Juiciest Pickle-Brined Chicken
Tender, flavorful chicken marinated in tangy pickle juice for extra moisture and bold, zesty flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Baking, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 ½ cups dill pickle juice (from a jar of pickles)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs or lemon wedges (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Marinate the chicken: Place chicken in a zip-top bag or glass container. Pour in pickle juice and seal. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Remove from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Season with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook your way:
Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill 5–6 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Place chicken on a lined baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes.
Pan-fry: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side.
Rest chicken for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot, garnished with herbs or lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Use dill pickle juice for a tangy flavor; avoid sweet pickles unless you want a sweeter finish.
Don’t over-marinate (over 24 hours), or the texture may become too soft.
Great served with coleslaw, on sandwiches, or over salads.
Can also be breaded and fried after marinating for a crispy version.
Find it online: https://allrecipesmade.com/juiciest-pickle-brined-chicken/
