Pickle brine chicken boasts a tantalizing fusion of tangy and savory flavors, courtesy of its marinade in zesty pickle juice. With each bite, enjoy the perfect balance of acidity and saltiness that tenderizes the meat, resulting in a juicy and flavorful culinary delight. Beyond its delicious taste, pickle brine chicken offers exceptional value, transforming humble ingredients into a gourmet experience that’s both budget-friendly and utterly satisfying.
Role of Pickle Juice?
Introducing the star ingredient of our flavorful creation: pickle brine chicken. This delightful dish owes its irresistible taste to none other than pickle juice. Acting as both a marinade and a flavor enhancer, pickle juice works its magic in transforming ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece.
The secret lies in the perfect balance of acidity and saltiness found within the pickle juice. These qualities not only tenderize the chicken but also infuse it with a tangy and savory essence that tantalizes the taste buds. As the chicken marinates in this briny concoction, it absorbs the rich flavors, ensuring each bite is bursting with deliciousness.
But pickle juice’s role doesn’t stop there. Its moisture-retaining properties work wonders during cooking, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and succulent throughout the process. The result? A perfectly cooked chicken with a crispy exterior and a moist, flavorful interior.
In essence, pickle juice is the unsung hero behind the unique taste profile of pickle brine chicken. Its presence elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary, leaving a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to savor its deliciousness. So, the next time you find yourself with a jar of leftover pickle juice, don’t discard it—embrace its potential and embark on a culinary adventure with pickle brine chicken. Your taste buds will thank you.
How to make pickle brine chicken?
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and drizzle pickle juice over them. Then, refrigerate the bowl until you’re ready to complete the recipe.
- Prepare three bowls – designate one for flour, one for eggs, and one for breadcrumbs. Proceed by coating each piece with flour first, followed by egg, and finally breadcrumbs. It’s convenient to handle 3-4 pieces simultaneously, using one hand for the egg dip and the other for the flour and breadcrumb coatings.
- Next, place the breaded chicken onto a baking tray, then lightly spray or drizzle with oil before baking until achieving a delightful crispiness.
How long can you brine chicken in pickle juice?
For great flavor, let the chicken soak in pickle juice for at least 2 hours. Don’t exceed 24 hours or it might change the texture.
Pickle Brine Chicken
Print RecipeIngredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups dill pickle juice
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs (gluten-free, if needed)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free, if needed)
- 1 cup sweet pickles (bread and butter pickles)
- ½ tbsp sea salt
- ½ tbsp pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- Spray oil
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- First, remove the chicken tenders from the breasts. Then, flatten the chicken breasts until they’re about ½-inch thick. You can use a rolling pin or hit them a few times with your hand. After that, cut each breast in half, so you end up with 8 smaller pieces and 4 chicken tenders.
Chicken Pieces - Put the chicken in a bowl and pour pickle juice over it until it’s all covered. Then, keep the bowl in the fridge and let the chicken soak in the juice for 6 to 24 hours.
Pickle Juice
2. Prep the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 425℉.
- Spread breadcrumbs on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-6 minutes until golden.
- Transfer toasted breadcrumbs to a shallow bowl.
- Line the same baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spray the parchment paper well with oil.
Breadcrumbs - Put flour, salt, and pepper in one bowl and mix them. In another bowl, beat the egg with water.
Flour Salt & Pepper - Take the chicken out of the pickle juice. Dip each piece in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. Place the breaded chicken on the baking sheet and spray the tops with oil.
Breaded Chicken
3. Cook The Chicken:
- Put it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until it’s golden, crispy, and reaches 165℉.
- Serve with sweet pickles on the side.
Pickle Brine Chicken
