Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring thinly sliced chicken breasts marinated in dill pickle juice and buttermilk, coated in a zesty Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, then pan-fried to golden crisp perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1/4 cup dill pickle juice
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried dill weed or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil or avocado oil, for frying
- Dill pickles, thinly sliced (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into thin cutlets about 1/2 inch thick.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk and dill pickle juice.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to marinade. Let soak for at least 15 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, dill weed, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, then press firmly into breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides.
- Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat until a breadcrumb sizzles on contact.
- Fry chicken pieces 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain chicken on paper towels to keep crust crisp.
- Serve hot, topped with extra fresh dill and sliced dill pickles if desired.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature and crispiness. Freshly grate Parmesan for best crust texture. Let chicken rest on paper towels after frying to drain excess oil. For a healthier option, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes on a wire rack, flipping halfway. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet to preserve crispiness; avoid microwaving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast ser
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 38
Keywords: crispy chicken, dill pickle chicken, Parmesan chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, pan-fried chicken, panko crust