Growing up, Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken was always one of my favorite dishes that my grandma would make. There was just something about the tangy dill pickle flavor paired with the crispy parmesan breading that made it so irresistible. I can still remember the way the house would fill up with the mouthwatering aroma as it baked in the oven. Grandma would always let me help her prepare it, and I loved getting my hands dirty coating the chicken in the crunchy parmesan mixture.
It became a staple at our family gatherings, and there was never a morsel left over. Everyone would rave about how tender and juicy the chicken was on the inside, with that perfect golden-brown crust on the outside. To this day, whenever I smell dill pickles, it takes me right back to those cozy Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house. This Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken recipe is truly a nostalgic comfort food that I’m excited to share with you.
Table of Contents
Why This Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
The secret to getting the Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken just right is all in the preparation. By pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, you ensure they cook through evenly without any dry, overcooked edges. And the trick to that irresistible crunch? Letting the breaded chicken sit for 30 minutes before baking so the breadcrumb mixture has time to adhere perfectly. Trust me, these little steps make all the difference in the world!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
Step-by-Step Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Instructions
Preparing Your Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
This Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken comes together in about an hour, start to finish. You’ll need a baking sheet, a shallow bowl or plate for breading, and a meat mallet or rolling pin for pounding the chicken. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2- Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This helps them cook through evenly.
3- In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs together. In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper.
4- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then dredge it through the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to help it adhere. Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
5- Let the breaded chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps the coating set and get extra crispy in the oven.
6- Bake the Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken for 20-25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Serve hot, garnished with extra chopped dill pickles if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is in the little details. Make sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness so it cooks through evenly. And letting the breaded chicken rest before baking is crucial for that signature crunch.
Another pro tip? Use high-quality dill pickles with lots of garlic and dill flavor. The better the pickles, the more delicious your Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken will be. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the seasonings – you can add a pinch of cayenne for a little heat, or swap the dried dill for fresh.
Serving and Storing Your Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
Perfect Pairings for Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
This Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken pairs beautifully with all sorts of side dishes. For a classic pairing, serve it alongside roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad. It also goes great with creamy mashed potatoes, garlicky green beans, or a tangy vinegar-based coleslaw. And don’t forget the dill pickle spears on the side – they’re the perfect accompaniment!
As for beverages, an ice-cold lemonade or crisp white wine are both fantastic choices to complement the bold flavors of the Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken. This dish also makes a wonderful weeknight meal or easy entertaining option.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best results, store the chicken and any leftover breading separately. To reheat, simply place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
You can also prepare this dish in advance. Bread the chicken up to 2 days ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake. Or you can bake the chicken fully, let it cool completely, and then reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
Creative Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Variations
There are so many ways to put your own spin on Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken! Try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular for an extra-crispy crust. Or swap the dill pickles for bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter twist. You could even add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
In the summertime, fresh herbs like basil or oregano make a lovely addition. And around the holidays, you could swap the dill for festive rosemary or thyme. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this versatile dish!
Making Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. For a low-carb version, you can use almond flour or pork rind crumbs instead of breadcrumbs.
And for our vegan friends, you can easily veganize this dish by using plant-based “chicken” nuggets or cutlets, a flax or aquafaba egg wash, and dairy-free parmesan cheese. The dill pickle flavor will still shine through, and you’ll get that same satisfying crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular dill pickles instead of diced ones?
A: Absolutely! You can definitely use whole or sliced dill pickles instead of dicing them. Just make sure to chop them up into smaller pieces before adding them to the breading mixture. This will help them distribute more evenly.
Q: How do I prevent the breading from getting soggy?
A: A few key tips will help prevent sogginess: First, be sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness so it cooks through evenly. Secondly, letting the breaded chicken rest for 30 minutes before baking is crucial – this helps the coating adhere properly. And finally, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, which can cause the chicken to steam instead of getting crispy.
Q: How long will leftover Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken stay fresh?
A: Properly stored, leftover Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. I recommend storing the chicken and any leftover breading separately in airtight containers. When ready to reheat, simply place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
Q: Can I double the recipe to feed a crowd?
A: Absolutely! This Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken recipe scales up very easily. Just double or triple all the ingredients as needed, and use multiple baking sheets to avoid overcrowding. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, so be sure to keep an eye on it. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd at a party or potluck.
Q: My breading didn’t get as crispy as I’d like – what went wrong?
A: If your breading isn’t as crispy as you’d hoped, there are a few things that could have happened. First, make sure you’re using fresh, high-quality breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Old or stale breadcrumbs won’t get as crispy. Also, check that you let the breaded chicken rest for the full 30 minutes before baking – this resting period is key for maximum crispiness. Finally, be sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet, which can cause the chicken to steam instead of getting nicely browned.
Print
Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy, golden-brown breading and smothered in a creamy, tangy Parmesan sauce infused with the flavors of dill pickles. This easy, 30-minute recipe is a delicious twist on a classic that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried dill
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. – In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. – Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
4. – Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden-brown.
5. – Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. – In a small saucepan, whisk together the dill pickle juice and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. – Remove the chicken from the oven and pour the creamy dill pickle sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the chopped dill pickles.
8. – Serve immediately, garnished with fresh dill and lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
For a creamier sauce, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. Adjust the amount of dill pickle juice to control the tanginess of the sauce to your liking.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is truly a recipe that will become a new family favorite. With its irresistible combination of tangy dill, savory parmesan, and crispy breading, it’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. I hope you’ll give this nostalgic dish a try – I know your loved ones will be raving about it for years to come. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions, and be sure to share your photos when you make it! Enjoy.
