Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lbs total)
½ cup dill pickle juice
¼ cup milk (any kind)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Breading:
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried dill
½ teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
For Frying:
Vegetable oil or canola oil (about 1 inch in a large skillet)
Instructions
1. 1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place each between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound to an even ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
2. 2. In a shallow dish, whisk together dill pickle juice, milk, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3. Add pounded chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
4. 4. While chicken marinates, set up breading stations: In one shallow dish, place flour. In a second shallow dish, combine panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and paprika.
5. 5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess. Dip back into the wet marinade briefly, then transfer to the panko mixture, pressing firmly to coat both sides. Repeat for all pieces.
6. 6. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
7. 7. Fry 1-2 chicken breasts at a time (do not overcrowd) for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. 8. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Lightly sprinkle with extra salt if desired. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a lighter option, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. To reheat, use an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: omnivore
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
