Irresistibly Bold Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken for Family Dinners Recipe
This Irresistibly Bold Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken cutlets marinated in tangy dill pickle juice, then coated with a crispy parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust. Perfectly baked or air-fried for a golden, crunchy exterior, this dish combines bold flavors and a satisfying crunch to create a family-friendly meal that pairs wonderfully with your favorite sides. The marinade infuses the chicken with a zesty pickle tang, while the parmesan and seasonings add a savory depth, making each bite irresistible.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 cutlets (serves 2-4) 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced lengthwise for cutlets)
- 1 cup dill pickle juice (from jar)
Breading Station
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate: Place the sliced chicken cutlets in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the dill pickle juice over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for 2 to 8 hours to allow the chicken to absorb the tangy pickle flavor.
- Preheat: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) if baking, or preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for air frying. This ensures the crust will crisp up nicely when cooking.
- Prep breading station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This setup is essential for evenly breading the chicken.
- Bread the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the coating stick. Dredge each piece first in the seasoned flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture until well coated on all sides.
- Cook: For oven baking, place breaded cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a wire rack and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are golden brown and crispy. For air frying, arrange cutlets in a single layer in the basket and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from heat, sprinkle with fresh dill if desired, and serve hot alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal. The vibrant dill garnish adds an extra fresh flavor.
Notes
- At least 2 hours of marinade time is recommended for the best pickle flavor infusion.
- Pat the chicken dry before breading to ensure the coating adheres well and crisps evenly.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet or air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and a crispy crust.
- Swap chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier variation with richer flavor.
- Add ranch seasoning to the breadcrumb mix to create a tangy Pickle Ranch Chicken twist.
Keywords: dill pickle chicken, parmesan chicken, crispy chicken cutlets, baked chicken, pickle juice marinade, family dinner recipe
