Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They're naturally more flavorful and juicy than breasts, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Aim for the same internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken thighs.

What if I don't have dill pickle ranch dressing?

No problem! You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of regular ranch dressing with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped dill pickles and 1 tablespoon of pickle juice. In a pinch, regular ranch dressing will work too, though you'll miss some of the signature pickle tang.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Definitely! The recipe includes oven instructions in the notes section. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the prepared chicken in a lightly greased baking dish, and bake for 20-22 minutes. For that extra crispy finish, broil for the last 2-3 minutes while watching carefully.

How can I make sure my breadcrumb topping doesn't fall off?

The key is pressing the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the dressing-coated chicken. The dill pickle ranch acts as a "glue" for the topping. Also, avoid moving the chicken too much during cooking, and let it rest briefly after cooking before serving.

Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Name: Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds), sliced in half horizontally; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ cup (120 g) dill pickle ranch dressing, plus more for serving; 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 3 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs; Fresh dill, chopped

Description

This Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken recipe brings together the zesty tang of dill pickle ranch dressing, the savoriness of Parmesan cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Air-fried to golden perfection, it’s an irresistible dish that’s packed with flavor and makes for a quick and satisfying meal for the entire family.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds), sliced in half horizontally
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Coating

1/2 cup (120 g) dill pickle ranch dressing, plus more for serving
1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
3 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs

Garnish

Fresh dill, chopped

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Instructions

Prepare the Seasoning Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This spice blend adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them evenly on all sides with the prepared spice mixture. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
Prepare the Parmesan Mixture
In a separate small bowl, mix together the dill pickle ranch dressing and ½ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Spread this creamy, tangy mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
Add the Breadcrumb Topping
In a third bowl, combine the remaining Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over each piece of chicken to create a crispy, flavorful topping.
Air-Fry the Chicken
Place the coated chicken breasts into the basket of your air fryer in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, checking at 8 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Rest and Garnish
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped dill and a drizzle of dill pickle ranch dressing before serving.

Notes

Oven Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with cooking spray. Place the seasoned and coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. For an extra crispy topping, switch the oven to broil for the final 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Optional Serving Suggestions:
Serve this flavorful chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or mashed potatoes to create a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 265kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 80mg