Description
Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is a delightful and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts marinated in zesty dill pickle juice, coated with a seasoned blend of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then pan-fried to golden perfection. This recipe offers a crispy, savory crust with a tangy twist, perfect for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
Breading Station
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Frying
- Cooking oil (enough to cover the bottom of a skillet, such as vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts with the dill pickle juice, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three separate bowls. In the first bowl, mix the flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly.
- Preheat the Oil: Heat enough cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat so it covers the bottom of the pan. Test the temperature by dropping a breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken breasts, letting excess juice drip off. Dredge each piece first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry each side for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil and keep the crust crispy.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the fried chicken rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, maintaining tenderness and juiciness.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, or cool completely before storing in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is medium to medium-high to avoid burning the crust or undercooking the chicken inside.
- Marinating longer than 30 minutes is possible but don’t exceed 2 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming overly salty or mushy.
- Use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, or add dried herbs like parsley or oregano if using plain breadcrumbs.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
- Serve with a side of fresh salad, dipping sauce, or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crispy chicken, dill pickle chicken, Parmesan chicken, fried chicken recipe, breaded chicken breasts, savory chicken, easy chicken dinner