Irresistibly Bold Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken for Family Dinners Recipe
This Irresistibly Bold Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken features tender chicken cutlets marinated in tangy dill pickle juice, then coated in a flavorful mix of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and spices. Baked or air fried to golden perfection, this dish combines crispy texture with a zesty kick, making it a standout choice for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 2 to 8 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 18–22 minutes (oven) or 10–12 minutes (air fryer)
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours 32 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- 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
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Garnish
- Fresh dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the sliced chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the dill pickle juice over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for 2 to 8 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the chicken.
- Preheat Cooking Appliance: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or your air fryer to 390°F (200°C), depending on your preferred cooking method.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with the all-purpose flour mixed with salt and pepper, the second with the beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated on all sides.
- Cook the Chicken: For oven baking: place the breaded chicken cutlets on a baking sheet and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For air frying: place the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy, golden, and cooked through.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat, sprinkle with fresh dill if desired, and serve hot with your favorite sides for a complete family meal.
Notes
- Marinating time can be adjusted; a minimum of 2 hours ensures flavor, while 8 hours offers deeper tenderness.
- Patting chicken dry before breading helps the coating adhere better for a crisper crust.
- Flipping halfway during cooking ensures even browning and cooking.
- You can substitute parmesan with pecorino romano for a sharper flavor.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature for food safety.
- For gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives.
Keywords: dill pickle chicken, parmesan chicken, crispy chicken cutlets, baked chicken, air fryer chicken, family dinner recipes, marinated chicken
