Name: Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup dill pickle juice; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream; 1⁄4 cup chopped dill pickles; 2 tablespoons fresh dill (plus more for garnish)

Crunchy, savory, tangy, and downright addictive—Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is one of those recipes that surprises you in the best way. It blends juicy chicken with a zesty dill pickle marinade, a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb coating, and a cool, creamy dill sauce that brings everything together. Whether you’re a die-hard pickle lover or just craving a bold new twist on baked chicken, this dish delivers major flavor without fuss.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a game-day platter, this recipe is oven-baked for crispy perfection without the mess of frying. The dill flavor is punchy but not overpowering, while the Parmesan crust gives it that golden, savory finish everyone fights over. Serve it with extra pickles or your favorite dipping sauce, but honestly, it’s incredible all on its own.

What Kind of Pickles Should I Use?

Go for dill pickles, not sweet. The briny, garlicky punch of classic dill is what makes this chicken shine. You can use pickle juice from spears, chips, or even sandwich stackers—whatever you’ve got in the fridge. Bonus points if you toss a few chopped pickles into the creamy topping or on the side!

Ingredients for the Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken

Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They’re hearty, juicy, and soak up the pickle brine beautifully.

Dill Pickle Juice – This acts as a marinade and tenderizer. It gives the chicken its signature zing.

Panko Breadcrumbs – For that crispy crunch you expect from a great coating. They stay lighter than regular breadcrumbs.

Grated Parmesan Cheese – Blends with the breadcrumbs to create a deeply savory, golden crust.

Garlic Powder & Paprika – Adds warmth and dimension to the coating.

Mayonnaise or Sour Cream – Used for the creamy dill sauce, this base keeps it tangy and rich.

Chopped Dill Pickles – Mixed into the sauce for texture and even more flavor punch.

Fresh Dill – A must for garnish and that fragrant, herby bite that completes each piece.

Salt & Pepper – Always essential to season both the chicken and the coating layers.

How To Make the Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the dill pickle juice over them. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with a tangy kick.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be your crunchy, golden coating.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry lightly. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to help it stick. Arrange the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Flip halfway through for even crisping.

Step 5: Make the Dill Sauce

While the chicken bakes, stir together mayonnaise or sour cream, chopped dill pickles, and fresh dill in a small bowl. Add a pinch of garlic powder or lemon juice if you want an extra zing.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is out of the oven, drizzle with the creamy dill sauce and sprinkle extra fresh dill over the top. Serve immediately with pickle slices, or pair with roasted veggies, fries, or a fresh green salad.

How to Serve and Store Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken

This chicken is incredibly versatile—serve it hot right out of the oven for maximum crispness. It pairs beautifully with classic sides like roasted potatoes, coleslaw, or even macaroni salad. You can also slice it up for sandwiches or chop it over a salad for a protein-packed lunch.

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays good for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back the crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I marinate the chicken in pickle juice?

Marinate for at least 1 hour and no more than 4 hours. Beyond that, the acidity can break down the chicken too much and affect the texture.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work great and tend to be juicier. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

Is there a gluten-free alternative for panko?

Yes—use gluten-free panko or crushed rice cereal for a similar crispy texture.

Can I air fry instead of baking?

Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook for about 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through. It comes out extra crispy this way.

What if I don’t like mayonnaise?

No problem. Substitute sour cream or plain Greek yogurt in the dill sauce. It’ll still be tangy and creamy.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken without the sauce for up to a month. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving this Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken, here are some more delicious dishes you might want to try:

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for buttery, skillet-seared perfection.
Creamy Garlic Marry Me Salmon when you want a creamy twist on seafood.
Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole — cozy, cheesy, and satisfying.
Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for an easy slow-cooked option.
Easy 3-Ingredient Italian Chicken when you need dinner fast without sacrificing flavor.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you double up on the dill? Go extra crispy? Or did you find a new dipping sauce worth sharing?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and tastier.

For even more daily recipe inspiration, follow me on Pinterest – Life with Jam.