This Dill Pickle Chicken Marinade or Brine adds a nice little twang of flavor to your chicken! It’s a quick and easy brine that uses simple ingredients for grilled chicken or smoked chicken.
I made this simple recipe to use up some extra pickle juice. Since pickle juice is naturally salty and tastes like tangy vinegar, I knew it would make a great chicken brine for grilling or smoking.
People use pickle juice as a salty liquid to rehydrate, so I figured it could do that for cuts of chicken (I prefer chicken legs and chicken wings) as well!.
The result? Super juicy, flavorful pickle brine chicken. It’s the perfect way to use your leftover pickle juice!
And a little secret, I usually make this right in the jars! Once all of the pickles are out, there’s no reason you can’t add the sea salt, spices and other ingredients directly into the jar. Then, just screw the lid back on and give it a good shake!.
You’re fine to store this brine at room temperature or in the refrigerator until it’s needed. One the chicken is added it needs to be kept in the fridge.
Marinating chicken in pickle juice before cooking is a technique that has recently surged in popularity. But why exactly would you want to soak chicken in the briny, tangy liquid left over from pickles? It may seem unorthodox, but there are some compelling reasons this unusual marinade produces mouthwateringly moist, tender and flavorful chicken.
What Is Pickle Juice?
Before diving into why it works so well let’s first understand exactly what pickle juice is. Pickle juice is the liquid left over after pickles have been removed from their jar. This juicy byproduct is a result of the pickling process where cucumbers or other vegetables are preserved in a brine solution.
The brine is made up of water, vinegar, salt, spices and occasionally sugar. As the vegetables soak in this solution the brining liquid takes on all the tangy, aromatic flavors of the spices and the vegetables themselves. It’s this powerfully-flavored liquid that is strained off and bottled up for use as pickle juice.
Why Bother Marinating Chicken in It?
Marinating chicken is a popular technique used to infuse flavor and improve texture. Although acidic marinades like lemon juice, wine or yogurt work well, pickle juice provides some unique benefits:
1. It Tenderizes the Meat
The acetic acid in the vinegar naturally breaks down tough muscle fibers in the chicken, resulting in a more tender and juicy finished product. This effect happens quite rapidly, so even a 30 minute soak can make a noticeable difference.
2. It Keeps the Chicken Moist
The salt in the brining liquid helps the chicken keep its moisture, so it doesn’t dry out while it’s cooking. This helps a lot when grilling chicken, which can get dry and chewy very quickly.
3. It Adds Tangy Flavor
The vinegar spices and salt in pickle juice give the chicken a bright zingy flavor. It’s tart yet seasoned, adding tons of flavor without needing to load up on butter, oil or other high-calorie additions.
4. It’s Convenient and Free
If you frequently buy pickles, chances are you’ve accumulated quite a few jars of leftover pickle juice. Instead of pouring it down the drain, that brine is liquid gold for marinating. It lets you infuse chicken with flavor for zero added cost.
Tips for Marinating Chicken in Pickle Juice
It’s easy to marinate chicken in pickle juice, but here are some tips that will help you get the best results:
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Use cold juice—For food safety reasons, you should only marinate in cold pickle juice and not shelf-stable or home-made pickle juice.
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Choose wisely – Opt for pickle juice with a balanced flavor, not too much salt or vinegar.
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Short is best—30 minutes to an hour at most. Too long can make chicken mushy.
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Pat it dry – Remove chicken from brine and pat dry before cooking for best browning.
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Get creative – Pair pickle juice with other spices, herbs or oils for added layers of flavor.
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Watch the salt – Taste the brined chicken before seasoning more to avoid over-salting.
How to Cook Chicken Marinated in Pickle Juice
Pickle brined chicken can be cooked many ways. Some top methods include:
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Grilling – The high heat of the grill allows the chicken to caramelize and char while staying juicy inside.
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Baking – Roast in a 400°F oven for well-browned, tender chicken. Watch closely to avoid drying out.
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Pan frying – Cook in a bit of oil over medium-high heat for quick weeknight meals.
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Air frying – Mist chicken with oil before air frying to crisp up the outside without drying it out.
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Poaching – Simmer in broth or water for super tender, falling-off-the-bone chicken.
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Slow cooking – Let it soak up spices and cook low and slow in a crockpot.
No matter how you cook it, pickle brined chicken stays succulent and full of flavor. The possibilities are endless for how to serve it up.
Serving Ideas for Pickle Juice Chicken
Pickle brined chicken is versatile enough to work in all different types of recipes:
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Shredded in BBQ chicken sandwiches or tacos
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Diced in chicken salads with mayo, vegetables and herbs
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Sliced on top of fresh greens for an easy protein-packed salad
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Mixed with ranch dressing, cheese and bacon as a chicken dip
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Served over rice or pasta for a zesty, protein-filled meal
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Paired with wedges or fries for an easy chicken dinner
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Chopped and layered on pizza for a tangy twist
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Piled high on crusty bread for chicken sandwiches
So don’t limit yourself – get creative with all the ways you can implement this bright, juicy chicken into favorite recipes.
Why Give Pickle Juice Chicken a Try?
Chicken soaked in pickle juice may seem out-there, but it’s an ingenious hack for outrageously moist, fall-off-the-bone chicken bursting with tangy flavor. Thanks to the magical tenderizing and seasoning powers of pickle brine, it’s a hands-off way to elevate the taste and texture of chicken to the next level.
Plus, it makes good use of leftover pickle juice that would otherwise go to waste. So next time you’re cooking up chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks or wings, consider taking a dip in the pickle jar. This simple trick can transform your chicken into something sensational. Ditch the usual marinades and embrace this unlikely brining hero – your tastebuds will thank you!
Pickle Brine Recipe Additions
This easy pickle brine recipe can be changed to suit your tastes. You can add many different things to it to make it taste better. Here are a few suggestions:
- To make it taste even better, add herbs and spices like red pepper flakes, fresh dill, bay leaf, etc.
- One big dash of hot sauce will make the brine a little smoky. For spicy chicken, you can add more hot sauce or 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Add a few whole garlic cloves for extra garlic flavor. Sliced shallot or onion are also delicious aromatics to add! .
- Whole black peppercorns, coriander seeds, or mustard seeds can be added to make the dish taste even more savory.
- Adding herbs and spices is a great idea. Try fresh dill, bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, or red pepper flakes.
Pickle Juice Chicken Marinade | Tender & Tasty!
FAQ
What does soaking chicken in pickle juice do?
Soaking chicken in pickle juice tenderizes the meat and adds a unique flavor. The acidity in the pickle brine, primarily from vinegar, helps break down the protein in the chicken, making it more tender.
Is Chick-fil-A chicken brined in pickle juice?
No, Chick-fil-A does not brine their chicken in pickle juice, according to the Austin American-Statesman and other sources. While the chicken is marinated, it’s in a salt and sugar brine, not pickle juice. The pickle flavor comes from the pickles on the sandwiches.
How long can chicken stay in a pickle brine?
For the best results, this recipe says to let the chicken sit in a pickle brine for at least 12 hours or overnight. However, it shouldn’t be kept longer than 24 hours, which can alter the chicken’s texture. On the other hand, it’s best to soak the chicken for at least an hour; the longer, the better (up to 24 hours, that is). Jul 14, 2024.
What does marinating in pickle juice do?
Yup, believe it. A big ol’ jar of leftover pickle juice is like a perfectly pre-seasoned pour over for meat. The garlic and salt flavors are already there, and the acid in the juice makes the meat tender, especially tough cuts.
Can You marinate chicken in pickle juice?
You can use any type of pickle juice to marinate chicken, depending on your preference. Different pickles offer variations in flavor, such as dill, sweet, spicy, or bread and butter pickles, which will impart different tastes to your chicken. 7. Can marinating chicken in pickle juice make it too salty?.
Does pickle juice make chicken tender?
Yes, pickle juice can act as a tenderizer for chicken. The vinegar in the pickle juice helps break down the proteins in the meat, making it more tender and juicy. 5. Does using pickle juice as a marinade make the chicken taste like pickles? Yes, marinating chicken in pickle juice can add a subtle pickle flavor to the meat.
What does pickle juice do to chicken?
The salt and acid in pickle juice work together to break down muscle fibers in the chicken, resulting in tender, juicy meat that’s far from dry or tough. 2. Unique Flavor Profile.
How long can you marinate pickle-brined chicken?
You can let the chicken soak in the pickle brine for up to 24 hours to get even more pickle flavor. Avoid marinating it much longer, as the brine can start to negatively affect the chicken’s texture. Can you bake pickle-brined chicken? You can definitely bake pickle-brined chicken in the oven. First, preheat the oven to 375°.
How do you marinate chicken in pickle brine?
Place the chicken into a shallow dish and cover them with the pickle brine. Cover and marinate them in the refrigerator for four to six hours. Sarah Tramonte for Taste Of Home In another shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper (if using). Drain the chicken and discard the brine.
How do pickle juice and vinegar work together?
These elements work together to tenderize the chicken while infusing it with a tangy, savory flavor that elevates your dish. The acidic nature of vinegar in pickle juice breaks down the chicken’s muscle fibers, while the spices provide a depth of flavor.