This Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken combines tangy brined chicken with a flavorful Parmesan breadcrumb coating, baked to crispy perfection without frying.
Prep Time 1 hourhour
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour30 minutesminutes
Serving Size 4servings
Ingredients
Marinade
1cupdill pickle juicefrom a jar of dill pickles
4piecesboneless chicken breaststrimmed; pound lightly if very thick
Coating
1cupbreadcrumbsPanko gives extra crunch
1/2cupgrated Parmesan cheesefinely grated for even coating
1teaspoongarlic powder
1teaspoononion powder
1/2teaspoonblack pepper
2largeeggsbeaten
1/4cupall-purpose flouror gluten-free 1:1 if needed
Instructions
Marinating
Place the trimmed chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour over 1 cup dill pickle juice and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours).
Preparing the Oven and Coating
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well.
Set up a breading station: Place 1/4 cup flour in one shallow dish, the 2 beaten eggs in a second, and the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix in a third.
Breading the Chicken
Remove chicken from the brine, pat very dry with paper towels, and lightly coat each breast with flour, shaking off excess.
Dip the floured breast into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off, then press into the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated. Repeat for all breasts.
Baking
Arrange the coated breasts on the prepared sheet (leave space between pieces). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part and the coating is golden and crisp.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Notes
For a brighter, crunchier crust, use Panko breadcrumbs and a blend of equal parts Panko and regular breadcrumbs. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to revive crispness.