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Crispy Pickle-Brined Chicken

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish features tender chicken cutlets soaked in a tangy pickle brine, delivering a burst of flavor. Cooked in either an air fryer or oven, the chicken achieves a perfect crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside. Ideal served on soft sandwich rolls with fresh lettuce, tomato, light mayo, and pickles, it offers a healthier twist on classic fried chicken sandwiches. The air fryer is recommended for extra crispiness, but the oven works well too, making it versatile for any kitchen setup.

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A smiling chef holding a plate of food.
By Lina Lina
Last updated on Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:00:31 GMT
A crispy pickle-brined chicken sandwich. Bookmark
A crispy pickle-brined chicken sandwich. | tinycakee.com

These crispy picklebrined chicken sandwiches offer a healthier twist on the beloved fried chicken sandwich. The brining in dill pickle juice gives the chicken a delicious tang while keeping it juicy. Cooking in the air fryer crisps the outside beautifully with the oven as a reliable alternative. Topped with fresh lettuce comma tomato comma light mayo comma and more pickles on a soft sandwich roll comma this meal hits all the right notes for flavor and satisfaction without the extra calories.

I first tried this recipe on a weekend when I wanted something quick yet special. My family loved the crunch and tang so much that it quickly became a weeknight favorite that I make regularly.

Ingredients

  • Chicken cutlets: thin and even for quick cooking and even crisping
  • Dill pickle juice: to tenderize and infuse that signature pickle flavor I like to use a wellknown brand like Claussen for the best taste
  • Allpurpose flour: to create a light coating that crisps up nicely
  • Panko breadcrumbs: for an extra crispy texture that holds up after air frying or oven baking
  • Eggs: beaten to help the coating stick firmly to the chicken
  • Salt and pepper: to season the chicken simply for balanced flavor
  • Sandwich rolls: soft but sturdy enough to hold the sandwich together Martins Potato Rolls work wonderfully here
  • Lettuce: fresh and crisp for a cool contrast
  • Tomato: sliced to add juiciness and freshness
  • Light mayonnaise: adds moisture without heaviness

Instructions

Saturate the Chicken:
Soak the chicken cutlets in dill pickle juice for at least one hour in the refrigerator. This tenderizes the meat and infuses it with the classic pickle flavor. Be sure to strain the pickle juice to remove any solids.
Prepare the Breading Station:
Set up three shallow bowls. In the first place the allpurpose flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. In the second beat the eggs thoroughly. In the third spread out the panko breadcrumbs ensuring they are ready for dipping.
Coat the Chicken:
Remove chicken from the pickle brine and pat dry carefully to avoid sogginess. Dredge each piece first in the flour shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs fully to cover. Finally press into the panko breadcrumbs making sure the entire piece is coated well.
Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer or Oven:
For the air fryer preheat if your model recommends then place cutlets in a single layer with space between them. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 12 minutes flipping halfway through to achieve even crisping. For the oven preheat to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes flipping once in the middle until golden and crispy.
Assemble the Sandwich:
Toast the sandwich rolls lightly if desired. Spread a little light mayo on the bottom half layer with crispy chicken cutlet lettuce tomato slices and pickle slices. Top with the other half of the roll and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
A sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and pickle.
A sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and pickle. | tinycakee.com

This sandwich reminds me of lazy summer nights when I would gather the kids for a quick meal that still felt indulgent. The tang from the pickle juice is my favorite part because it so perfectly balances the crisp chicken and fresh toppings. It always brings a little smile to the table.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about five minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have panko breadcrumbs use regular breadcrumbs but expect a slightly less crispy finish. For pickle juice you can also mix equal parts water and vinegar with dill and garlic spices if needed but prepared pickle juice gives the best flavor punch.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sandwiches with a side of sweet potato fries or a crisp coleslaw to complement the tangy chicken. A dill pickle spear on the side enhances the pickle theme. For a lower carb option serve the chicken over a bed of greens instead of a sandwich roll.

A sandwich with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and chicken.
A sandwich with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and chicken. | tinycakee.com

Enjoy these tangy crispy sandwiches with your favorite sides for a quick satisfying meal. They are perfect for weeknights when you want big flavor with less fuss.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What is the benefit of pickle brining the chicken?

Pickle brining infuses the chicken with a tangy, savory flavor while helping it stay juicy and tender during cooking.

→ Can I use an oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, the oven cooks the chicken well, though the air fryer typically provides a crisper exterior.

→ Should I preheat the air fryer before cooking?

Preheating depends on the air fryer brand. Some recommend it, others don’t; check your manual or run it briefly before adding chicken.

→ What type of pickles work best for the brine?

Kosher dill pickles are preferred for their robust flavor, but any dill pickles you have on hand can work.

→ How do I reheat leftover chicken cutlets?

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore crispiness and warmth.

→ What kind of chicken cutlets should I use?

Thinly cut, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best and are easy to trim into cutlets with kitchen shears.

Crispy Pickle-Brined Chicken

Tender, pickle-brined chicken cooked crisp in air fryer or oven, perfect for a flavorful sandwich experience.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
By Lina: Lina

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Requires Moderate Experience

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 4 Portion Count (4 sandwiches)

Dietary Options: ~

What You’ll Need

→ Brine

01 1 1/4 cups pickle juice (strained)

→ Chicken

02 4 boneless skinless chicken cutlets (4-6 oz each)

→ Breading

03 1 cup all-purpose flour
04 1 teaspoon paprika
05 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
07 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
08 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 1 large egg
10 1/2 cup buttermilk
11 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
12 Cooking spray

→ Assembly

13 4 sandwich rolls (e.g. potato rolls)
14 Lettuce leaves
15 Tomato slices
16 Light mayonnaise
17 Pickle slices

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Place chicken cutlets in a shallow dish and pour the strained pickle juice over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.

Step 02

In one bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. In a second bowl, whisk together egg and buttermilk. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

Step 03

Remove chicken from brine. Dredge each cutlet in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.

Step 04

For air fryer: Preheat to 360°F if desired. Arrange cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray with cooking spray and cook for 10-12 minutes until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway. For oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place cutlets on a greased baking sheet, spray tops with cooking spray, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 05

Spread light mayonnaise on sandwich rolls. Layer lettuce, tomato slices, cooked chicken cutlet, and pickle slices. Close sandwiches and serve immediately.

Helpful Hints

  1. Use Claussen kosher dill pickles for the authentic flavor, but any dill pickle brand is acceptable.
  2. For reheating, place leftover chicken cutlets in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes until crisp and warm.
  3. Cut large chicken breasts into cutlets using kitchen shears for ease and uniform thickness.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Air fryer or conventional oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • Shallow dish for brining
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten, eggs, and dairy

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Use this nutritional summary as a guide – it's not a substitute for professional advice.
  • Calories: 377
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 33 g