mixture of lemon juice and water plus a pinch of salt, but the distinct pickle flavor will be less pronounced.
PrintCrispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful fried chicken dish marinated in tangy dill pickle juice, coated with a savory mixture of Parmesan cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs, and fried to golden perfection. This recipe offers a delicious twist on classic fried chicken with a zesty, crispy crust and juicy interior, perfect for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes to 2 hours 25 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice (from a jar of pickles)
Coating
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- cooking oil, for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and cover with dill pickle juice. Refrigerate and let them marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to infuse the chicken with tangy flavor and tenderize it.
- Prepare the Coating Stations: Set up three shallow dishes: one with the flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; a second with the whisked eggs; and a third with the Parmesan cheese mixed evenly into the seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pickle juice and pat them dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece first in the seasoned flour to coat lightly, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press firmly into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture to form an even, crispy crust.
- Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Fry each chicken breast for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
- Drain and Rest: Transfer the fried chicken breasts to a wire rack to drain any excess oil. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure juices settle and the crust remains crispy.
Notes
- For best results, do not skip patting the chicken dry before coating to ensure the breading adheres well.
- Adjust the marinating time according to how tangy you want the flavor; longer marinating results in more intense pickle flavor.
- Use a thermometer to check for doneness and avoid under or overcooking the chicken.
- Serve immediately for best crust texture; leftover chicken can be reheated in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness.
Keywords: dill pickle chicken, crispy fried chicken, Parmesan chicken, marinated chicken recipe

