Best Pickle Chicken Recipes

PICKLE BRINE CHICKEN

Steps:

• Whisk pickle juice, brown sugar, kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 pinch cayenne pepper together in a large bowl until sugar dissolves. Submerge chicken breasts in brine, using a plate or bowl to sink the breasts into the brine; refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Remove chicken breasts from brine, discard the brine, and dry chicken breasts with paper towels. Brush each breast with olive oil and season each with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
• Cook chicken on the preheated grill until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 5 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Transfer chicken to a plate, tent the plate with aluminum foil, and let chicken rest for 5 minutes.

PICKLE-BRINED FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH

Steps:

• Add the chicken thighs and 1/2 cup pickle brine to a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours, turning the bag occasionally to marinate evenly.
• While the chicken marinates, prepare the pickle mayonnaise: Finely chop 8 dill pickle coins. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, capers and chopped pickles; season generously with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• When ready to cook the chicken, pour the buttermilk into a wide shallow bowl. In a separate wide shallow bowl, add the flour, cornstarch, onion powder and 1 tablespoon each salt and pepper; whisk to combine.
• In a large Dutch oven or deep cast-iron skillet, add 2 inches of oil and, over medium-high, heat to 325 degrees, about 5 minutes.
• Working with one piece at a time, remove the chicken from the brine, transfer to the buttermilk and turn to coat. Lift chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess liquid to drip off, then add it to the flour mixture and turn to coat, patting extra flour mixture on top to ensure the chicken is well coated on all surfaces. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.
• Working in two batches, add the chicken to the hot oil and cook, turning every 1 to 2 minutes, until crust is deep golden and chicken is cooked through, about 6 minutes total. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool and season with salt and pepper. (An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest part of the thigh should read at least 165 degrees.) Repeat with the remaining chicken, adjusting the heat to ensure that the oil maintains a temperature of 325 degrees.
• Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large, preferably nonstick, skillet over medium. Add 2 buns, split-side down, and cook until warmed and toasted, about 2 minutes. Repeat with remaining butter and buns.
• Make the coleslaw by tossing the cabbage with half of the pickle mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper. Slather the remaining pickle mayonnaise on the bottom of the buns and top with the chicken, red onion, remaining pickles and coleslaw. Serve with hot sauce, if using.

PICKLE BRINED FRIED CHICKEN WITH HOT HONEY SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine the sugar, vinegar, pickling spices, bay leaf, 1/4 cup salt and 2 cups cold water in a large pot and bring to a boil, stirring, until the salt and sugar dissolve. Fill a large bowl halfway with ice. Remove the brine from the heat and pour it over the ice to cool to room temperature. Add the chicken skin-side down, being sure to keep the chicken submerged. If the chicken is not completely covered in brine, add more cold water. Cover the pot and let sit for at least 1 hour at room temperature or refrigerate up to overnight.
• When you're ready to fry the chicken, pour enough oil into a large Dutch oven to reach about a third of the way up the side and deep enough to submerge the chicken. Heat the oil to 350 degrees F. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F and line 2 rimmed baking sheets with wire racks.
• Remove the chicken from the brine and place in a large bowl with the buttermilk. Put the flour in a large paper bag. Season the flour with the dill, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and remaining tablespoon salt. A few pieces at a time, transfer the chicken to the bag with the flour and shake well to coat. Place the coated chicken on the wire rack-lined cookie sheet.
• Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and the internal temperature measures 165 degrees F, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Remove to another wire rack-lined baking sheet and transfer to the oven while you cook the rest of the chicken. Let cool slightly before serving with the Hot Honey Sauce.
• Stir together the honey, butter, hot sauce, paprika and cayenne in a small saucepot over medium heat. Heat and stir until smooth and all ingredients are combined.

PICKLE-BRINED FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Drain the juice from the jars of pickles into a baking dish or bowl. Add the chicken and flip to coat. Let brine, refrigerated, for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F and line a baking sheet with a cooling rack. Fill a Dutch oven halfway with oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 320 degrees F.
• In 3 bowls or baking dishes, set up a breading station. In the first dish, mix the flour with the salt, paprika and pepper. In the second dish, mix the hot sauce, mustard and eggs. Put the cracker crumbs in the third dish.
• Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, then in the crackers. Place the breaded chicken pieces in the oil a few at a time. Don't overcrowd the pan; the pieces should not be touching in the oil. Fry, turning occasionally, until the chicken is a deep golden brown and fully cooked to 165 degrees F when checked with a thermometer, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet and place in the oven until ready to serve.

PICKLE-FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Place chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag; cover with pickle juice. Seal and refrigerate for 3 hours.
• Drain pickle juice from thighs. Cover chicken; refrigerate until ready to fry.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Heat 2 inches oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Pour buttermilk and flour into 2 separate bowls. Season flour with salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in buttermilk. Toss in flour. Return to buttermilk and toss in flour a second time. Place chicken on a rack set over a baking sheet.
• Fill Dutch oven with as many thighs as possible without crowding. Cook at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes per side. Place thighs on the baking sheet. Repeat until all pieces are fried. Transfer thighs to the oven.
• Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 5 to 8 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Season with a pinch of salt.

PICKLE-BRINED FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICHES WITH PICKLE SLAW

Steps:

• Arrange the chicken thighs on a work surface, smooth side up. Using kitchen shears, make a few cuts in the thickest part of the chicken thigh. This will help the chicken cook evenly and will also help the brine absorb. Add the chicken to a large bowl and cover with 2 cups of pickle juice. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the fridge for 2 hours.
• After 2 hours, remove the chicken from the pickle juice and pat dry. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Fill a large Dutch oven with about 3-inches of vegetable, attach a deep fat fry thermometer and heat to 350 degrees F.
• When the oil is almost heated, make your batter: Add the tempura mix, tapioca flour, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper to a medium bowl, pour in the club soda and whisk to combine. It should be slightly thinner than pancake batter.
• Working in batches, dredge the chicken in the batter, allowing the batter to cover the chicken fully. Shake off any excess batter. Transfer the chicken to the hot oil and fry until golden and crisp with an internal temperature is 165 degrees F, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the chicken to a wire rack and sprinkle with salt. Fry the remaining chicken.
• To assemble the sandwiches: open the buns and lay them cut side-up on a clean work surface. Spread the mayonnaise evenly over the top and bottom halves of the buns. Place a piece of chicken on each bottom bun. Top each piece of chicken with a heaping 1/2 cup of slaw. Place the top buns on the sandwiches and serve.
• Add the shredded cabbage to a medium bowl and add the pickle juice, vegetable oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Using clean hands, massage the cabbage to help it slightly break down. Add the mustard, pickle, onion and dill. Toss well to combine. Keep the slaw refrigerated until you're ready to assemble the sandwiches. Any leftover slaw can be stored in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days.

PICKLE-BRINED FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Brine:
• Toast mustard and coriander seeds in a dry medium saucepan over medium heat, tossing often, until mustard seeds begin to pop, about 3 minutes. Add vinegar, salt, and sugar and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until salt and sugar are dissolved, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in dill and 4 cups water. Let cool.
• Chicken:
• Place chicken and brine in a large resealable plastic bag; chill 3 hours. Remove chicken from brine, scraping off seeds, cover, and chill until ready to fry.
• Fit a large pot with thermometer and pour in oil to measure 2". Heat over medium-high heat until thermometer registers 350°F.
• Meanwhile, place buttermilk in a large bowl. Place flour in another large bowl; season with kosher salt. Working in batches, coat chicken in buttermilk, then dredge in flour, dipping your fingers in buttermilk as you pack flour on to help create moistened, shaggy bits (the makings of a super-crisp crust); transfer to a baking sheet.
• Working in batches and returning oil to 350° between batches, fry chicken, turning occasionally, until skin is deep golden brown and crisp and chicken is cooked through, 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack set inside a baking sheet.
• Drizzle chicken with honey; sprinkle with sea salt and benne seeds. Serve with hot sauce alongside.

GRILLED DILL PICKLE CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Place chicken thighs in a gallon-sized resealable bag. Pour pickle juice over the chicken. Seal bag and refrigerate for 4 hours.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Whisk olive oil, seasoned salt, paprika, dill, and pepper together. Remove chicken from pickle juice; discard the juice. Brush all sides of the chicken with the seasoned oil.
• Grill chicken for 6 minutes. Flip and grill until no longer pink in the center, about 6 minutes more.

VIETNAMESE STICKY CHICKEN WITH DAIKON AND CARROT PICKLE

Steps:

• Marinate chicken:
• Whisk together garlic, sugar, fish sauce, oil, lime juice, and hot sauce in a large bowl until sugar is dissolved. Add chicken and toss to coat, then marinate 15 minutes.
• Make pickle while chicken marinates:
• Cut carrots and radish into 1/8-inch-thick matchsticks (2 inches long) with slicer. Whisk together vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl until sugar is dissolved, then add vegetables and toss to combine. Let stand, tossing occasionally, until wilted, about 15 minutes.
• Grill chicken:
• Heat grill pan over moderately high heat until hot, then grill chicken in 4 batches, turning over once with tongs, until just cooked through, about 1 minute total per batch. Transfer chicken to a plate as grilled and keep warm, covered with foil. Serve with pickle and accompaniments.
• *Available at Asian markets, cookware shops, and Uwajimaya (800-889-1928).

DILL PICKLE CHICKEN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Season chicken pieces with seasoned salt and pepper. Heat oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate, discarding any accumulated grease from the skillet.
• Reduce heat to medium and deglaze the skillet by adding balsamic vinegar. Stir gently to loosen any browned bits, until the vinegar has reduced by half and looks syrupy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add stewed tomatoes and pickles, breaking the tomatoes into smaller pieces with a spoon. Bring to a simmer, about 5 minutes. Return the browned chicken to the skillet, skin-side down, and cover tightly with a lid or foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 45 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Uncover and continue to cook until the sauce is thick, 10 to 15 minutes. Skim off any accumulated grease before serving.

SWEET PICKLE CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Place pickle juice and onion in blender or food processor.
• Process until finely chopped.
• Add chicken and process 3 fast pulses.
• Add remaining ingredients and process 2 fast pulses.

CHICKEN-DILL PICKLE SOUP

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375˚ F. Microwave 3 tablespoons butter in a microwave-safe bowl until melted, about 1 minute. Toss with the bread cubes on a baking sheet; spread in a single layer. Bake, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the leek and cook, stirring, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until softened, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the potatoes, chicken broth, 1 cup pickles and 2 cups water; cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook until the potatoes are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in the chicken and cook until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Stir the dill and 1 tablespoon pickle brine into the soup; season with salt and pepper. Add more pickle brine to taste. Divide the soup among bowls and top with the croutons, the remaining 1/4 cup pickles and sour cream.

PICKLE-BRINED FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Pour pickle juice over chicken in resealable plastic bag. Seal bag. Refrigerate 4 hours to marinate, turning bag occasionally.
• Heat oil to 360°F in Dutch oven on medium heat. Meanwhile, remove chicken from marinade; discard bag and marinade. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
• Combine remaining ingredients in separate large resealable plastic bag. Add 1 chicken piece; close bag, then shake gently to evenly coat chicken with cornstarch mixture. Remove chicken from bag; shake gently to remove excess cornstarch mixture. Place chicken on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken, 1 piece at a time, placing all pieces in single layer on baking sheet.
• Place 4 similar-sized chicken pieces in hot oil; cook 10 min., adjusting heat as necessary to prevent chicken from becoming too brown. (The oil should be bubbling steadily.)
• Turn chicken pieces; cook additional 4 min. or until done (180°F).
• Remove chicken from oil; drain on wire rack set over rimmed baking sheet, then transfer to separate baking sheet and place in 200°F oven to keep warm until ready to serve. Meanwhile, cook remaining chicken pieces.

HOT FRIED CHICKEN WITH ICEBERG-PICKLE SLAW

Steps:

• Pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet until they are 1/2 inch thick. Slice the breasts in half, then add to a large resealable plastic bag. Mix the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne and 1/2 tablespoon salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle half of the spice mixture over the chicken in the bag, add dill pickle powder and vinegar powder, seal the bag and shake and massage the spices into the meat evenly. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat 1/4 cup oil in a small saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the remaining spice mix. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a small heatproof bowl and reserve.
• In another large resealable plastic bag or paper bag, combine the flour with the black pepper and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• Add enough oil to a cast-iron or other heavy skillet to come 1/2 inch up the sides. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 365 degrees F. The oil's ready when a little flour dropped in bubbles and sizzles steadily.
• Add the chicken to the paper bag in batches and shake well until the pieces are evenly coated. Remove the chicken from the flour, shaking off excess. Carefully place the chicken in the oil. Repeat, adding just a few more pieces to the pan. You don't want to crowd the pan. Keep adjusting the heat to keep a steady sizzle and to maintain 365 degrees F. Cook until browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes, then carefully turn each piece over. Cook until browned on the second side, about 3 minutes, then continue cooking and turning to evenly brown until cooked through, about 10 minutes total.
• Crumple up some paper towels and drain the chicken on them. Repeat with the remaining chicken, replenishing and reheating the oil between batches. Drizzle with the reserved spice oil. Repeat the breading and frying process with the remaining chicken if necessary.
• Spread the mayo on the hamburger buns and toast in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until golden, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Starting with the bottom hamburger buns, top with the hot fried chicken and some Iceberg-Pickle Slaw. Cover with the bun tops.
• Whisk together the oil, chopped pickles, pickle juice, Dijon and honey in a large bowl. Add the iceberg lettuce; toss gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

POACHED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH DILL PICKLE SAUCE

Steps:

• In shallow saucepan, bring 3 cups water and salt to boil.
• Add carrots, celery, onion and bay leaf; cook for 4 minutes or until tender. Using a slotted spoon, transfer vegetables to bowl; set aside.
• Add chicken to pan; bring to simmer.
• Cover and simmer over medium-low heat, turning once, for about 12 minutes or until no longer pink inside.
• Discard bay leaf.
• With slotted spoon, transfer chicken to serving plate and keep warm.
• In small bowl, mix together sour cream, flour, lemon juice, allspice, cloves and pepper.
• Pour 3/4 cup poaching liquid into small saucepan; whisk in sour cream mixture.
• Bring to simmer; cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until thickened.
• Add pickle and reserved diced vegetables; return to simmer. Stir in all but 2 tsp of the parsley; pour over chicken.
• Sprinkle with remaining parsley.

FRIED CHICKEN BAKED IN DILL PICKLE JUICE

Steps:

• Dip pieces of chicken in milk and then into the flour mixture.
• In a frying pan, cook chicken in oil to brown the crust. Drain on paper towels.
• Place pieces in a (9x13 inch) pan or glass casserole dish.
• Pour dill pickle juice half way up chicken.
• Cover with foil and bake 350° for 1 1/2 hours, basting occasionally (Turn chicken over after 65-70 minutes and continue cooking, uncovered).
• The juice will be absorbed and the chicken is great cold.

GRILLED CHICKEN WITH PEACH PICKLE BBQ SAUCE

Steps:

• SET UP: Prepare an outdoor grill so that you have a medium-hot fire for both direct and indirect grilling (move hot coals to just one side of the grill, or turn on only half the burners on a gas grill). Once hot, brush the grill grates with oil.
• GRILL THE CHICKEN: Pat the chicken dry and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and a couple turns of pepper. Grill the chicken, skin-side up, over direct heat (the hotter side) until lightly charred, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook until faint grill marks appear on the skin, 3 to 5 minutes more. Flip again and move the chicken to the indirect side of the grill (the cooler side). Cover and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 165 degrees F, about 40 minutes.
• MAKE THE BBQ SAUCE: Meanwhile, heat the 2 tablespoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 minutes. Add the chile powder and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute. Add the ketchup, peach preserves, and 1/2 cup water and bring to a simmer. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 8 minutes. Add the pickles. Puree with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender. Set aside 1 cup of the sauce for serving.
• BASTE AND SERVE: When the chicken is just fully cooked, begin basting it with some of the remaining BBQ sauce and move it back to direct heat. Continue to baste it, gently flipping often, until glazed and lightly charred, about 5 minutes. Serve with the reserved BBQ sauce on the side.

PICKLE CHICKEN

Steps:

• Marinade chicken breasts in pickle juice anywhere from 2 to 24 hours.
• Grill on a George Foreman grill for 8-12 minutes (depends on size of chicken breast).
• Eat and enjoy!

PICKLE BRINE FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH

Steps:

• Drain the pickling liquid into a medium bowl, reserving the pickles separately. Add the chicken into the pickling liquid and cover. Refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours.
• To make the sauce, combine the mayonnaise, BBQ sauce honey and yellow mustard.
• Combine the flour, 1 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk together the eggs, 1 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper in a separate medium bowl.
• In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour enough oil to fill the pan about a third of the way. Heat over medium heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 375 degrees F. (If you don't have a thermometer, a cube of bread will brown in about 3 minutes.)
• Remove the chicken from the brine. Discard the brine. Dredge the chicken in the flour, then in the egg and then back in the flour. Fry the chicken until brown and crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove onto a paper-towel-lined plate and season with a pinch of salt.
• Build the sandwich with the buns (toasted with butter, if desired), chicken, a drizzle of sauce and pickles.

CHICKEN WITH PICKLE SAUCE

Steps:

• Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make 8 thin cutlets. Season with salt and pepper and dredge in flour. Heat the butter in a large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken in batches and cook until browned and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
• Add the onion, thyme and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the skillet. Cook until the onion is golden, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth and cook until slightly reduced, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium low.
• Meanwhile, mix the egg yolks, pickles, pickle juice, scallions and parsley in a bowl. Stir into the broth and cook, stirring, until the sauce begins to thicken, about 1 minute. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until the sauce thickens and the chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes (do not boil). Serve with bread and pickled beets, if desired.