pickle brine chicken recipe

The Best pickle brine chicken recipe

I’m so excited to share this pickle brine chicken recipe with you all. It’s a game-changer for any meal, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a way to use up leftover pickles in my fridge.

The tangy, sweet, and sour flavors of the pickle brine paired perfectly with the rich flavor of the chicken. My family loves this recipe because it’s easy to make and always a hit. We’ve made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just a regular Tuesday night dinner.

The best part is that it’s incredibly healthy, too! The pickle brine is made with just a few simple ingredients: vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices. This means that you can feel good about what you’re feeding your family without sacrificing any flavor or texture.

Plus, the chicken cooks up moist and tender every time. I love serving this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. It’s the perfect way to get everyone eating more veggies without even realizing it!

I’ve also been experimenting with different types of chicken and cooking methods to see how they affect the final product. From slow cooker to Instant Pot to oven-roasted, there are so many ways to make this recipe work for you.

Pickle Brine Chicken

4.6 from 1536 votes

Juicy, tangy chicken thighs marinated in leftover pickle brine, then baked until golden and crispy. This easy recipe transforms a simple ingredient into a flavorful main dish with a unique zing.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
1 cup dill pickle brine (from a jar of pickles)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable bag and pour pickle brine over them.
2Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours, turning occasionally to ensure even marination.
3Preheat oven to 400°F.
4Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top for crispy skin.
5Remove chicken from brine and pat dry with paper towels.
6In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
7Rub the mixture all over the chicken skin.
8Arrange chicken skin-side up on the wire rack.
9Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
10Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl or resealable bag
Baking sheet
Aluminum foil
Meat thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 2g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 0g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2 to 3 minutes. You can use any leftover pickle brine, but dill brine works best. Adjust salt in the rub if your brine is very salty.

Watch Video Of How Pickle Brine Chicken Works

To store leftover pickle brine chicken, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you are ready to reheat, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the meat from drying out, or warm it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.

I like to slice the cold chicken and add it to salads or sandwiches for lunch the next day. For serving, this chicken goes well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad.

You can also shred it and use it in tacos or wraps. I find it works perfectly for family gatherings because it is easy to make in large batches and everyone enjoys the tangy flavor.

Whether it is a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, pickle brine chicken is a reliable recipe that always gets compliments.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pickle Brine Chicken

Q: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces such as thighs, legs, or wings. You can also use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken in the pickle brine mixture for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator before cooking it. Just be sure to cook it within 24 hours of marinating.

Q: How do I store leftover pickle brine chicken?

You can store leftover pickle brine chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe without pickles?

No! The pickle brine mixture is what gives this dish its unique flavor and texture. If you don’t have pickles on hand, you can try substituting with other acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar.

Q: How do I reheat leftover pickle brine chicken?

You can reheat leftover pickle brine chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave using short intervals of heating until warmed through.

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