Description
This Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, topped with a creamy dill pickle ranch and Parmesan mixture, and finished with a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan crust. Air-fried to perfection for a quick and delicious meal, it’s garnished with fresh dill and extra ranch dressing, making it a unique and satisfying dinner option bursting with tangy and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds), sliced in half horizontally
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Toppings
- ½ 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, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the spice mix: In a small bowl, whisk together kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to create the seasoning blend.
- Season the chicken: Evenly coat all sides of each sliced chicken breast half with the prepared spice mixture for balanced flavor throughout.
- Mix dill pickle ranch topping: In a separate small bowl, combine the dill pickle ranch dressing with half of the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until well blended.
- Apply topping: Spread the dill pickle ranch and Parmesan mixture evenly over the top surface of each seasoned chicken breast piece.
- Prepare breadcrumb mixture: In a third bowl, combine the remaining Parmesan cheese with plain breadcrumbs and mix well.
- Coat with breadcrumb mixture: Sprinkle the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture evenly over the tops of the chicken breasts, pressing lightly to help it adhere.
- Air fry the chicken: Arrange each chicken breast piece in the basket of the air fryer, working in batches if necessary depending on basket size. Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, checking at 8 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and the crust to set.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh dill over the chicken and drizzle with extra dill pickle ranch dressing before serving for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Oven alternative: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with cooking spray. Place seasoned chicken breasts evenly in the dish. Spread dill pickle ranch and Parmesan mixture over each piece, then sprinkle with breadcrumb mixture. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra crispiness, broil for last 2-3 minutes while monitoring closely to prevent burning.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Work in batches if your air fryer basket is small to avoid overcrowding.
- Resting the chicken after cooking enhances juiciness and texture.
