Jump to Recipe
This Air Fryer Pickle Juice Chicken recipe is marinated in pickle juice overnight. Then rolled in mayo and dipped in Panko, the Pickle brine breaded chicken breast gets crispy on the outside while keeping the meat tender, juicy, and full of flavor!
Air Fryer Pickle Juice Brined Chicken
The secret to making super juicy and tender chicken breast is brining the chicken meat in salty water. This Air fryer chicken recipe is similar to my Brined chicken breast recipe, only this one is brined in pickle juice. This savory chicken dish has the crunchy texture of fried chicken with the tangy flavor of pickle juice for a unique taste sensation the whole family will love! More of my Mayo-coated and panko-crusted favorites are these Air Fryer Crispy Chicken, Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken, and Air Fryer Pork Chops.
Why Pickle Juice Chicken Recipe is the Winner?
The marinade infuses flavor into every morsel and each bite is coated with lightly salted yet perfectly crunchy deliciousness.
My family loves pickles and we go through a few jars of them each month, so I loved the idea of re-using the pickle juice rather than tossing it.
Pickle juice zingy concoction is also great for chicken wings, chicken thighs, and drumsticks.
Why Should I Save the Pickle Juice Brine?
Saving the pickle juice brine after finishing a jar of pickles is not only an incredibly frugal move but also a delicious one! This seemingly odd liquid is much more than it appears, as pickle juice brine adds a unique flavor to all sorts of dishes.
It can be used to marinate meat or enhance fish, or you can battle dehydration with its electrolytes by adding it to smoothies and cocktails. I love that the pickle juice brine lasts long. It can sit in the fridge for up to 3 months, without going bad.
How to Marinate the Chicken in Pickle Juice Brine
Marinating chicken in pickle juice brine is an easy way to create a flavorful and unique dish. To make it even easier, the marinade requires just two ingredients - pickle juice and chicken! I'm using chicken breasts. However, this recipe will work with chicken wings, thighs, pork chops, and other meats.
Combine two cups of pickle juice and one cup of water together in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Submerge your chicken into the brine and let it sit for at least four hours or overnight - the longer it marinates, the more flavor your chicken will absorb.
Do not worry if the chicken marinates for two nights. I truly tested that. Even the two-nighter delicious brine bath will do wonders for those cluckers.
After that, all that's left is to cook up your flavor-packed chicken.
What Does Pickle Juice Brined Chicken Taste Like?
It's super delicious! Pickle juice brined chicken has an interestingly unique zesty flavor, thanks to the tart vinegar in the pickle juice, with a subtle hint of dill which gives it an extra oomph.
I love how pickle-brined chicken gets even moister than regular cooked chicken and is far tastier.
The saltiness of the brine coats the juicy chicken with a delightful flavor, while only absorbing a small portion of the flavoring. You don’t need to worry about your chicken breast getting too salty from pickle juice.
What You'll Need for Air Fryer Pickle Chicken
Before you can start cooking, you'll need to gather all the ingredients. For this recipe, you'll need
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into 4 lengthwise, ¾ - to 1-inch thick each
- 2 cups pickle juice
- ½ cup of Mayo
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 1 Cup of Panko Breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder,
- ½ teaspoon paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
The Preparation Process
Once you have all your ingredients ready to go, it's time to prepare your chicken. Slice two large chicken breasts in half lengthwise so that you have four equal 1-inch thick pieces. Alternatively, you can cut the chicken breast into 1-inchcubes or strips.
Place the prepared chicken in a resealable plastic bag or large glass bowl along with pickle juice. Let this marinade for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator before removing it from the bag and discarding the marinade. For best results, marinate overnight or for up to 36 hours.
Remove chicken from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. No need to rinse with water.
Using your hands or food-basting brush, coat the chicken fully in Mayo/mustard mixture.
In a separate bowl or shallow dish, combine the Panko with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well blended.
Dip each piece of mayo-coated chicken into the breadcrumbs mixture until evenly coated on both sides.
Place each piece in a preheated to 390°F (195°C) air fryer basket or tray. Cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping each piece halfway on the other side, or until cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Serve hot with your favorite side dishes! May I recommend serving the chicken with my favorite easy sides - , or Mushrooms and Broccoli?
Meal Prep
Place the leftover chicken in an air-tight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer for 2 minutes per side to bring back the outer crunch.
Air Fryer Pickle Juice Chicken
DailyYum.com
This air fryer pickle juice chicken recipe is marinated in pickle juice overnight. Then rolled in mayo and dipped in Panko, the Pickle brine chicken gets crispy on the outside while keeping the meat tender, juicy, and full of flavor!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 12 mins
23 hrs
Course Air Fryer Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 190 kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless chicken breasts Cut into 4 pieces lengthwise. ¾ - to 1-inch thick piece each
- 2 cups pickle juice
- ½ cup of Mayo
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 1 Cup of Panko Breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Slice two large chicken breasts in half lengthwise so that you have four equal 1-inch thick pieces. Alternatively, you can cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes or strips.
Place the prepared chicken in a resealable plastic bag or large glass bowl along with pickle juice. Let this marinade for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator before removing it from the bag and discarding the marinade. For best results, marinate overnight or for up to 36 hours.
Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. No need to rinse with water.
(Video) Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks Recipe)Coat the chicken fully in Mayo/mustard mixture using your hands or a food-basting brush.
In a separate bowl or shallow dish, combine the Panko with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well blended. Dip each piece of mayo-coated chicken into the breadcrumbs mixture until evenly coated on both sides.
Place each piece in an air fryer preheated to 390°F (195°C) for 12-14 minutes, flipping each piece halfway on the other side, or until cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Serve hot with your favorite side dishes!
Notes
Submerge your chicken into the brine and let it sit for at least four hours or overnight - the longer it marinates, the more flavor your chicken will absorb.
Do not worry if the chicken marinates for two nights. I truly tested that. Even the two-nighter delicious brine bath will do wonders for those cluckers.
The saltiness of the brine coats the juicy chicken with a delightful flavor, while only absorbing a small portion of the flavoring. You don’t need to worry about your chicken breast will get too salty.
Nutrition
Serving: 1pieceCalories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 18gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 411mgPotassium: 140mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 218IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 94mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition Disclaimer Nutritional information is an estimate and may change based on products used.
Keyword air fryer pickle juice chicken, pickle brine chicken
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!