Description
This Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts marinated in tangy dill pickle juice, then coated with a crispy Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust. Searing the chicken on the stovetop before finishing it in the oven ensures a flavorful, golden crust and juicy interior. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner with a unique twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups dill pickle juice (from a jar)
Coating
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped fresh dill or parsley
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the dill pickle juice over them. Seal or cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours to infuse flavor and tenderize the chicken.
- Preheat the oven and prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat each breast dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres properly.
- Make the coating: In a small bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices and cheese.
- Coat the chicken: Press the breadcrumb mixture onto each chicken breast, coating both sides evenly to create a flavorful crust.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear each chicken breast for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, taking care not to burn the coating.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken to the preheated oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Garnish with chopped fresh dill or parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken in pickle juice not only adds tangy flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.
- For an extra crunchy crust, add more panko breadcrumbs to the coating mixture or broil the chicken for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko.
