Description
Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful and crispy baked chicken dish, marinated in tangy dill pickle juice and coated with a savory Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust. This easy-to-make American main course offers a perfect balance of zest and crunch, ideal for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups dill pickle juice (for marinating)
Coating
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional)
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour dill pickle juice over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours to maximize flavor infusion.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare coating mixture: In a bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper, mixing evenly.
- Coat the chicken: Remove chicken breasts from the marinade and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Press each piece firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coat on both sides.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter to promote browning and crispiness. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional broiling for crispiness: For extra crunch, broil the chicken for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end of baking, monitoring closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh dill before serving if desired. Serve with sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- Marinating time can be extended up to 8 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For an even crispier topping, you can lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray before baking.
- This dish pairs well with a variety of sides including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
- Watch the chicken closely during broiling to prevent burning.
