If you love bold, zesty flavors and crave a crispy, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, this Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is your new weeknight hero. Air-fried for crunch and speed, and loaded with the tang of dill pickle ranch and the savoriness of Parmesan cheese, this easy chicken recipe delivers serious flavor with minimal effort.
Whether you’re looking for a quick family meal or a unique spin on classic breaded chicken, this dish brings a crowd-pleasing combination of taste and texture — all in under 20 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Flavor, Fast: Dill pickle ranch and Parmesan deliver bold, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite.
- Crispy Without the Grease: The air fryer gives you a golden, crispy coating with little to no oil.
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike devour this — it’s comfort food with a flavorful twist.
- Weeknight-Ready: 10 minutes of prep, 8 minutes of cooking — dinner is done in under 20 minutes!
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 (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create 6 thinner cutlets. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Season: In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Rub seasoning evenly onto both sides of the chicken.
- Coat: In a shallow bowl, combine ½ cup dill pickle ranch dressing with ½ cup Parmesan cheese. Dip each chicken piece into the mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Top with Crunch: Mix the remaining ½ cup Parmesan with breadcrumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the coated chicken for extra crunch.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed). Cook for 7–8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the coating is golden and crisp.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped dill and an extra drizzle of dill pickle ranch dressing if desired.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip slicing: Halving the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and crispier edges.
- No air fryer? You can bake the chicken at 425°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning mix for a bit of heat.
- Serving ideas: Pair with roasted potatoes, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): 265 calories, 6g carbs, 27g protein, 15g fat, 6g saturated fat, 80mg cholesterol, 580mg sodium, 0.5g fiber, 1g sugar
Final Thoughts
This Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is the ultimate blend of tangy, cheesy, and crispy. It’s an easy upgrade to your chicken dinner rotation and a guaranteed hit at the table. Whether you’re following a low-carb plan or just want something quick and full of flavor, this dish checks all the boxes.
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with your pickle-loving friends!