Description
Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful and crunchy pan-fried dish featuring chicken breasts marinated in tangy dill pickle juice, coated in a seasoned breadcrumb and Parmesan mix, then fried to golden perfection. This recipe offers a delightful combination of zesty marinade and cheesy crust, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 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 breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking
- Cooking oil (for frying)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts and dill pickle juice, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three separate bowls: the first with flour seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; the second with beaten eggs; the third with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This setup will allow for easy and even coating of the chicken.
- Preheat the Oil: Heat enough oil over medium heat in a large skillet to cover the pan’s bottom. The oil is ready when it sizzles upon dropping in a breadcrumb, indicating the right temperature for frying.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken breast from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid. First dredge in the seasoned flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil, ensuring a crispy, not greasy finish.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes. This step helps retain the juices within the meat, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken.
- Serve or Store: Serve the chicken hot for best taste, or allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes can increase flavor intensity and tenderness.
- Use seasoned breadcrumbs or add your own herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor.
- Maintain oil temperature between medium heat to prevent burning or undercooking the chicken.
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.
- Paper towels help remove excess oil to keep the coating crispy.
- Resting the chicken is crucial for juice retention and moist texture.
