Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and crave that perfect crunch, this Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is going to be your next go-to dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in tangy dill pickle juice, coated in a flavorful Parmesan crust, and pan-fried until golden perfection. It’s a playful twist on classic breaded chicken that delivers a zippy, cheesy bite in every forkful.

The magic lies in the pickle brine, which tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with that unmistakable dill flavor. The Parmesan cheese crisps up beautifully, creating a savory crust that locks in the moisture. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or when you want something unique and satisfying with minimal effort.

---

What Kind of Pickles Should I Use?

For maximum flavor, go with classic dill pickles—the ones with lots of garlic and tang. Kosher dill pickles or refrigerated pickles from the deli section often have the boldest flavor. Avoid sweet pickles or bread-and-butter pickles, as their sugar content can interfere with the savory crunch you’re aiming for.

---

Ingredients for the Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets)
• 1 cup dill pickle juice (from a jar of pickles)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

---

How To Make the Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken cutlets in a bowl or zip-top bag and pour the dill pickle juice over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours) to infuse the chicken with tangy flavor.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In one shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs. In a second bowl, combine the Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. In a third, place the flour.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece in flour, dip into the egg wash, then press into the Parmesan mixture to coat both sides thoroughly.

Step 4: Pan-Fry Until Golden

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken cutlets in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

---

How to Serve and Store Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken

Serve this chicken hot with a simple green salad, buttery mashed potatoes, or inside a toasted brioche bun with lettuce and more pickles for a sandwich twist. For a lighter meal, pair it with roasted vegetables or a cucumber-dill yogurt sauce.

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crunchy coating.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

Is it okay to skip the marinating step?

Marinating in pickle juice adds tons of flavor and tenderizes the chicken. If you’re in a rush, try to soak it at least 30 minutes.

Can I bake this instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for best crispiness.

What can I substitute for Parmesan?

Grated Pecorino Romano or a blend of Asiago and Parmesan will give similar results.

How do I keep the coating from falling off?

Make sure the chicken is patted dry after marinating and press the breading on firmly. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before frying.

---

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re into zesty, bold chicken meals, you’ll want to check out these delicious recipes too:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a rich, indulgent meal.
• Marry Me Chicken that’s perfect for date nights.
• Buffalo Chicken Calzone when you’re craving cheesy, spicy comfort food.
• One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles for an easy all-in-one dinner.
• Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken when you want to set it and forget it.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s always just a click away.

And if you give it a try, tell me how it went! Did you go heavy on the pickles or mix up the cheese? Did you air fry it instead of pan-frying?

I love hearing your twists and tips. Drop a comment or tag me when you share your plate.

Check out more of my daily recipes on Pinterest @NinaDishes

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?